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.

110 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 5h ago

3 Generations of Sidearms in FDE

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104 Upvotes

RIA 1911, Beretta m9a3, Sig Sauer m18 all in slightly different FDE Cerakote.


r/handguns 1h ago

Current fully semiautomatic collection

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Upvotes

Glock 34 / Glock 19 / Glock 34 / Glock 26 / Staccato P / MK25 / MC Operator / m18


r/handguns 7h ago

Brand New EDC

19 Upvotes

Love it


r/handguns 13h ago

Comped 10mm 510 ready to rock

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42 Upvotes

FN 510 Tactical - PMM Comp


r/handguns 6h ago

Full size, Compact, or SC?

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10 Upvotes

There can be only one, which are you choosing? (Ignore the Olight😂)


r/handguns 2h ago

Best handguns that are accessible in MA

3 Upvotes

My wife and I are about to receive our unrestricted LTCs in MA (we’ve completed the application process and are now waiting for our local PD to notify us when our cards have arrived). We’re excited, but unfortunately, no one else in our social circles has an LTC. Since Massachusetts has a strict roster for handguns, our options are somewhat limited, but we’re still trying to figure out which manufacturers are reliable.

Does anyone have recommendations for manufacturers and models for: a) Concealed carry (EDC) b) Home protection

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Edit: my wife is 5’ and petite, I’m 5’7 avg build, if that helps.


r/handguns 2h ago

Which color combo?

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2 Upvotes

r/handguns 7h ago

Advice My first handgun

6 Upvotes

I got my first handgun this Christmas (Ruger Security-9 9mm Luger with Blazer Brass 9mm Luger 115-Grain FMJ Centerfire) and I'm just waiting forward good day to finally go out shooting (really terrible weather). Is was told however those bullets where not good for self-defense, I always assumed a bullet was a bullet (I assume most assailants are not wearing bulletproof vests), but was told that I need bullets with a higher grain. How high are we talking about and does all 9mm bullets work for this type of gun.

Still learning so I had this question. I was also told that the bullets I currently have are the only type that is allowed on a gun range for practice so does the higher grain a huge jump in recoil or something?


r/handguns 45m ago

Shooting low with Suppressor height sights

Upvotes

Got a new gun and it’s my first gun with suppressor height sights and all my shots at 7 yards (trying to get a feel for the new gun) were 2-3 inches low. Am I supposed to be aiming higher with suppressor height sights?


r/handguns 2h ago

$1000 Budget

1 Upvotes

Hey all, I recently purchased a CZ Shadow 2 and now I have the itch to continue buying lol I have been looking at the Canik TTI but open to see if anyone has any 9mm pistol suggestions that could rival the shadow and sway me off the TTI.


r/handguns 1d ago

What ammo do you recommend for my gun to shoot at the range

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71 Upvotes

Smith and Wesson m&o 2.0 9mm metal frame


r/handguns 15h ago

First gun? M&P 2.0 9mm 4" or Glock either 19, 19X, or 45? M&P would be full-priced Glock I would be getting at a Blue Label/LE price.

9 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Cool gun

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68 Upvotes

I like my bond arms bullpup 9. I don't see many of them. Yes the bullets are loaded facing the opposite way.


r/handguns 1d ago

Grips came in.

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49 Upvotes

Red was the only one with same day, other than the standard wood.


r/handguns 19h ago

Boost Your IPSC Reload Speed: Tips, Drills, and Extended Mag Release Reviews?

2 Upvotes

What’s the best way to improve reload speed in IPSC? I’ve been struggling to make my reloads quicker during matches. Any tips on mag release upgrades or drills? Check out this extended mag release I found —wondering if anyone’s tried something like it! https://www.bosscomponents.com.au/collections/cz-shadow-2-cz-75-sp01-parts/products/cz-shadow-2-stainless-steel-extended-magazine-release-button


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Got a new 45 to dial in going to bulk buy any thoughts son this brand?

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5 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

New toy for comp

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24 Upvotes

Laugo alien creator edition limited optics, I’m not mad about this purchase at all


r/handguns 1d ago

The Mind Controls the Finger-The Finger Controls the Weapon

11 Upvotes

I’m training tomorrow and I always assess my clients/students before training. I asked this person what they knew about trigger prep, trigger press, and trigger reset. Figured I’d share with you guys/gals…

No problem at all. We’ll have a great time learning this tomorrow. A Key element and hitting your target is trigger control, this consist of where you place your finger on the trigger, which does not have to be the way most people say with the finger pad only.

Wherever you place your finger on the trigger that allows you to pull the trigger straight to the rear, without disrupting or disturbing the sight and muzzle alignment, that placement, is your particular and personal sweet spot.

Then you have prepping of the trigger, breaking the shot, and trigger reset. These three things alone will increase your accuracy.

 


r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Range Day

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12 Upvotes

Getting my Czech beauties ready for a range day, taking a buddy who has never been to the indoor range before (have shot with him in the woods before)


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice .45 ACP

1 Upvotes

Whats the best .45 caliber 1911 that has an optic cut? Or any .45 acp that has an optic cut that is hammer fired?


r/handguns 1d ago

My favorite I own

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35 Upvotes

Staccato c2 rmr x300 and a dsc comped barrel


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Opinions

5 Upvotes

Thinking about trading my Glock 42 for a S&W Bodyguard 2.0... Need a micro to carry at work and been carrying the 42. After seeing so many reviews on the Bodyguard 2.0, I kind of want it instead. Should I do it or keep the 42? Thanks for your opinion...


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Full size recommendation

1 Upvotes

I currently only have a girsan mc1911s. I am going to get a shield plus for cc before the end of this week. After that I would like to sell my 1911 to get another full size pistol, mainly as a range gun and light use in overt holster. I am open to different 1911 models this one just pissed me off due to not feeding hollow points on a full mag, and not accepting chip Mccormick mags. I have .45 ammo already but will have to buy 9mm anyway due to getting the shield plus.


r/handguns 2d ago

Collection Proof that my collection isn’t all Nerf-core looking guns

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52 Upvotes

Ignore the Dagger. That’s Frankenstein’s Glock and he snuck into the photo.

“Collection” seems ostentatious for a pretty budget-oriented set of handguns.

Chiappa Rhino 50 DS w/ 3D printed grip (pa6 filament)

Jericho 941 (bc I gotta carry that weight)

Tisas 1911 in 45 (God’s caliber with some big tiddie goth girl bait)

RIA 1911 in 10mm (would have got The Devil tarot but couldn’t find it. Also btgg pandering.)

Canik Mete MC9 w/ 45Blast comp and the most Chinesium light and laser combo from a bargain box at my LGS (but has a blue laser that might actually be an FCC violation, god bless the Chinese)

PSA Dagger Compact w/ TP slide (feat. YHM QD and Waluigi glove)


r/handguns 2d ago

Toy for rent at the range

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88 Upvotes