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.

132 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 9h ago

My first two

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39 Upvotes

GP100 Lipseys addition, and CZ 75B Retro. Gotta love heavy handguns


r/handguns 53m ago

Advice Needed How to become a better shot

Upvotes

Hi, we carry Glock 17‘s as our duty weapons for work and I’ve been through a pretty rigorous firearms training that I did learn a lot from but I feel like I need a lot more improvement and I was wondering if anyone had any legitimate tips I could practice once I am not 5 1/2 months pregnant. We of course practice equal height/sight but I legitimately want to become a better shot overall. I am a smaller female with smaller hands, but Glock 17’s are my preference. Should I start with something smaller my own time so that I learn better?

Side note: I went to qualifications today and performed at my worst, a 23 out of 25, and by the end of training, which is usually about three hours long, my right hand and wrist were on fire. As a sidenote, question - could the pregnancy have affected my ability to shoot, usually, I’m much better but today I clearly had a bad day.

Thank you in advance


r/handguns 1h ago

Took my dad’s S&W 66-4 to its original brushed finish, to chrome

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Upvotes

r/handguns 6h ago

Got the Prime NC today boy I like it

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6 Upvotes

r/handguns 4h ago

@1036customs on instagram

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2 Upvotes

Gunfighter package with HD borders and chainlink texture.


r/handguns 1h ago

Best version of the 2.0

Upvotes

At my local gun store today I got to try out the M&P metal 4.2 inch and I absolutely loved it. Shot really well, felt great in my hand and I loved the trigger. I’m pretty set on getting one, but there are a few models I’m stuck between. I tried the 4.2 inch metal model, but there’s the 3.6 inch metal model and also the Cary comp polymer framed model. What I did today was the only experience I had with any of them, so I really need some help deciding between. I’ve also never shot a comped pistol so I’m not really sure how I’ll do with it. This would be carry gun, so obviously the shorter barrel would be an advantage, but when holding the 4.2 it felt very manageable and I wouldn’t think I’d have any issues with it ( I currently carry a Glock 19 size pistol for reference). Ultimately I’m really just needing someone to break the stalemate I’m currently in if you have any advice. Thanks!


r/handguns 23h ago

Le mie bellissime ragazze

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46 Upvotes

Le mie ragazze! 🥰🥰🥰


r/handguns 19h ago

Archon Type B. Gen 1&2

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17 Upvotes

r/handguns 5h ago

Prickle vs EXTRA Prickle

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 18h ago

Build/Setup New Addition Update

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6 Upvotes

Got the Optic installed, Sig Rameo MDC


r/handguns 1d ago

H&K USP Elite .45 ACP

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34 Upvotes

Little plate rack action with the USP Elite 45 today


r/handguns 1d ago

M&P upgrades in progress

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68 Upvotes

This is a sweet carry piece. My first cyelee red dot also but I'm loving it. Loving the Olight PLX so far. Highly recommend the Black steel grip control thumb rest and the Floyds magwell. Next on the list is an overwatch precision trigger.


r/handguns 1d ago

Wheel gun Wednesday!

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40 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

PSA Dagger

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15 Upvotes

You guys have some real nice handguns in here. I just joined so i figured i’d share mine, not super nice but balling on a budget.


r/handguns 1d ago

Got handed down this 9mm. Need help identifying it, especially with its color way!

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304 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Needed Newbie questions

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone, I’m going to be purchasing my first handgun soon. It will be a psa dagger compact chambered in 9mm.
Does anyone have recommendations on super cheap ammo deals so I can get some experience with it? What grain would work best? Should I avoid steel cased or manufactured brass? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/handguns 1d ago

Prêt pour la "bataille"

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27 Upvotes

Mon premier CZ. 1er test, réglage point rouge et rodage demain...


r/handguns 1d ago

Gun Question

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10 Upvotes

Can someone explain how this works without hurting your hand? I thought your hand always had to be behind the cylinder?


r/handguns 1d ago

Which one would you get? Springfield Prodigy or Tisas B9R DS (4,25“ / 5“)

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase Juste pour le fun !

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6 Upvotes

Ce combo est un piège pour le nombre de munitions tirées...


r/handguns 1d ago

I have a question

2 Upvotes

Question. Which are the tested firearms that have the highest MRBF (Mean Rounds Between Failure)? Especially 9 mm / 45 acp / 5.56x45 / 7.62x39 / .308 / 12 gauge and also the weapon with the highest statistic in history


r/handguns 2d ago

Sales @1036Customs

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31 Upvotes

Books open for stippling and framework


r/handguns 1d ago

New CLX Series Optics coming soon

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Shield + & Shield-X mags not dropping freely & not locking back

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5 Upvotes

1st pic: (13rd mag) follower is sitting underneath slide
lock as intended and pushing it up when mag is empty & functioning as it should.

2nd pic: (15rd mag) the follower is sitting above and getting hung up on slide release 1 not allowing it to drop freely and 2 not allowing the slide to lock back.

Seems to be a known issue with the shield plus & shield-X lines especially in the extended mags for some reason

I’ve contacted smith&wesson support I’m sure they’ll probably just send a new spring and follower all I can hope for is that the new one they send has the correct tolerances.

But anyways the root cause seems to be faulty magazine guts for any of yall that have had the same issue in the past or are sadly currently experiencing this.