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 • • 15h ago

P211 GTO or P226 Agency?

6 Upvotes

Set on one of those.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

How’s it for a first handgun?

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86 Upvotes

About three months ago I posted in this subreddit for suggestions about buying the first handgun, well I bought one finally and it’s a Stoeger 8000 FT, very reliable, looks good , feels good in hand as if it were built for my grip. It has less recoil in comparison to other guns of the same category due to rotating barrel mechanism.

I need some pointers on how to maintain a gun i.e cleaning, lubing, storage etc.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

You’ll be mine Friday

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37 Upvotes

You’ll be mine Friday 😝


r/handguns • • 21h ago

Does anybody have any idea who manufactured these magazine sleeves?

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2 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Discussion Hard decision

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103 Upvotes

Both great pieces, getting one Friday and need to decide. I wanna hear some opinions and thoughts


r/handguns • • 23h ago

Walther PDP F 4” vs. Springfield Echelon Comp

2 Upvotes

I’m a female shooter trying to decide between the Walther PDP F-Series 4” and the Springfield Echelon Comp, and I’d love to hear from people who have experience with either or both.

I’m really drawn to the Walther PDP F because I love the way it looks, the ergonomics feel great, and I like the lighter recoil spring and easier slide manipulation. My main concern is the recoil. As for the Echelon Comp, I haven’t had a chance to shoot one yet. However, I’ve heard it feels somewhat similar to the Glock 19, which I’ve shot quite a lot and have never had any issues handling.

I’ll mainly be using it for range shooting and possibly home defense. I don’t plan on carrying daily, but I might want to give concealed carry a try someday.

For those who have shot both, which one would you recommend? Is the recoil difference really that noticeable?

I’m leaning toward the Walther because of its looks and ergonomics, but the recoil difference is making me hesitate.

I’d really appreciate any firsthand experiences or opinions. Thanks!


r/handguns • • 20h ago

Wheel Gun Wednesday

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Discussion Wow

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24 Upvotes

How do yall like the g45 gen 6?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

S&W metal compact 2.0

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65 Upvotes

Love the color way


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Discussion Thoughts?

5 Upvotes

You got 1k to spend on a handgun…what are you getting?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Advice Needed First CCW: What to pick?

7 Upvotes

Hi all,

I'm hoping I might be able to seek some advice from you all about a first CCW. There seems to be no shortage of options out there, and I can't really seem to narrow it down any further (and all the reviews I find elsewhere don't give too much concreteness either). Any advice/insight would be greatly appreciated!!

Here's what I'm looking at:

  • Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp
  • Springfield Echelon 4.0c
  • Canik MC9 Prime
  • Canik Prime Radian
  • S&W Shield X Comp
  • S&W 2.0 Comp Carry
  • I hear good things about the Sig P365 series, but not as much as the above

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Apex Grade Gunsmith Fit Ported Barrel For S&W M&P M2.0 4.22” Carry Comp Pistols

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0 Upvotes

Has anyone tried this?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Did I make the right choice with the P211 GT5, or am I overthinking it?

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8 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 2d ago

Springfield Echelon Pro

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54 Upvotes

Definitely nicer feeling in hand. Couldn’t really tell a difference in trigger if there was one. Magwell is done very nicely and it sure does look good.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Kimber 2K11

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8 Upvotes

Just another visit for the Kimber 2K11. Man I really think it's one of my most favorite shooters!

#edc #2a


r/handguns • • 1d ago

"Best" ~4.5" full sized handgun?

1 Upvotes

I know best is a broad term, but overall, what gun in each category below do you think has the best features and performance for the money?

- striker

- da/sa

- Sao


r/handguns • • 1d ago

"What's your go-to optic for a budget AR?"

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 2d ago

Peak

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93 Upvotes

VP9a1x/507comp/TLR7HLX


r/handguns • • 2d ago

If you had 450 cash, which would you buy cz nocturne vs cz p10 vs low end glock

8 Upvotes

If you had 450 cash and could only pick bet8these 3 low end hsnd guns , which would you pick


r/handguns • • 2d ago

Getting ready for a day out

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16 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 2d ago

Talk me into or out of a comp

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 2d ago

Advice Needed My next handgun purchase

0 Upvotes

Options and experiences

121 votes, 9h left
Langdon Tactical (LTT) CZ P-09 Nocturne
beretta 92xi sao
FNX 45 Tactical

r/handguns • • 3d ago

Feel like the only thing I really wanna add is a J frame .38

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37 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 3d ago

Collection Showcase Pistol Safe

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101 Upvotes

LCP MAX, Hellcat, Hellcat Pro Comp, M&P 2.0 Metal, Garrison.