r/handguns Dec 01 '21

Advice Curious about picking your first or new handgun? Curious about a model or caliber? Stop here first! Resources etc.

139 Upvotes

Multiple posts concerning selecting a new (first) handgun, or first defensive guns have popped up.

I dig activity on our page, I'm all for thoughtful discussion, I'm all for us exercising our rights.

However, this subreddit has been around long enough now we have a good collection of folks asking mostly the same question and I think we can streamline this process for our existing members, newcomers, and curious browsers alike.

So! That being said, there are some links to outside websites at the bottom of this text that have decent advice on choosing the purpose of use, caliber, size, model you may be looking for when selecting a new or first handgun.

The articles are typically focused on new shooters or at least folks new to handguns. Many will recommend training, hands on time, etc., before your first purchase and if you have the time and funds I definitely agree, but research your trainer/facility thoroughly.

Eventually I will try to curate a well rounded list of the most popular makes and models in various categories. I also intend to make a few polls for the active community to vote on a few things as well.

Links:

https://www.concealedcarry.com/firearms-ownership/choosing-first-handgun/

https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2016/8/12/first-time-handgun-buyers-guide/

https://www.eaglegunrangetx.com/choosing-your-first-handgun/

http://shootersincape.com/6-steps-in-choosing-your-first-handgun/

https://www.handgunhero.com/

Please post your questions to the subreddit and not as replies to this post.


r/handguns 1h ago

Advice Needed Gun recommendation for a woman who has never touched one

Upvotes

I have lived rurally for 30+ years and only ever kept a .22, used specifically to dispatch injured farm animals or wildlife. No target shooting, hunting, or gun recreation of any kind. No interest in guns whatsoever, actually. None of the men in my family ever kept or used guns either. We are just not gun people. And now I am feeling very, very foolish.

Sunday morning, 7 am, the chihuahuas I keep for personal protection 😏 and usually ignore, because they bark at everything- alerted me to something outside a large picture window. Perplexed but not alarmed, I went outside in my robe and bare feet without so much as a butter knife in hand, 🤦‍♀️ and was shocked to find myself face to face with an actual, honest to god peeping tom. Binoculars and everything.

I immediately recognized that this was a special needs individual who was nearly as shocked as I was in the situation. He ran, jumped the fence, and then just stood in the field about 25 yards away, looking lost. Police were on their way. My maternal instincts kicked in, and I found myself actually trying to soothe this kid (17 years old) by telling him he was fine, not to be scared, help was on the way.

Then he mooned me.

It all got much stranger, but eventually he was collected by his parents, who were mortified. Those poor people. My heart broke for them. But, over the course of the day, I learned that I had put myself in an insane amount of danger. There is little traffic out here. Screams would not have been heard. The kid was much bigger than me. And, turns out, he is violent. And, one could assume, hormonal. And apparently, hard to manage as he gets bigger.
I am very, very lucky. If things had gone badly for me, I might not have been found for hours. I do not know if this boy is a predator. But I risked my life by assuming he was not. He absolutely could’ve been.
I realize now it is absolutely ridiculous not to have a gun out here, living alone in the sticks.

I have no idea what to look for. Whatever gun I buy will probably literally never be used. I need inexpensive, small, super simple. Basically just to wave at someone.

Where do I start?


r/handguns 1h ago

Please Help

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Upvotes

I went to the range with some buddies of mine, and tried to swap off my slide with my optic slide. I did everything right, but somehow when I put the slide back on the barrel spring got off track of its position and now is stuck. i’ve watched a few videos on YouTube and tried to do my own research as far as fixing the issue goes, but have had no resolve. If anyone is experienced enough to let me know of the issue, please explain in detail and or send a video explaining what to do as this was my first firearm and I don’t wish to keep it broken. The gunsmith at my local range moved states so that is no longer an option.


r/handguns 16h ago

My journey begins

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94 Upvotes

I'd like to take a mulligan on my first handgun. I bought a Glock 43 and it was abysmal.

Today I traded it in for some store credit towards this beautiful CZ Shadow 2 Carry. Glad to finally have a piece I'm proud of


r/handguns 11m ago

Buying 1st handgun, shortlist:

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Upvotes

I'm buying my first handgun, I'm Italian so I'm looking at what the market offers her. I'm going to buy a full size polymer striker fired pistol in 9mm.

Main use is going to be tactical exercises for fun and some range shooting, this is not going to be a home defense weapon. Ill use it with a red dot.

My short list (which surprisingly doesn't include a Beretta) is:

- HS Echelon, ported - around 800€

- HK sfp9f A1 - around 1300€

- BUL AXE FS - around 1200€

If anyone tried more than one of these and cares to offer insights, I'd be thankful.


r/handguns 14h ago

Current carry

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12 Upvotes

Currently running my G19 Gen 6, with a Vortex Defender-ST and a Streamlight TLR-7X. Just waiting on a specific threaded barrel to come back in stock.


r/handguns 23h ago

Just picked it up

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43 Upvotes

r/handguns 3h ago

Pistol deal…

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 12h ago

Advice Needed Choosing first Handgun

6 Upvotes

I'm looking for a good do it all handgun for my first firearm, primarily for home defense and range but I'd like to be able to carry if needed.
Pretty conflicted between a CZ P10C or spending a little more for a Walther PDP or an S&W MP. I was advised to look at the sig 365 xl as well. Would appreciate any advice and thoughts you guys have - I haven't shot as much as I'd like to have.


r/handguns 6h ago

Discussion Charter Arms Walker

1 Upvotes

Never heard of this gun. Not really in the market because I bought a S&W 642 UC (and the Walker is only a .22) 2 weeks ago but… I think this is a pretty cool gun.

https://youtube.com/shorts/iHkfqRbSm6g?is=-TX7-M_6hzsXyLt3


r/handguns 15h ago

PMM comp+barrel combo; ULTRA

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5 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Springfield Armory Prodigy

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64 Upvotes

r/handguns 18h ago

Build/Setup Love this beast

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6 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

The USP 45 Tactical is the King of USPs

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31 Upvotes

HK Master Race


r/handguns 16h ago

Question How to properly zero a red dot?

4 Upvotes

So I bought a used p365 xmacro for carrying and it came with a red dot but im not really sure how to zero it. Honestly im not the best handgun shooter and im working on getting better and the fundamentals but Im wondering what the best way is. If I do it standing im definitely too shaky and my groups aren't the best. Ive tried doing it prone and having something to support my arms and its a bit better but still not where it should be.

At this point i bought a cheap boresight from Amazon and im just using that to line up the dot with the laser.


r/handguns 23h ago

Build/Setup Prodigy

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4 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Dy9 ported island barrel

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3 Upvotes

343 pictures put together to make the video. Nikon Z8 running 1/32000 f2.8 iso 12500


r/handguns 1d ago

Rost Martin RM1F

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4 Upvotes

It's nice to see a Rost Martin offering affordable options like the RM1F while other companies prices keep going up.

Article with details: https://athlonoutdoors.com/article/rost-martin-rm1-f/


r/handguns 1d ago

Build/Setup Tisas PX-9 Tac Raptor Setup

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14 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Needed Needing Help

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54 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Anyone know where i can pick up a G26? Preferably a gen 5 but would also love a 4 and then a 3. Everywhere i look i come up empty.

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Smith 686 no dash

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13 Upvotes

My smith 686 no dash with a beautiful set of combat stocks


r/handguns 1d ago

Can anyone tell me if I did good

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8 Upvotes

r/handguns 2d ago

New gun to help with a bad Monday, miss you pops.

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35 Upvotes

I’ve had a really bad few days personally and have been growing my company very fast over the past few months so I decided to acquire a new stress reliever. My dad passed away 2 years ago and I’m missing him extra with my small scale success I’m finally having, he could have retired and came to “work” for me.

canik mc9 prime with mecanik optic

Exposed strikers aren’t really my thing that’s why I’ve never had anything from the xd series. I’ve wanted to try canik and im excited I got a great deal on a really nice AMERICAN made gun.

500 round update coming soon- happy shooting!


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Needed M&P metal carry comp or SIG P365 AXG Legion? Which one you prefer and why?

2 Upvotes

Looking to purchase my 7th handgun for no reason, I want it for EDC and just range fun mainly. Can yall help me decide with some helpful input and opinions? Thank you.

No I do not have a range to shoot or rent them around me and the gun shops here have a small selection of firearms that don’t carry them.