Handgun model safety

Question
 Dear GCH,
My name is Joe and I live outside of Orlando Fla. recently relocating from up north. I have recently decided on buying a hand gun for recreational and home defense. Because of my finiancal situation not the best at the moment I decided to get something cheap I went to a gun dealer and picked out a JA-nine that was being sold for only $200.Not knowing about the products bad reputation I thought it was a steal that night I went home and looked up Jimenez Arms on the internet and read a whole bunch of bad news about this gun which brings me to my question. Is this gun as bad as they say it is and should I worry about it accidently missfiring and hitting myself?  

Answer
Unfortunately, the gun's reputation is well deserved.  Jimenez, Lorcin, Jennings - they're all junk (to be very blunt).  They are unreliable, and if you got it for recreation you'll be disappointed, as you will have a hard time hitting anything with it.  I would not trust my life or well-being to that gun.  Best sell it as soon as you are able.

There are other relatively inexpensive ways to go to get a reliable firearm.  The first is to look for a used gun from a reputable dealer.  Used guns are just as good (the dealer's checked them over thoroughly before he put them out), and often cost $100 less than their new counterparts.

You will likely not find anything for $200, but if you're not wed to an autopistol, you may find a very nice used Taurus revolver in the $300's.

If you want an auto, another possibility is a company called High Point.  These guns are ugly and heavy with abysmal trigger pull and wanting accuracy, but reports are that they work reliably and do not come apart in your hand.  You MIGHT be able to get a used one of these for under $300.  In the long run, though, I think you'll wish you got something else.

A better choice in an auto pistol would be the Springfield XD.  These guns are about the best value for the money in autos.  Though $100+ cheaper than a Glock, they will still be more than twice what you paid for your JA.  Used guns will be less.  Up here near the big city (where prices are generally higher) a friend just picked up an XD-9 for around $475.

Bottom line is that there is no free lunch, only value for money.  What you saved in dollars on the JA, you'll pay for in frustration, inaccuracy, and unreliability.  I find that most people who buy a gun for the first time generally have sticker shock - it's usually about twice what they were thinking it would be.  When the gun is purchased for self defense, I aways ask them the same thing - "Well, is your life worth an extra $300 to you?"

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.  I hope this helps, and I wish you well.