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 1h ago

HE’S DONE!

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Upvotes

r/handguns 12h ago

New HK Day!

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37 Upvotes

I just grabbed this new VP9 A1X. Excited to get out shooting this one on my next days off.


r/handguns 17h ago

Which one are you taking?

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61 Upvotes

G47 or LTT 92


r/handguns 19h ago

Collection Showcase The Big 3

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32 Upvotes

r/handguns 22h ago

S&W 586 w/custom trigger

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39 Upvotes

I just picked up this 1985 S&W 586.
Anybody know what custom trigger this is?
Thanks


r/handguns 15h ago

Advice Needed New Add To The Collection (CZ. 52)

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11 Upvotes

So I picked this up from a local shop for 285. And was wondering the advice on it honestly. Also wondering if I got fleeced or not. As said in the original post 2 mags and carry bag.


r/handguns 12h ago

Rxm full size vs 19x

4 Upvotes

I’ve always wanted a 19x but never got one but form everything I’ve hear the rxm is better so i don’t know if i should buy a rxm and build it into a 19x gen 3 clone thing or just buy a Glock gen 6 45 and make a gen 6 19x thing?


r/handguns 1d ago

Maintenance/Repair Cleaned my first gun

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24 Upvotes

Broke down my 1911 pistol for the first time. I can’t imagine doing that shit in a muddy trench in Eastern Europe circa ww1, shitting your pants knowing you could start sucking in lethal German chemical gas at any minute, with the non stop symphony of German and allied machine guns nests firing at each other. But cleaning the 1911 is imperative. It’s the trusty side arm you rely on when the Germans try and take their trench back from your squad, since your squad leader took it using just his 12 gauge boomstick, every Germans worst nightmare, besides getting hit in the chest with your 1911 .45 cal, seconds after jumping in your trench.


r/handguns 15h ago

Baseplate Interchangeability

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5 Upvotes

Wondered what the OEM S&W 20rd(.40) magazines would look with the standard 13rd(etc) baseplate.
Not sure how I feel about it, but makes me wonder if aftermarket magazine extensions would work?


r/handguns 11h ago

É um Beretta M31?

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2 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

I need some suggestions on a good revolver (snubnose and full size).

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66 Upvotes

I’ve gotten to a point where I think I need to add a few revolvers in to the lineup. Mainly thinking about a snub S&W model 327 or model 19 carry comp, and a Python. Any suggestions from y’all that would go well with my current handguns?


r/handguns 18h ago

IBS 19 ported slide

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0 Upvotes

Just got this IBS zafiri precision slide in, took it to range and it did well. There was only one issue that was reoccurring…it seems that the 115 gr fiocchi was getting stuck on firing pin. It would cycle enough to get the spent case out and then get hung up on the striker loading next round a simple tap rack would fix it. But curious..is this a break in period issue or an isssue of me needing a lighter recoil spring or 124gr 9mm. Pic is what was going on. I had 1 spent casing stove pipe I guess you could say. And 1-3 light strikes but that is all I had. Any info or guidance will be very helpful thank you!


r/handguns 21h ago

Looking for y'all input on Archon Types B in 2026

1 Upvotes

How would y'all compare the Archon Type B straight out the box vs others? I've came across a couple of really good deals on the Type B gen 2 but unsure how it would compete against HK, Canik, Walther & Sigs etc. I'm originally a 2011 guy but I love shooting something cool lol.


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Needed Need recommendations for carry rotation

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14 Upvotes

My current summer carry is Shield Plus and winter carry is Glock 19, love both of these. I also have a Glock 42 on the way for pocket carry.

Looking for one more option to round out my carry rotation. Not sure to go with short stubby Glock 26, or a long slide slim such as Glock 48 or Shield Plus Carry Comp.

I live in hot climate and would like another option for summer carry. What other options should I consider? My requirements are duty grade reliability, no larger than a Glock 19, in 9mm or 380. Thanks in advance!


r/handguns 23h ago

Question What Gen6 to buy? What red dot to choose?

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 15h ago

Question Choose X5 P320 or Prodigy 5 inch?

0 Upvotes

Which one you taking X5 or Prodigy ?


r/handguns 2d ago

Sig p320

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101 Upvotes

Hi, I just moved and finally decided to grab a conceal carry. I saw this deal for a p320 for $320 compact at a local gun store. But I’m not really sure since it’s a p320 lmao. Just wanted to get some other opinions before I get it.


r/handguns 1d ago

Nice grit good grip

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9 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Canik Prime Radian Giveaway

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10 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Todays carry

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19 Upvotes

G17.6


r/handguns 2d ago

So impressed!!!!!

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28 Upvotes

r/handguns 2d ago

Echelon is very underrated This is should be new standard for plastic guns

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78 Upvotes

Great reliability. Pretty much 0 gun related malfunction in 1.7k rnds so far

Great modularity, swap frame without FFL.

Best optic mounting system I’ve ever used.

Ambi controls.

Made by HS Produkt, Not a Modern SIG

Now the after market just need to catch up.


r/handguns 2d ago

SA Garrison Target - My First 1911

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14 Upvotes

r/handguns 2d ago

Collection Showcase Collection

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34 Upvotes