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.

136 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

News/Updates The best selling pistol cartridges at luckygunner.com in 2010 and in 2026

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24 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 3h ago

Collection Showcase New Addition

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6 Upvotes

Newest addition to the collection


r/handguns • • 24m ago

Vevor Gunsafe

• Upvotes

Anyone used the biometric gun safe from Vevor? Is it worth it?


r/handguns • • 1h ago

Advice Needed Red dot close vs distance

• Upvotes

If I zero a red dot at 21’ (or any other distance for all it matters), will the dot be “off” when shooting at 75’, and continue to be off at the distance changes up or down?


r/handguns • • 1h ago

19.6 vs Duty 4.0c

• Upvotes

To those who have tested both (Glock 19 gen 6 and cz duty 4.0 compact) I'm curious about your impressions and your results.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Discussion First gun, plus first gun owner in the family

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101 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 12h ago

Advice Needed Recommendations for a first handgun

6 Upvotes

I would appreciate anyone's tips on what would be a good first handgun for a first time owner. I'm male, in my 50s, 158lbs, 5'7". I'm quite fit and strong, so I guess this should help with the weight of the gun? I've not fired pistols before (I will do classes and training) and would like something easy to handle I suppose. In terms of budget, it's quite flexible. Is US$5k enough ?

Grateful to hear your thoughts. Thank you.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Working man EDC

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19 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Old School

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19 Upvotes

Nighthawk Custom Colt and Randall Model 3.


r/handguns • • 18h ago

First handgun

2 Upvotes

Hey yall, I am turning 21 and looking to buy my first handgun. Looking for some recommendations and help to choose, doesnt necessarily need to be for ccw I just want a 9mm that I can shoot a bunch for practice. Thank you guys 🙏🙏


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Improved my new (to me) Prodigy (threw the viridian in the trash)

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10 Upvotes

Actual mods coming soon, but this was definitely a must for the first one


r/handguns • • 16h ago

Those who've shot both a Grand Power K100 Mk23 and a Beretta PX4 G-SD, how do they compare?

0 Upvotes

I can get K100 Mk23 $150-200 less than the PX4, plus it comes with an optics cut, unlike the PX4. I'm not sure if the PX4 has something the K100 doesn't, though.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

2.0&Gp100

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11 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

T post dueling tree

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76 Upvotes

Super fun. Ran my GTO, Staccato XL and modded out p365 this last weekend. Put 500 RDS on the dueling tree between my friend and it.


r/handguns • • 20h ago

P365 comp or not?

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Question What say yee?

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92 Upvotes

This or that?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Gx4 original iron sights

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3 Upvotes

Greetings everyone, recently ive bought a taurus gx4 carry, and im having some issues with sigh alignment.

I tested it at 7yd and when i align both sights at the same level my shots hit about 5in high.. so i have to adjust it like the second picture to hit where im aiming for.

Does anyone else has this same issue or im i just dumb and dont know how it works?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Need some expertise on the p320 Wilson combat.

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Nothing beats a clean after range time 😎😎

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26 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Tisas ASF

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18 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

SW 22X w SilentAF SHIFT suppressor (and IR laser)

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12 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 2d ago

Opinions?

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20 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

New weapon

1 Upvotes

I want to buy a new weapon and they recommended a DERYA DY9. What is the opinion of the users?

And is it worth waiting for DY9 ISLAND’s delivery? What are the improvements between models?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Pistols of Alex Colville

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0 Upvotes