Are you starting to shop for your first handgun and feeling overwhelmed?
Choosing the first handgun
There are so many factors to consider! In this simple guide, we will give you a few key tips to keep in mind, to hopefully assist you in making the best purchase for you.
For someone new to firearms, handguns can seem extremely complicated. All of the different features can be overwhelming, but over time, they become easier and easier to understand.
1. What purpose will the handgun serve?
This should be self explanatory, but make sure to take into account what the handgun will actually be used for.
If you are looking for a concealed carry weapon, you are likely looking for a much different weapon than if you are looking for a home defense weapon.
2. Quality of your handgun
Handguns definitely follow the golden rule of “you get what you pay for.” If you buy one of the cheapest available handguns, you are likely to have issues with it at some point.
3, Grip size.
This is one of those things that when you know, you know. When you pick up what will be your new handgun for the first time, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. It’ll fit in your hand just right. Keep in mind that some handguns have replaceable grips and backstraps, so you can adjust the grip somewhat. Folks with larger hands will struggle to find a smaller weapon that fits their hand.
4. Thumb safety.
This can be a huge factor for some people. For me personally, I feel much safer and more comfortable with a handgun that has a manual thumb safety as opposed to a trigger safety.
Whatever kind of safety features your weapon has, make sure you feel comfortable with it and know how to operate it.
You should buy the best handgun safe to make your handgun safe
5. Magazine capacity.
This somewhat ties in to the first tip, but what magazine capacity are you looking for? Keep in mind your use for the weapon.
6. Caliber.
Also ties into the first tip. If you are looking for a sidearm for big game hunting, you probably want to consider a larger round, such as .45ACP, whereas if you are looking for a pistol that fits in your pocket, you’re going to be looking for a .380.
7. Exposed hammer?
Some people prefer hammer-fired weapons with an exposed hammer, as you can always see the position of the hammer. The argument against this is always that you should know what state your weapon is, and the hammer is only one more thing to catch on your holser/pants/shirt.
8. Revolver or pistol?
This has been written about many times. Long story short, revolvers are more reliable and can shoot larger projectiles, and pistols have a larger magazine capacity.
9. Cleaning ability.
If you’re looking for your first handgun, it is likely that you are relatively new to firearms. Make sure that your new handgun is relatively easy to take down to clean. Don’t forget to buy a cleaning kit or some cleaning supplies to go along with your new weapon!
10. Sights.
It may seem like a small thing, but those difficult to see sights aren’t going to get any better with time.
Make sure you can accurately acquire a good sight picture with your new weapon.
Conclution
As with anything firearms related, safety is the most important thing to consider.
Before buying your first handgun, do a little research on how to safely operate and handle a handgun. This may save you an awkward minute at the gun store, and will also give you some confidence with your new piece of equipment while ensuring that you and everyone around you remains safe.
My husband really wants to own a handgun, but we have never owned a gun before. Thank you for all the tips about choosing a handgun. That is a good idea to find a gun that is relatively easy to clean. We are new to guns and we wouldn’t want something too complicated.
I like that you talked about the importance of choosing a handgun that’s easy to clean and to store. My husband is planning to secure a concealed carry permit soon, so he’s planning to buy a gun. Our children love playing around the house, and I want to make sure that he won’t accidentally shoot his gun while cleaning it. For the safety of our children, I’ll share this with him.
Thank you for explaining that when you are looking for a handgun, you need to make sure that it is easy to take apart to clean it. I am looking into getting my first handgun soon. I will make sure that I find one that is easy to take apart and clean.
Thank you for stating that you should take grip size into account when buying a handgun. My husband wants to buy his first gun. I will definitely pass along all of your great information to my husband so he can find the perfect gun.
Thank you for your great article on how to choose your first handgun. My husband wants to buy a pistol but doesn’t know how to go about buying one. I will definitely pass along all of your great tips and information to my husband so he can successfully buy his first gun.
I’m glad you mentioned that most handguns have grips that are adjustable. My wife is wanting to get a small pistol so that she can get her concealed carrying permit. I’ll be sure to share this article with her so that she can know what kind of things to look for when she is shopping for a pistol.
My brother has been wanting me to get into guns like he is so we can go shooting on the weekends. I liked that you said to find a handgun that fits in your hand just right and how you can replace the grip. It sounds like I should look at the quality of guns and hold them in my hand before buying it.
I like how you said that you often get what you pay for when you purchase a handgun. My dad has been hoping to find a quality handgun that he can keep in a safe in our house in case of emergency. I will make sure that he pays for a quality handgun from a reliable gun store that is known for being trustworthy.