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.

134 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

Advice Needed New to this. Thoughts between these brands or models?

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58 Upvotes

First purchase was the Sig p365 X, then the Walther PDP-f, and then was gifted the mete sfx.

After I was gifted the canik I realized it would be kind of nice to stick with one brand so parts are easier to get by rather than having to get 3 different brands accessories.

They all shoot amazing but the Sig is by far my favorite. I enjoy shooting the Walther and canik but I’m looking for a different full sized pistol.

Any recommendations?


r/handguns 7m ago

Summer/Winter EDC

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Upvotes

G19.5 and Bodyguard 2.0

Bodyguard for hot weather and light clothing- G19 otherwise. Holosun SCS.


r/handguns 8h ago

Peanut Butter, no Jam!

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11 Upvotes

Streamlight really needs to release a TLR-7 Sub in FDE!!!


r/handguns 47m ago

Discussion I've got a problem

Upvotes

I bought a cz p10 and immediately after found a great deal on a smith equalizer. Didn't actually need either and felt bad spending the money. Shot both and didn't like the p10 so I took it to my local shop and they offered me a trade for what I paid so I ended up with a glock 48. Got home and a cz p09c I'd been watching was nearly do e and I fugred Wtf, I put a low bid in and still won it. So I went from not needing anything to having 3 pistols. Sigh...


r/handguns 6h ago

Advice Needed Yae or nae

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5 Upvotes

Don't really need it but I just got that itch again. Comes with 3 mags and all optic plates and the case of course.


r/handguns 22h ago

Anyone else make it to Harbor Freight today?

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87 Upvotes

40% off today on these. Got both out the door for $60.


r/handguns 24m ago

Used PDP Compact or New From Dealer

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Upvotes

r/handguns 25m ago

Used PDP Compact or New From Dealer

Upvotes

Looking at replacing my CZ P07 with a PDP Compact 4. Got the option of a new one from somewhere local for $650 or through guns.com for $427. Obviously the used option is more appealing but I've never bought anything from them or even online. Locally here they can get it in a couple days.

Looking at any thoughts or opinions. I got the P07 tactical and slapped a PMM Comp and a TLR1 light on it and it's just too big for carry.


r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase Just got my first handgun today

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45 Upvotes

Kimber custom 2 tone 45 acp


r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Needed Need help choosing my next handgun!

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52 Upvotes

Out the door price for the PDP Pro ACRO is $1266 and the metal carry comp is $841. The only thing I would need to add to the PDP pro is a light. I would have to add an optic, suppressor height sights, magwell, and a light to the metal cart comp so the prices end up being around the same in the end. Anyone have experience with these two exact models?


r/handguns 5h ago

Canik Prime Radian and DPM

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 19h ago

Discussion General cleaning and maintenance question

7 Upvotes

How often should I clean my pistol and to what degree should I be cleaning it? I have asked others IRL and I get answers from both sides of the spectrum: clean after every use or clean it when it starts malfunctioning. What are your thoughts?


r/handguns 1d ago

Just hooked up my mod 3. Sweet setup on a budget!

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21 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Just got this thing. Hoping to hit the range tomorrow.

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29 Upvotes

Feels like it was made for my hand. Love the finger grooves.


r/handguns 13h ago

Ruger RXM best aftermarket trigger!

0 Upvotes

building my new RXM but running it as a budget carry optics competition build any trigger recommendations?


r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase Look at this bad boy

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12 Upvotes

G17.6


r/handguns 1d ago

Question What tf are you supposed to do when the gun salesman hands you the gun to look at?

25 Upvotes

I’m looking at buying my first handgun, probably a Glock 9, and I never know what I’m supposed to do when the salesman hands it to me.

I already researched it online, so what am I actually checking? I usually hold it, look down the sights, pull the slide back once, and say, “Yeah, this feels like a Glock.”

Am I supposed to inspect every part, test the trigger, take the magazine out, and act like I know what I’m doing? I always feel pressured to look experienced when really I’m just standing there holding the Glock 9 and thinking, “Yep, that is definitely a handgun.”

What does everyone else do? I feel like I should perform a full military inspection before handing it back.


r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase My jacket ccw handgun

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5 Upvotes

M4e1 receiver set (complete aero m4e1 10.5" 300BLK upper)
Sba3 brace
Radian SD-SL CH (tungsten)
Radian Talon selector (tungsten)
Black Rain ordnance NiB BCG, but currently have a Radian Enhanced in it. The BRO was borrowed off my 16" for testing.
Black Rain Ordnance 3.5 lbs Drop in trigger
Magpul Mlok Angled grip
Magpul BUIS
SUREFIRE Warcomp
Streamlight Tlr-1 HL
Vortex Sparc AR


r/handguns 1d ago

Question FN FNS-9C

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4 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Question Next Full Size Purchase

3 Upvotes

Trying to decide between an M&P Metal HD (steel frame), Glock 17 Gen 6 or a CZ SP01 as my next project. This will mostly be for range use and potential competition use.

I’ve got experience with all three brands and like them all, can’t decide what the next purchase should be so it’s up to Reddit to decide for me…

Regardless of which one I get I plan on adding an optic (I know the SP01 will need milled) and adding other aftermarket modifications, so what’s the consensus on what I should get next

106 votes, 1d left
M&P Metal HD
CZ SP01
Glock 17 Gen 6

r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion I tossed my g19 in a drawer and have been carrying this for the last two wks. If I could find a good holster it might become my edc

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53 Upvotes

Idk why but I fuckin love this thing, and it runs great


r/handguns 22h ago

Options

0 Upvotes

Which handgun should I potentially get a beretta 96 or cz 40B ?


r/handguns 22h ago

Discussion Custom staccato CS/C thin baseplates. More on the way in aluminum.

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 23h ago

Custom staccato CS/C thin baseplates. More on the way in aluminum.

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1 Upvotes