Modern Saturday Night Specials

Introduction
Davis Industries P-380
Grendel P-12 .380 ACP
Hi-Point .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP
Jennings J-22
Jennings (formerly Bryco) .380
Jimenez Arms JA-22
Jimenez Arms .380
Lorcin L25
Phoenix Arms HP22
Raven Arms MP-25
Recommendations
Related Savannah Arsenal Pages

Introduction:

Saturday Night Special Wiki

Wikipedia’s definition of a Saturday Night Special:

The term “Saturday night special” is an informal term that describes an inexpensive gun of perceived lesser quality (typically due to poor workmanship or use of inexpensive metals such as zamac) or, for reasons relating to gun politics. Although, the term is used to allude that the only reason for the manufacture of such a gun is for use in crime, studies show that criminals prefer high-quality guns, in the largest caliber they can easily conceal.

Legal definition of a “junk gun” usually restricts the materials that can be used in the manufacture of the gun, targeting zinc castings, low melting points (usually 800 degrees Fahrenheit), powder metallurgy, and other low-cost manufacturing techniques. As nearly all guns made this way are chambered for low-pressure cartridges, such as .22 Long Rifle, .25 ACP, and .32 ACP which allows these techniques to provide sufficient strength and desirable weight while still keeping a low cost. The low-strength materials and cheap construction result in poor durability and marginal accuracy at longer ranges, but as most of these guns are designed for use in self-defense, accuracy and durability are not primary design goals.

Davis Industries P-380:

Grendel P-12 .380 ACP:

These have not been manufactured in years, however you may come across one at a gun show or online. I have shot one… or should I say… attempted to shoot one. It was a complete piece of shit and would not function with the three brands of ammunition that I attempted to use.

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Hi-Point .380 ACP, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP:

They are heavy, bulky, and ugly, but they work most of the time.

Be sure to check out Savannah Arsenal’s Hi-Point page for more in depth coverage of all of Hi-Point’s offerings.

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Jennings J-22 .22LR:

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Jennings (formerly Bryco) .380 ACP:

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Jimenez Arms JA-22 .22LR:

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Jimenez Arms .380 ACP:

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Jimenez Arms JA-9 9mm:

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Lorcin L25 .25 ACP:

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Phoenix Arms HP22 .22LR:

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Raven Arms MP-25 .25 ACP:

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Recommendations:

Don’t buy any of these type of firearms.
But if you do, keep them spotlessly clean.
Thoroughly test out several brands of ammunition to see what works and what does not.
Save up your money to buy a higher quality firearm.