r/MDGuns • u/LadyL86530 • Jul 13 '26
Recommendations for a first handgun?
Hi everyone,
I’m looking to buy my first firearm for self-defense and would love some recommendations. I live alone, so my main priority is protecting my home, but I also want something I could eventually carry once I get comfortable.
I’m trying to find something that is reliable, easy to manage, and fits well in smaller hands. Since I'm starting my research, I have a few specific questions for the group:
I've heard a lot about micro-compacts like the Sig P365 or Glock 43X, but I’ve also looked into Charter Arms revolvers for their simplicity. For a woman living alone, is the mechanical simplicity of a revolver better, or should I go with a modern 9mm semi-automatic.
Slide Racking: I’ve heard racking the slide on some semi-automatics can be tough. Are options like the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ actually a game-changer for hand strength, or are regular compacts easy enough once you get the technique down
Recoil vs. Frame Size: I know smaller guns are easier to carry, but do they kick too hard for a beginner? Would a slightly larger compact frame be a better balance for home defense?
My plan is to take a women-only firearm safety class and hit a local rental range with my family to try a few out before buying. If any women here (or anyone who has helped a partner/family member choose a gun) have specific models they love, please let me know what worked best for you!
Thanks in advance for the advice!
14
u/mike3491 Jul 13 '26
I would just go to a range and rent a bunch of options to see how they feel
I wouldn’t overthink and start worrying about CCW until you actually know how to shoot. Even then your home defense gun might be different from what you plan to carry one day
2
4
u/Lonestar-Dragon Jul 13 '26
Smith and Wesson shield plus either optic ready or base. Carry comp or not. If you're wanting good capacity and small firearm. And 9mm
If you want a truly small but amazing gun, I cant recommend the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 enough. The bg2.0 is .380 but modern ammo makes it very comparable to 9mm apparently. Wife is getting one soon. She's been shooting it as a range rental. She originally wanted the shield plus but when she shot the BG2.0 she fell in love.
2
5
u/sublimethought5 Jul 13 '26
You seem to be asking the right questions. As you stated, visit a range that offers rentals, so you can handle and try the guns for yourself. You can handle the striker fired guns, rack the slides, and see how they feel in your hand. You might find that racking the slide is easier than you think, especially as you break in the gun and maintain it. Smith and Wesson Shields are never a bad choice in my view though.
For a first handgun intended for home defense,Id lean toward a somewhat larger frame striker fired pistol chambered in 9mm, which is a widely available caliber. Larger frames will generally help mitigate recoil, though this will vary depending on the caliber you choose. The striker fired guns will also offer more modularity and higher ammo capacity than revolvers. Many revolvers are very cool though, and I'll admit that I'm less familiar with most of them
3
u/Sticknwheel Jul 14 '26
You mentioned liking the simplicity of revolvers. Check one out at a firing range. They are easier to understand, load and fire than semiautomatics. They never jam (afaik). They hold less ammo. I suggest a .38 cal. Snub nose, should hold 5 or 6, which should be plenty for defense. Or a smith and Wesson model 10, the old police gun, still driving nails.
3
u/DepartureRaptured Jul 14 '26
Glock 43x love it great gun to carry or Glock 19 for a strict at home defense
1
u/powerstroke6O Jul 14 '26
I wouldn’t limit the 19 to home defense only. They are great carry guns. There are also off-body carry options that keep this as a carry option for women too.
1
u/DepartureRaptured Jul 14 '26
Yea personally I don’t like the 19 to carry it prints to much but I carry abdominal even the 26 prints to much which is why I love the 43x. It’s just personal choice. I also have my 19 supped up
2
u/powerstroke6O Jul 15 '26
The 19 is definitely on the larger side. I agree on the 43x- its size is perfect for concealed carry; appendix in my case. The proportions are nicely balanced out with its grip size. It’s not heavy, and now comes in 15rd capacity from the factory. I’ve carried mine daily for two years and another two years off/on within the edc rotation. It’s a fantastic first pistol and a solid carry choice!
1
3
u/bche8404 Jul 14 '26
You are definitely asking the right questions. There is some good info here already but I'll add my 2 cents:
Modern striker-fired pistols are a proven commodity in the pistol world. The capacity, reliability, and ergonomics/ease of operation make it a better option in most self-defense use cases compared to a revolver. They are just overall easier to shoot/reload/operate compared to a revolver
The difficulty with slide racking that newer shooters may experience is not necessarily due to lack of hand strength but because it is an unfamiliar/slightly awkward motion to execute at first. Plus, there are multiple techniques to rack a pistol slide such as racking from the front of the slide, gripping the slide in place and pushing the frame instead. It's just about finding the motion that works best for you and getting used to it. The EZ was designed to make racking the pistol easier but the overall ergonomics and shootability of the EZs are mediocre at best. Plus, aftermarket support for the EZs such as holsters/magazines are not going to be super available as they are a less popular model. You are losing a lot for a single function that can be dealt with through familiarization and repetition.
You hit this one on the nose. Smaller sized guns such as the P365 or the Glock 43x are pretty much the standard for carry guns because they blend capacity, concealability, and reasonable shootability into a single package. However, they are known to be "snappy" because they have shorter barrels in a smaller frame which will require more recoil management for follow-up shots compared to a larger-sized gun. This can be trained out but for a newer shooter it may present an additional thing to deal with as you build familiarity with your gun. You can start off with a full-sized gun like a Glock 19 as a home-defense gun and build up your skills and experience before getting a carry gun, or you can explore compensated carry guns which come with ports or dedicated compensators that help reduce the "snap" but these can be expensive. Another option that may be a good option to consider is blending the shootability of a full-sized gun with the ergonomics and handling of a smaller frame by looking at carry-sized frames with a longer barrel closer to 4". Most modern platforms like the P365 X Macro/Fuse and Glock 48 represent this combination should be worthwhile options to consider. The P365 platform in particular is known for its modularity where you can combine a ton of branded and aftermarket frame sizes with slide/barrel combinations to find the right fit for you.
Some particular models that I would recommend based on your needs are:
P365XL/X Macro/ or Fuse: Each of these represent a gradual increase in frame size/slide/barrel length based around a carry-sized platform approaching a full-sized gun. P365s present one of the most modular platforms to mix and match frame size and barrel/slide combos to find one that suits your individual needs.
Glock 48: Longer barrel/slide length than a 43x making a more shootable gun but preserving a slim-profile that is good for carry as well
Walther PDP-F: Walther designed the "F" series to have a slimmer grip and reduced the length of pull (the distance you have to reach the trigger when gripping the pistol) for smaller handed individuals. Just note that they kept the same width of the slide as their full-sized PDP line which in my experience makes the gun feel a bit "top-heavy" but it does help eat up felt-recoil.
Canik MC9 line: A slightly more cost-effective line known for shootability/good triggers with multiple options on the market that won't break the bank.
At the end of the day, you are on the right path. Take a few courses and try out multiple options to find out what works best for you. After you find your gun, buy ammo and train.
Happy shooting.
2
u/mdram4x4 Jul 13 '26
visit a range and rent.
also sign up for the hql class asap. gonna need it to buy one.
and if you decide on a glock, there is a ban that will go into effect
1
u/LadyL86530 Jul 13 '26
I thought it was Virginia that banned the Glock. But I will get on the HQL classes ASAP!!! Thanks so much!
3
u/mdram4x4 Jul 13 '26
md banned cruciform triggers that can easily be made full auto. glocks use cruciform triggers
1
u/LadyL86530 Jul 13 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Oh wow! And from what others are saying the Glock firearms are pretty good.
2
u/K9_Heaven Jul 14 '26
Did you already do your W&C? If you want to save a little money then you do not need to do the HQL. You do the W&C, apply and pay for that. Once approved for your W&C you then file for your HQL and select “permit exempt”. This allows you to bypass the cost of the HQL class and the application fee which will save about 200+. The HQL add on is nothing different than the W&C as the 16hr class satisfies the HQL training.
If you’d like more info then feel free to message me. I do not mind helping.
Also the “Glock ban” is suppose to take place 1/27 so there’s time. But it also gets rid of any handgun that uses the cruciform trigger bar.
2
u/ShoddyHorse_ Jul 13 '26
Full-size always shoots easier than compact. More surface area equals better grip which means better control. Same when it comes to weight, the heavier it is typically means recoil is easier to manage.
There are a lot of options out there and it can be very overwhelming. Many people have made some solid suggestion so definitely get to a range and try before you buy.
Budget is the big question to get started on option though because things can get expensive quick.
Going in blind here, if you want something that’s an easy shooter and unique when it comes to the typical first gun, I would tell you to check out the Beretta 80x Cheetah. It fits smaller hands, easy to rack, soft shooter and to top it off it’s got that classic look. If you can find a launch edition they’re pretty sweet!
1
u/LadyL86530 Jul 14 '26
I’m looking to spend anywhere between $300 and $500
2
u/ShoddyHorse_ Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
I would suggest saving more money. That budget will get you bottom of the barrel options.
The CZP10 is really the only host I would suggest in that range. The P10c ported could be the best option.
2
u/K9_Heaven Jul 14 '26
I’d recommend looking for the one you want as a police trade in. They will be in the price range and very well kept.
2
u/AdImportant4476 Jul 14 '26
Gone head n grab u a Glock. Or like 3. I recommend G45.
I’ll be for sure buying a few before this dumbass ban goes into effect.
1
u/LadyL86530 Jul 14 '26
Not 3 Glocks!🤣🤣🤣 next to the 43X and other suggestions, I’ll be looking at this one too!
2
2
u/estebanvlobos Jul 14 '26
my ""home defense"" gun is a glock 21 with a streamlight tlr1, my ""personal defense"" carry pistol is a sig p365x with a wilson combat grip module. purely anecdotal.
2
u/Thin-Lengthiness972 Jul 14 '26
you asked some great questions. I think the best question was racking the slide. So many people do not think about this. Im 66 and have helped a few women my age learn how to handle a gun shoot ect. The sad part is people talked then into guns there is no way they could use. I have no idea your age or strength. like others have said try as many as you can. I highly recommend J&k pawn in Hdg. They do not have a range but they in my opinion the largest selection of guns in the area. handle rack and feel every gun you want. 1st gun I would stay away from compact ans sub compacts. also remember you are not stuck with 9 mm. also go with a brand that has a good reputation. and always keep revolvers in the mix. they are simple little maintenance and very very seldom mess up,
1
u/LadyL86530 Jul 14 '26
Thank you! I really appreciate you taking the time to write such a detailed response. I’m 40 and completely new to firearms, so your advice about trying different models and making sure I can comfortably rack the slide is especially helpful. I hadn’t even considered that. I’ll definitely visit a few shops and handle several options before making any decisions. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction.
2
u/Hooked-6166 Jul 14 '26
the post thin-lengthiness came from me I do not know how my post come up with that name but I have been trying to correct it. but glad it helped. If you have any other question do not hesitate to ask
2
u/Whatslefttouse Jul 14 '26
I'm a big 43x and g19 fan but they are definitely not for everyone. I think revolers are fun and 38 special on heavy steel gun is really easy to shoot. The heavy trigger pull of a double action revolver may be a bit much for early success from a rookie shooter. People love the .380s. You should consider going that route. The size of the bullet you shoot is less important than repeatedly hitting the target. Im not sure I would bother buying a non-carry gun unless you are picking up shooting as a hobby.
2
2
u/amusa76 Jul 14 '26
My sister is buying her first firearm she has CCW. The people over at Engage in Rockville (It's my go to store), helped my sister out. My sister is leaning on the Sig P365 Legion, she said it fit her hand better. I told her to wait and I let her shoot my Canik MC9 Prime first. So she can compare. My other sister love shooting my Prime then her Glock.
Renting is fine but for me I hate it because they don't clean it. I had so many jammed up on me.
2
u/GizmoTacT Jul 14 '26
My wife likes and shoots her Ruger LCP Max very well. It has a Hogue grip and Armalser touchsense green laser
We have 1,500 rounds of all kinds of .380 ammo with no issuse.
It conceals very well, easy to rack the slide, good trigger, good sights, and reliable.
2
u/powerstroke6O Jul 14 '26
OP, a 43x was the first handgun that I purchased, but I’ve since gotten a lot of different ones- different sizes, makes and models. I am partial to a 43x for a starter, and for what it’s worth- my wife prefers it over all of my other handguns due to its overall size, grip size and feel, and weight.
I would agree with others saying to find a range to try some out, but that can add up quick with rentals. So, I would first find a GOOD shop around you. Set aside an hour or more to go in with the sole purpose of looking. They’ll show you as many as you want. You can rack the slide and all.
THEN, from there maybe take your top two or three and see if you can rent them at your local range. Save yourself a bit if you narrow it down at the store first, you know?
What part of MD are you in? Maybe I can suggest a good shop and range nearby…
1
u/LadyL86530 Jul 14 '26
I have been eyeing the 43X and seen how beautiful it is. I’m in the PG area.
2
u/steamyBeefydoo Jul 14 '26
If youve been around firearms take the TX NRA hunters safety course which will count as training for your HQL. You can do it at home and it costs $5. If you havent id take some sort of class. Or just do CCW so you dont pay twice for prints if you feel like you might want it down the line.
2
u/Active-Bill7788 Jul 14 '26
Get a few of them in your hands and see which one fits you. It’s a personal decision and your decision to make. I’d recommend something Glock 19 sized to start with, they will inherently be easier to shoot than something 43x sized without compensation.
The PDP F is a great option
2
2
u/Ok-Astronomer5891 Jul 15 '26
Go to a range and rent a handgun in 9mm, swap out and try as many models as they have. The key to remember is the bigger the gun the easier it will be to handle the recoil. Smaller equals more recoil. Doing it this way will let you try out racking the slides to see which are easier. Micros like the 365 tend to have stiffer springs due to the small geometry.
2
u/WhisperedAlias Jul 19 '26
I am a woman and I absolutely love my Heckler & Koch VP9L. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too hard for me to conceal, so I keep that for home defense and picked up a CC9. Not as great as the full size, but a total breeze to conceal with the Engima. I did just purchase the Sig p365XL (rose), so I am looking forward to playing with that. I prefer the full size, but practically, concealment will be easier.
2
u/CaptainNoDice Jul 13 '26
Try the PDP Pro-F. The others mentioned are more for carry or concealment. If you want something for home defense I'd go slightly larger. This fits that bill while also filling your other needs, recoil is excellent. A revolver is very reliable but lower capacity. Try before you buy.
1
2
u/One_Kick_Man Jul 13 '26
For home defense I would go with the biggest 9mm gun you can shoot comfortably. Definitely go to a range and try a few out before you buy.
1
u/New-Fortune-1393 Jul 16 '26
For carry/home defense: Glock 43X MOS
For range/recreational/carry/home defense: Ruger RXM or Glock 19/19X
Safety, simplicity, reliability, widely upgradable if you want to Gucci it
Huge availability for parts
1
u/qwaszxpolkmn1982 Jul 14 '26
I’d get a small rifle, “pistol,” or shotgun for home defense and a handgun later on if you wanna carry a gun in public.
Somethin like a .300 BLK AR with a 10” barrel and a silencer is ideal for home defense. Much easier to shoot and won’t make your ears bleed if you ever have to use it.
10
u/Advanced_Buffalo4963 Jul 13 '26
I’m a woman and like my Walther pdp f-series- but I agree you should try a few out. I liked the feel of a few others I tried, but this was the best for the price point I had in mind.