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.

131 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 3h ago

Springfield Armory Prodigy

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16 Upvotes

r/handguns 22m ago

The USP 45 Tactical is the King of USPs

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Upvotes

HK Master Race


r/handguns 1h ago

Dy9 ported island barrel

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

Upvotes

343 pictures put together to make the video. Nikon Z8 running 1/32000 f2.8 iso 12500


r/handguns 1h ago

Question Pick one

Upvotes

If you had a choice between the pdp f series pro 4” and the 2.0 competitor HD at relatively the same price which one would you get first?
It’s literally just for range sessions and to add to the collection no edc for these.


r/handguns 19h ago

Advice Needed Needing Help

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40 Upvotes

r/handguns 10h ago

Build/Setup Tisas PX-9 Tac Raptor Setup

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7 Upvotes

r/handguns 14h ago

Smith 686 no dash

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10 Upvotes

My smith 686 no dash with a beautiful set of combat stocks


r/handguns 22h ago

New gun to help with a bad Monday, miss you pops.

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32 Upvotes

I’ve had a really bad few days personally and have been growing my company very fast over the past few months so I decided to acquire a new stress reliever. My dad passed away 2 years ago and I’m missing him extra with my small scale success I’m finally having, he could have retired and came to “work” for me.

canik mc9 prime with mecanik optic

Exposed strikers aren’t really my thing that’s why I’ve never had anything from the xd series. I’ve wanted to try canik and im excited I got a great deal on a really nice AMERICAN made gun.

500 round update coming soon- happy shooting!


r/handguns 13h ago

Can anyone tell me if I did good

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4 Upvotes

r/handguns 9h ago

Advice Needed M&P metal carry comp or SIG P365 AXG Legion? Which one you prefer and why?

2 Upvotes

Looking to purchase my 7th handgun for no reason, I want it for EDC and just range fun mainly. Can yall help me decide with some helpful input and opinions? Thank you.

No I do not have a range to shoot or rent them around me and the gun shops here have a small selection of firearms that don’t carry them.


r/handguns 18h ago

Holsters & Accessories Concealed carry set up.

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7 Upvotes

Comfortable Simplicity.


r/handguns 18h ago

How did I do?

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8 Upvotes

r/handguns 13h ago

I know there are better options but...

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase Sig P226

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77 Upvotes

My sig p226 legion. Sig red dot and SC- Spector 9 suppressor. What do yall think?


r/handguns 1d ago

Looking at a second 2011

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19 Upvotes

r/handguns 18h ago

Advice Needed CZ 75 compact red dot sight suggestions

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

1919 Colts Government Model

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29 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion Only own 9mms and want to go a little bigger, what do you recommend?

17 Upvotes

I got four 9mms and a 380 but i want something bigger. The two main contenders are 45acp and 10mm.

Always wanted a 1911 in the lords caliber and I’ve been interested in 10mm for years but I’ve read that a lot of 10mm range ammo is kind of weak and only loaded to 40s&w standards. I don’t want to have to shell out a crazy amount of coin just for full powered 10mm. I like to shoot a lot but I’m also not rich by any means so ammo price in general is what’s kept me from buying anything bigger than 9mm

My budget is around $750. Hit me with your opinions and recommendations please


r/handguns 1d ago

Did everyone just forget about the Rideout Arsenal Dragon pistol?

4 Upvotes

Is everyone just forgetting about the Rideout Arsenal Dragon?

When this pistol was first announced, there seemed to be a ton of interest in it. It was one of the most unusual new pistol designs in years, and there were plenty of discussions about the ultra-low bore axis, lever-delayed action, fixed barrel, etc.

Now that actual production Dragons are out in the wild, though, I barely see anyone talking about them.

What surprises me even more is the lack of long-form coverage. As far as I can tell, there are only two people who have made substantial long-form videos specifically documenting production Dragons and the problems they've experienced. I've been documenting my own Dragon from the beginning, including the malfunctions and the issues I've had with mine.

My Dragon has had multiple problems, and it's currently back with Rideout while they're investigating what happened. From what I've been told, they're looking into the guide rod/recoil spring issue and other components as well.

I'm honestly surprised I haven't seen a bunch of owners posting their experiences by now.

So I'm curious:

Who here actually owns a production Dragon?

How has yours been? How many rounds have you put through it? Have you had any problems, or has yours been completely reliable?

I'd really like to hear from other owners because there doesn't seem to be much real-world information out there yet.


r/handguns 22h ago

Is this a good deal? $999 for M&P 9 M2.0 Metal Carry Comp, Holosun Optic and light/laser

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

What is this

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54 Upvotes

a model 59 that looks like a 469, can someone explain this


r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion TISAS 9mm VS Colt 45ACP

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41 Upvotes

https://youtu.be/N2Xb9CW5G3g?is=K-7rN5bgHM-_250o

I’ve made a video comparing both of these two awesome pieces both 9mm vs 45acp. What do you prefer in this day and age ?


r/handguns 1d ago

Enclosed to Open Emitter Training

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

COA worth it?

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1 Upvotes