Are you in the market for a new firearm? Perhaps you’re buying a pistol for the first time? We’re excited to hear that. Finding the best first handgun might seem like an uphill task, and we’re here to tell you that it absolutely is! Just kidding. As long as you understand your state’s laws and regulations surrounding handguns and concealed carry, the process could be as easy as just showing up at your local gun shop. What is important when buying a pistol for the first time, though, is determining what you need it for. So, let’s talk about it. In this edition of Shooting the Sh!t, we’ll break down the reasons you may be looking for the best first handgun for your collection and showcase our top six options for first-time buyers.
Why Are You Buying a Pistol?
Before we give you our top options for the best first handguns, let’s figure out what you’re shopping for in the first place. Common answers include concealed carry, self-defense, home defense, and competitive shooting. You may be guided towards a different firearm depending on the intended purpose. For example, if you were looking for a good starting handgun for concealed carry, you may choose the Glock 43. However, if you want a good starting pistol for home defense, you may look into a Sig Sauer P320, which we’ll discuss a bit further soon.
Another important factor to consider is your overall budget, as this could eliminate certain firearms from your range. Sometimes cheaper isn’t better, especially when it comes to firearms. Now, who’s ready to talk guns?
The Best First Handguns for Beginners
We will preface all this by saying this debate is highly subjective, like most things. Think of it like debating the best light beer brand or whether ketchup belongs on a hot dog. It’s likely you’ll run into some disagreements. Ultimately, we based this list on pistols that are versatile and durable. Here are the final results:
Glock 19
Let’s start things off with the Glock 19. It’s very similar to the Glock 17 but is a more compact version. Why does that make it one of the best first handguns? It’s a great choice for both concealed carry and home defense, giving owners a bit of both worlds. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for new gun owners who might need to use their firearms for multiple purposes.
If you’re in the market for durability as well, the Glock 19 is an excellent choice. It’s built to endure rough handling and still perform reliably, which can be a reassuring factor for new gun owners.
Sig Sauer P320
We recently featured the Sig P320 in a comparison with the P365. So, why is the brand’s P320 model one of the best first handguns? It has a similar grip to the Glock 19, features a 15+1 magazine capacity, and is designed to accommodate a wide range of calibers—including 9mm, .357 SIG, and .40 S&W. Oh, it was also chosen by the U.S. Army as the standard service handgun. Need we say anything more?
Smith & Wesson Model 686+
Now, we wanted to include a revolver in this list because, well, not everyone is in the market for a semi-automatic pistol. Revolvers are often appreciated for their simplicity and reliability. There are fewer moving parts, and shooting them is typically pretty straightforward, which can be appealing to new shooters and makes Smith & Wesson’s model another one of the best first handguns.
Glock 43/43X
The Glock 43 and 43X models are both very similar. The main difference is the full-hand grip on the 43X is larger to accommodate those with bigger hands. The below chart outlines the two’s key specs.
What makes both models some of the best first handguns are their ease of concealability and manageable recoil, which can give new shooters an experience that is not overwhelming.
Ruger Mark IV Target
Now, if you’re looking for a starter handgun for target shooting, the Ruger Mark IV Target could be a great choice. It’s one of the best first handguns for those who are looking to train for competitive shooting and get used to firing guns.
Glock 20
We’ll finish off our list with one of the best first handguns for those who may be looking to get into hunting. Not only is it an affordable 10mm option (the 10mm rounds pack more of a punch than 9mm), but it can also double as a great self and home-defense firearm, too.
Now, what we should note about the Glock 20 is that it is heavier and tends to have more recoil than the Glock 19 and 43, for example. So, unless you’re looking for a firearm to be used primarily outdoors and in hunting scenarios, the Glock 20 is perhaps not the best choice. Its overall size also makes it tricky for concealed carry.
Aftermarket Customizations
Once you’ve found the best first firearm for your needs, you may think it’s a little bland in the looks department. If so, you’ve come to the perfect place. At Zaffiri Precision, we help you break the mold with personalized parts made here, by us at our Florida facility.
From high-quality slides and barrels to complete uppers and sights, you can give your new pistol a personalized look that stands out when you’re at the range with friends or showing it off to family at home.
To learn more about our products, you can contact us to get in touch with one of our team members. And to stay on top of the hottest trends in the firearms world, be sure to check out the rest of our blog.
FAQs
How much money should I spend on a handgun?
When you’re thinking about how to buy a pistol, always set a budget that you don’t want to go over and do your best to stick to it.
How much will a pistol cost me?
Prices range depending on the brand and model of the firearm. Typically, you’ll be looking at anywhere from $400-900 for the models we analyzed above.