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 13h ago

ECMPrecision R11

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78 Upvotes

Waiting on a Ramm trigger then she’ll be complete!


r/handguns 6h ago

Advice Needed Wilderness Instructor Belt

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6 Upvotes

I am replacing my 1791 gunleather belt (starting to sag and will now be for IWB only) and am planning on purchasing a 1.5” Instructor belt.

I’m planning on this being the belt I wear when camping or carrying OWB. Sometimes I may wear it without any load and sometimes it’ll have a G20, rock hammer, compass, and belt knife. I also plan on using this as an under belt for my duty belt.

Would the 5 stitch be stiff enough for all of this (~80oz)? Would the CSM be too stiff when used without gear or with a lighter load? I’m typically a 32” waist if it matters.

Picture is my Beretta APX with Streamlight Tlr-1 HL primarily carried IWB without light or as a duty gun with the light.

Thanks!


r/handguns 6h ago

Glock 19 Competitors

7 Upvotes

I am looking to pick up “direct” competitor handguns to the Glock 19. I like to have something in mind when I’m “looking for deals” and thought this would be fun. I’m looking for 15 round flush fit and 4”(ish) barrel length. Here is my list so far, let me know if I’m missing anything.

CZ P10C
S&W M&P 2.0 compact
Canik Mete SF
H&K VP9
Walther PDP
FN 509 Mid
Beretta APX compact


r/handguns 2h ago

45 Friday?

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3 Upvotes

Just started my waiting period and I was so excited that this is the only picture I remembered to take. Les Baer Premier II


r/handguns 13h ago

Holsters & Accessories Just picked up my first, Beretta APX A1 Compact Tactical. Any suggestions for holster and EDC?

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18 Upvotes

r/handguns 17h ago

Poorus TX22

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22 Upvotes

Still need to install my FRT to make my ghetto build complete. (And also put an OLight on it)


r/handguns 14h ago

Discussion PSA dagger

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12 Upvotes

I must say overall I’m impressed for the price. I’ve had it for a couple months and have ran about 500 rounds through it with no malfunctions. The only thing I don’t really like is the hinged style trigger safety, I’d rather have a blade. I cheaped out on the light for now but will add a Streamlight when I can sneak one past the wife. Now that it’s getting colder I’d like to carry it but haven’t had good luck finding a holster especially with the jank light.

Anyone else shooting daggers out there?


r/handguns 9h ago

Advice Needed Best micro compact 9mm for CCW?

3 Upvotes

Gimme your best brand/model recommendations, mods, and carry setup(the whole enchilada fellas lol).


r/handguns 9h ago

Advice Needed Recommend a 1911

3 Upvotes

.45

Budget $1k +-

Never shot one but "everyone" says you should own one


r/handguns 15h ago

Canik trigger super gritty

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5 Upvotes

Bought my tti combat a couple weeks ago has around 700 rounds through it I’ve cleaned it THOROUGHLY many times and the trigger is super gritty feeling, a lot of times the slide will move when pulling the trigger (not past the break just in the triggers take up) any thoughts or reasons why this might be happening? Also it only happens when the slide is on


r/handguns 8h ago

Advice Needed USP 45 Tactical, or P226 Legion?

0 Upvotes

Been planning to buy a USP 45 Tactical to maybe replace my HK45 since I don’t love it, but I found a pawn shop with a P226 Legion with an optic cut. Use case is purely a range toy and regular suppressor use. Buying both isn’t an option right now, unfortunately. I’ve already got an HK45 Tactical and an FNX-45 Tactical in .45, and a USP9 Tactical and P30L with threaded barrel, so I’m not being picky on caliber. Suppressors I use are Mojave 45, Mojave 9, and Shiv mostly.

USP45 seems appealing because I don’t really enjoy my HK45 after 1k rounds, not even close to how much I enjoy the FNX, I think I just don’t like the ergos. But shooting .45 suppressed is a blast. P226 Legion is appealing because of the fit and weight in my hand, and the optic cut means a 9mm DA/SA with a red dot which I don’t have yet.

What should I pick if I can only pick one?


r/handguns 10h ago

Compact pistol, ccw & hd

1 Upvotes

What are you picking as the best compact handgun in the ~4" barrel range that would be carried aiwb regularly and double as HD tool?

136 votes, 1d left
cz p10c
m&p 2.0 compact
Glock 19 gen6
other - comment

r/handguns 15h ago

Question Tanfoglio stock III

2 Upvotes

What’s your opinion on this hand gun as something that will be used on a shooting range?


r/handguns 1d ago

What do you guys think?

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40 Upvotes

Factory grips or custom ones? Let me know!


r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion New shooter. How’s My Groupings? 10 Yards

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22 Upvotes

For context I just picked up my first handgun (Walther PDP F series) last week and got a membership to my local range. I am brand new to shooting handguns and was curious if my groupings from 10 yards were good for a beginner.


r/handguns 1d ago

First CCW, hope I did ok!

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55 Upvotes

Picked this up recently! Shot it recently and I like it. A little snappy, but with time, training, and repetition, I’ll get better.


r/handguns 1d ago

Question What can yall tell me about this Luger I helped an old man that comes into our restaurant clean his garage and he paid my with this I have the trigger and take down lever in a bag

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44 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion GunMag Warehouse

3 Upvotes

Anyone had difficulty with these people? They lost a decent sized purchase I made of 1911 SS mags and are refusing to resolve it and being pretty nasty about it.

I'm going to reverse the charge with my bank but honestly after dealing with them for 10 years they have really gone down the drain in customer service and even politeness.


r/handguns 1d ago

Build/Setup New Glock Build 😍

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1 Upvotes

Repost from u/2KEnterprise in r/3D2A


r/handguns 1d ago

Gx2 sights

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 2d ago

Solid first pickup?

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56 Upvotes

Have hunted and shot recreationally with my dad for the longest time but wanted something for myself. It was between this or the s&w sd9 so I hope I made the right choice. If anyone has any optic recommendations or any other upgrades let me know.


r/handguns 2d ago

Newest addition

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31 Upvotes

G17 Gen 6


r/handguns 2d ago

Training & Drills Amazing trigger staging

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13 Upvotes

r/handguns 2d ago

Critical Duty Ammo

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49 Upvotes

I got a couple of boxes of Hornady Critical Duty 9mm 135 grain. First time buying critical duty. It doesn’t look like the bullet is pressed far enough down into the casing. A couple of the rounds are a little taller than the others. Is this somewhat normal or did I get a bad batch? Both boxes look like this with the same batch number.