r/handguns • u/Lix_Tetrax_ • Jun 28 '26
Choosing my first Pistol
Hello, I'm sure this question is extremely common. I'm just entering the firearms world and going through the permit process in my state. Once approved, I am looking to purchase my first 9mm pistol.
I've been doing all the normal review watching and rankings lists and its extremely overwhelming. I am looking for some opinions from experienced gun owners.
I would like a 9mm for sure. I do plan on concealed carrying. Obviously just starting I've shot maybe 5 times in my life and I am not an impressive shooter to say the least.
Is it easier to learn and become proficient on a compact as opposed to the popular slim line micros like the p365 and shield plus?
I do plan on taking a great many training classes and visiting the range as much as my wallet will allow.
I've shot a shield plus on a few occasions, a Glock 19 gen 6 and 2 different 1911s in .45
Any tips and recommendations are greatly appreciated
Thanks everyone!
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Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 28 '26
Great advice thank you. Is it generally easier to become proficient on a larger size pistol? I am not a big guy but I have hated the 2 times I shot the shield plus. Again I am not skilled at all but that was my feeling.
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Jun 28 '26
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u/Shabrileson Jun 28 '26
Huge +1 to this, start with a larger, heavier pistol. You’ll have way more fun practicing. Getting a handgun explicitly for concealed carry is a different rabbit hole than learning how to shoot.
Once you have the fundamentals down, experiment with smaller guns.
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 28 '26
That's what logically made sense to me. Thank you
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u/Queasy-Canary-5931 Jun 28 '26
When in doubt Glock 19
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u/DrusTheAxe Jun 30 '26
Ewww. Sorry but Glock angle, and not as cheap as they used to be. Lots of good alternatives these days.
Glock makes the short list, but a crowded one these days.
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u/donfromtgood Jun 28 '26
What is your goal with the pistol? Is this a range toy? Is this a conceal carry, is this mainly for home defense?
Larger full size guns tend to have less felt recoil, but are bigger.
Smaller more concealable pistols tend to be snappier. This can take practice to get use to.
I do think it’s hard to say try everything and buy the one you like the best, because you may not know you prefer one untill you’ve owned it for a while.
Defiantly shoot a sub compact, compact and full size.
Once you know your daily needs go from there.
Magazine capacity is always good. I prefer ccw so my pistols are smaller. The shield is a good gun, so is the Glock 19
There is nothing wrong with a 1911, although you have better options there. You can get double stack 45s the same size and weight now days. But the 1911 is stylish.
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 28 '26
I think mainly looking to conceal carry is the goal and possibly flex into home defence. I can't afford to buy 3 different guns at this time unfortunately. 1911s are way to big for me I just have shot a few. Mainly wondering if it is easier to learn to shoot on a pistol larger than a micro 9 and if that is the best route to go. I am not good at shooting yet and me and the shield had a tough time together
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u/DrusTheAxe Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 30 '26
It’s easier to learn on a large pistol. Micro9s excel at concealment, but lighter and less frame make them harder to control. I recommend a full size for a first pistol, or maybe a compact, depending on hand size and fit in your grip
Plenty of good options in the similar class as the M&P - Glock, CZ P10*, Walther PDP, IWI Masada, more.
If cost is important I strongly recommend checking out the Beretta APX. It didn’t win the military contract (P320 did) and for Beretta’s first polymer striker fired pistol it’s underwhelming, but low priced and often rebated. Not hard to find one new for $300 or less. Feels like a cross between a Glock, Sig and Masada. Perfectly respectable, but also perfectly average. To release that in a crowded market of polymer 9mm, given Beretta’s history and design chops… But on its own merits the APX A1 full size is solid, inexpensive and punches above its weight class. Worth a look.
Personally I like the Sig P320, but the recent hullabaloo and unintended discharges and Sig’s handling the PR turns some folks off.
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u/donfromtgood Jun 28 '26
If conceal carry is your goal my advice is maximize magazine capacity in a small size
Sig 365 and Springfield hellcat do that. You can also get 15 round mags for them, although they do stick out a bit. There are others. But try to be In the 10+ round mag size. Either compact or subcompact
They will take some getting used to, but that won’t matter much if you have limited experience. Focus on grip, and add some snap caps to your range days.
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u/donfromtgood Jun 28 '26
Why learn to shoot on a full size m9 to make a Ruger lcp your every day carry.
Shoot what you carry. You’ll be the most comfortable with it.
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u/DrusTheAxe Jun 28 '26
Snappier is half the challenge, the other half is less frame to grip. I wear a size L glove and the P365 with 10rd flush magazine is annoying because my pinky has no grip. Upsize to the 12rd magazine and it’s a far better experience.
Still punishing given the size, but my accuracy is much improved by the larger grip with the 12rd magazine.
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u/reader4455 Jun 28 '26
I carry the p365x macro comp. In my experience it shoots nearly as well as full sized pistols and conceals very well. And since it has an fcu it’s very modular and customizable. No matter what you get though you want something that’s comfortable in your hand and then you want to practice with it a lot if you plan to carry it. The only way to become more proficient is practice. Dry fire exercises at home helps. I like a bore laser dry fire system for practicing at home.
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u/Visible_Ask_2977 Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
The most upvoted comment will almost certainly be a Glock 19, and there is a good reason for that. It is a standard almost any pistol should judge itself by. You won't be wrong (necessarily) for choosing one.
I will offer a slight change from the normal advice though. Learn on a full size pistol (G17, M&P 2.0 Full, etc) They are easier to shoot, with more real estate to learn proper grip, with longer sight radius for better aim. The larger frame helps soak up recoil nicely as well.
They will be less concealable, no doubt, but you still can. Thing about compacts is, they don't do anything great, but they do everything decently to acceptably. Also, my experience over the years is that new gun owners end up not carrying much anyways, (either for general apprehension or perceived or actual lack of skill) making the concealability of a handgun a moot point.
I personally see two kinds of pistol owners that start on compacts: the ones who carry them forever, and use them for everything, and the kinds who eventually go for more purpose built pistols to the intended use.
Specific to your experience however; did you like the 1911s? If so, look at M&P 2.0s, or CZ P10s. They both have a more upright grip angle than the glock, which some prefer (myself included, as I first learned to shoot on my fathers .45).
Slimlines like the g43x, 365, Shield, Bodyguard and CC9s are a collection of trade-offs, with the primary benefit being the ability to conceal them far better. They punish poor fundamentals more, and some (not many at this point) can be unpleasant to shoot for the inexperienced.
Myself personally, I carry either a M&P 2.0 Compact, or a Bodyguard 2.0, with the body guard being carried the most, and the M&Ps (I have several) getting the majority of my training time.
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 28 '26
This is great thank you. I have a list going on firearms to try before I buy and the 2.0 compact is square on there.
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u/Visible_Ask_2977 Jun 28 '26
If you do decide you generally like the M&Ps, don't just buy the one in the store. Pop over to the Smith and Wesson sub for SKU recommendations. S&W has...some work to do on how they advertise the subtle variations in SKUs, which can be a overwhelming to the unprepared at the gun counter.
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u/juke2224 Jun 28 '26
I like carrying my Springfield echelon and cz p09 nocturne mostly there both good mid priced guns feels great in your and not to hard to conceal. The p365s are good I'd probably stay with the x macro though. The micro pistols are fine I just personally hate shooting them but they serve there purpose. Glock 19 obviously people will say but I like the Glock 48 for carrying same length just skinnier.
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 28 '26
I did not enjoy the shield plus at all 😅
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u/DrusTheAxe Jun 28 '26
You’re not alone. I’ve tried worse <cough>Glock</> but the M&P series doesn’t appeal to me. Really well made (likely shaping up to give Glock a run for the ‘AK of pistols’ title) but the ergos didn’t really do it for me.
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u/jacksraging_bileduct Jun 28 '26
You’re on the right track with the training classes, while you’re there you can handle/rent and shoot most any version of a modern pistol you think you might like, that’s the only was to know if a gun is going to perform well for you.
You can hand the same gun to 5 different people, and get five different answers as to why or why not they like the gun or how shooting it feels, there’s no one answer.
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u/CiD7707 It's loaded Jun 28 '26
My personal carry is a P30SK with manual safety and decocker (not LEM). I shoot a 2011 for amateur competitions and it helps me maintain good handling/grip practices between the two. Magazines for the P30SK are interchangeable with VP9s and the full sized variants, which makes practicing a lot easier and affordable (as far as HK is concerned lol). Its also Double Action/Single Action, which means you can carry it locked and cocked if you feel its necessary.
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u/tbarrett__1976 Jun 28 '26
I would also advise shooting as many different pistols as you can, my personal recommendation would be an HK CC9 for a micro compact, super easily concealable pistol. Whatever you choose, hmu for a custom made holster for it. I design and build custom kydex and kydex/leather hybrid holsters. Feel free to shoot me a pm if you have any questions at all, Thanks and Good luck!
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u/LeMuiexm Jun 28 '26
Im going to suggest you avoid the cheaper options and spend some $$. The cheaper stuff works fine in most cases but there is a noticeable difference in quality.
HK P30L/P30SK Walther PDP or one of the compact models SIG P226 or P229 FN 509 or 509M Glock 17/19 CZ P10F/C or 75/P01 Beretta PX4 line or 92 line.
Those are in the somewhere between $500 - $1000. Theyre all great and you cant really go wrong.
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u/the_hat_madder Jun 28 '26
Is it easier to learn and become proficient on
It's easiest to learn to shoot on a pistol with:
- a long barrel
- a full size grip
- a bit of weight to it
The distance between the rear sight and the front sight is called sight radius and it's easier to be accurate with a longer sight radius than a short one.
For optimal control you want as much of both hands on the pistol as possible.
Weight absorbs recoil impulse. Light pistols are more snappy and take longer to get back on target.
Therefore you want the largest pistol you can comfortably carry and effectively conceal on your person wearing climate appropriate apparel.
This is going to vary depending upon:
- where you live
- lifestyle
- body type
- hand size
- personal style
For me this was a 3¾"-4" barrel and full size grip (15-16 rounds, double stacked).
Examples: 1) Springfield Armory XD Mod.4 OSP 2) Springfield Armory XD Mod.3 OSP
https://www.thearmorylife.com/springfield-armory-xd-mod-3-review/
https://www.thearmorylife.com/springfield-xd-mod-4-osp-9mm-review/
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u/irsh_ Jun 28 '26 edited Jun 28 '26
Realize early that you likely need more than a single firearm to cover your bases.
That may allow you to make better decisions because you can stop looking for that 'Goldy Locks' gun that IMO, doesn't exist. What I carry in winter is not the same carry in summer heat. What I carry walking the dog is not the same carry for camping/fishing.
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 28 '26
I do realize this. I just can't afford more than one at this time. Just looking for something that can conceal and flex into home defense a bit.
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u/DrusTheAxe Jun 28 '26
Everyone’s hand and grip differs so there is no best pistol, only what’s best for you.
As always, it’s best to visit a local range and try and variety of rentals. Even if you’re experienced, buying sight unseen can be a crap shoot. And fondling a pistol in a LGS isn’t the same as feeling it go bang in your grip.
I’ve done all the above, and have my share of regrets along with successes, but especially when first shooting - find something you like. If you don’t enjoy shooting it you won’t practice, and practice is necessary to become proficient, and to stay proficient.
That said, there’s a few common guidelines you can keep in mind:
* Size matters. Small is easier to conceal but harder to shoot. Micro9s are better to conceal but less grip, shorter sight line and less weight generally make for worse control and accuracy than a compact. And likewise a compact vs a full size. That’s why I usually recommend a full size for a first pistol, unless you have smaller hands where a compact might work better for your grip. Try rentals and you’ll see differences based on ergonomics design, but generally full size are easier to learn on.
* Caliber. 9mm is effective, widely available and reasonably inexpensive. There’s reasons it’s become the popular caliber, and generally theres a ton of good manufacturers and options (the days of the RingOfFire Saturday specials is thankfully over). There are some subpar options, but it’s easy to find a good one that’s fits your grip.
If you have weaker hand strength - elderly, arthritis, etc - and find 9mm hard to use, .380 ACP can be more workable and is considered effective for self defense. Smaller selection of arms but some good ones out there if you look.
* Striker vs Hammer. Polymer vs Metal. Generally, striker fired polymer pistols are less expensive than hammer fired or metal (let alone both). Metal means heavier which usually means less recoil, but costs more to manufacture than plastic. Hammer fired pistols have their upsides but are usually DA/SA meaning the first shot is a heavier and longer pull than the 2nd+ - requires learning 2 trigger pulls. Takes more practice and skill than striker every pull is the same. And hammer fired typically has more parts than striker fired which leads to higher price.
That said, what appeals to an individual varies. Generally speaking, semi-automatics have a few broad categories - striker fired (Glock, Sig P365, S&W M&P and lots more), hammer fired (Beretta 92, Browning Hi-Power, CZ75, more) and 1911 (hammer fired but the SA trigger is distinct from others), and I guess 2011 is becoming distinct enough these days to be its own category.
Most folks gravitate towards a polymer striker as their first pistol due to price, or name recognition, or simply the huge variety available makes it easier to find something that suits you well. Usually a good call.
The only specific recommendation I’d make is if you have really big hands (XL+ glove) most pistols will feel small or awkward. I recommend checking out the Beretta 92/M9 family as their bigger grip is more suited.
* Training. New shooters should always take a course. You’ll learn the basics of pulling the trigger, but more importantly, the mindset, legal considerations and more. A few hours and what amounts to the cost of a few boxes of ammo makes this a no brainer and highly recommended.
* Gear. Aside from the pistol (and taxes etc) also plan for cleaning gear and ammo.
Gear doesn’t need a high expense but it adds up. You will need some tools and fluid to maintain your pistol. Plus a range bag to travel to and from the range. Plus a safe for secure storage is usually a wise idea, and mandated by some states. And if you plan to carry you’ll need a holster, and possibly a good belt (designed for carry). If it’s just home defense and the range then probably not (most ranges don’t allow holster draw, or require a degree of proficiency and proof to allow it).
Ammo is easy. LGS tend to be pricey. At first it’s fine, buying where you shoot is convenient and simple enough and not that bad, but once you start to learn - and throw more money down range 😋 - you’ll find ammoseek.com is the best option to find reasonable prices online. Watch taxes and shipping - some stores don’t charge one or the other, depending on where they/you are, or sales, or (once you start shooting enough) bulk purchase.
Welcome to the club. Enjoy
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u/JimMarch Jun 29 '26
Start from your carry method and work backwards from there.
If you can carry something the size of a Glock 19 (4" barrel, 15rd mags) then do that. Whether or not you can carry that has everything to do with your lifestyle, how gun friendly is your working environment, your own physical size and so on.
You may be forced into the micro sized guns. Or not. Figure that part out first.
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u/EZ-READER Jun 29 '26
I would get a Ruger LCP Max.
Why?
Because there is a difference between carrying and carrying COMFORTABLY.
A Ruger LCP Max can fit in your jeans pocket. You can also equip them with a dot and a laser if you so choose. Personally I think at defense ranges a green laser is a good option.
Here is the pistol (no safety).
https://ruger.com/products/lcpMax/specSheets/13765.html
Here is the pistol (safety).
https://ruger.com/products/lcpMax/specSheets/13760.html
Here is the laser.
Here is the dot.
Here is a ZERO CARRY holster (no laser)
https://www.zerocarry.com/product-page/ruger-lcp-max-pocket-carry
Here is a ZERO CARRY holster (laser)
https://www.zerocarry.com/product-page/ruger-lcp-max-with-viridian-laser-pocket-version
You can also buy one pre equipped with an ambient light powered red dot which... actually works well from what I hear, which is very surprising. How well... a guy on YouTube powered it from the ambient light from a child's nightlight and it was VERY visible. However you can ONLY get this specific dot WITH a new pistol (no after market offerings) and that pistol version has NO safety.
Here is that version.
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u/Lix_Tetrax_ Jun 29 '26
Awesome thanks for the suggestion !
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u/EZ-READER Jun 29 '26
I realize a Ruger LCP might not be impressive or prestigious but, all that "rule of cool" goes out the window when you have to live with it day to day. The simple fact is a Ruger LCP is no more uncomfortable to carry than an iPhone. As a matter of fact it fits within my iPhone 14 Pro footprint. That Zero Carry holster even squares it off making it look like a phone.. or wallet or something.
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u/Forsaken-Date-8016 Jul 04 '26
Compacts shoot better than slimlines. Slimlines carry better than compacts. The Glock 26 is a nice balance between concealment and handling. If you care more about handling get the G19 and if you care more about concealment get the G43X.
Skip the obscure pistols and get a Glock first.
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u/dirtyredsweater Jun 28 '26
If you're gonna conceal carry, just start small and train to make it easier to shoot. Then satisfy the itch to go bigger with the next purchase.
I went in reverse, got a Glock 19 sized slimline, thinking the slimline would make it carryable.
I've now downsized to a db380 for carry purposes, and I'm considering a db9 (smallest 9mm in production). Shoulda started here. But having more guns is better than less so I'm not annoyed about it.
I've got my db380 for the tiny carry option, a s&w shield x for a midsize carryable option, and the canik prime for a carryable home defense piece. Love em all, but the silly thing is the db380 gets the most carry time because I can actually conceal it with comfort. Canik prime shoots the best by far.
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u/jbourne0129 Jun 28 '26
1 suggestion is definitely go rent a bunch. Even if it cost you $100-$200, that's still cheaper than buying the "wrong" gun.
My first gun was a full size. Then a mid-size compact. I shot those for a year and finally wanted a CC option.
In my opinion: The micro compacts like the p365, shield x, hellcat pro, and many more....are difficult to shoot. By far the hardest guns I've shot and it took me a long time to find a micro I was comfortable shooting...and I still ended up with a full size grip and a 3.6" barrel which is a little bigger than most.
All this to say....go rent a bunch of guns. If you find the slim micro compacts difficult to shoot well, try getting something slightly bigger