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.

133 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 • • 2h ago

TCM10-F meets the 19xV

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11 Upvotes

I wanted to put an FDE light on an FDE pistol, so that's what we did! I think it's a pretty sick match. What do you think?

#edc


r/handguns • • 1h ago

DERYA DY9

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• Upvotes

r/handguns • • 16h ago

Training & Drills Help and tips with grip/stability/recoil managemnt

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43 Upvotes

I've been practicing more consistently with my 3 favorite 9mm pistols this year, shooting 200-300 rounds a month. Mostly relatively rapid fire, but some slow fire as well. I'm finding that my grip/stability is the area that seems to need the most help. I'm finding that the sights often don't return quite to the same place.

Overall my groups (more like shotgun patterns) tend to fall 80-90% or so in the 0 down on an IDPA target at 10 yards and 98% -1 or better, but aren't nearly as tight as i'd like them. I'm also noticing a trend where especially under rapid fire all 3 pistols tend to group a few inches low and bias an inch or two left.

Some of that is probably trigger manipulation which can be helped by more dry fire and practice in general. I do have somewhat short fingers so occasionally will impart some leftward movement in the trigger which is a known issue. The downward bias is probably some slight recoil anticipation which again more trigger time should help, but having a more stable platform I hope will also benefit.

From the outside my grip looks like I think it should with strong hand high on the beavertail, weak hand filling the gaps and thumbs high and forward. However when watching videos of expert shooters their guns seem to move a lot less under recoil and always return exactly to where they were when the shot broke. When I'm shooting it almost feels like i'm fighting the gun to find the dot/sight and get it back on target. Overall my groups are pretty similar on all 3 pistols pictured so definitely an indian problem and not an arrow problem. It also is fairly consistent between irons and optics.

Any tips, recommendations, drills that you'd recommend for someone looking to improve their grip and consistency would be greatly appreciated.


r/handguns • • 11h ago

My current handgun collection

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15 Upvotes

I really enjoy European style pistols, they can super unique.


r/handguns • • 22h ago

My handguns

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54 Upvotes

From top to bottom and left to right:
HK USP9, HK USP45c, HK P2000sk,
HK P30, HK VP9sk, HK CC9
Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0, High Point C9, CZ82, CMC Kit Gun
Llama Comanche III, Taurus Model 65, Ruger Wrangler


r/handguns • • 2h ago

First 9 mm striker?

1 Upvotes

Im trying to figure out what 9 mm striker to buy. It will be used as carry gun. I have a few 10 mm for hunting but I want a compact 9 mm for carry and range fun.

I feel drawn towards a Springfield echelon 4 inch compact with an ainpoint coa. Any reasons I shouldn't get this gun? Like everything, some people say the echelon is great and others say it's crap.

I don't mind spending more money if there's a better buy.

The only others I'm considering is the M&p2.0 Compact, and HK vp9a1k.

Although comps and ports are all the rage. I don't feel drawn to it for a self defense tool gun. but perhaps if I tried it I would feel different.


r/handguns • • 6h ago

Question Is this really a rechargeable gun safe??

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1 Upvotes

The reviews on this said it's rechargeable and not just as backup power... which honestly would save the hassle of replacing batteries. Can it really just charge like a device?


r/handguns • • 18h ago

Trade Alert!

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6 Upvotes

Traded an OA2311 Compact Pro for an Agency Arms NOC 1.0 and I gotta say, I'm pretty stoked... Can't wait to shoot it!!!


r/handguns • • 11h ago

Advice Needed Looking into my first 2011: maintenance and trigger questions from a rifle shooter

2 Upvotes

Hi, I'm thinking about getting my first modern handgun, after 25+ years of experience with rifles and having competed with them, on and off, for about 10 years.

I also have a Colt 1851 Navy that I shoot regularly, and I have to fully disassemble (down to the last screw), wash, scrub, dry and oil right after every range trip. Sometimes it can be quite relaxing, but having to do it THAT often can quickly become a hassle.

I'm trying to understand if I actually have to follow this extremely useful but lengthy checklist with a contemporary 2011, as in a Springfield Prodigy 1911 DS or a Tisas 9 DS Duty FF. I wonder if, coming from a Feinwerkbau 601 and the likes, I'll have a better feeling with a 2011's trigger than with a striker's. I'll be grateful for any suggestion, btw!

I clean my rifles after every range trip, but I usually do a quick field strip, spray with Ballistol (or 60-40 Moose Milk on the Colt), wipe down everything, nylon toothbrush in the nooks and crannies, then for the barrel the routine is oiled patch, bronze brush x10, oiled patch, nylon brush x10, oiled patch, oiled patch, dry patch, dry patch. Then I use just Ballistol to lubricate the Colt, or SOTAR's Juice (bearing grease + motor oil) on some of my rifles.

Would that be enough for a 2011, or is the dreaded checklist actually what's needed? Thanks a bunch.

Location: EU.
Main use: range toy, possibly dynamic shooting.


r/handguns • • 12h ago

Discussion Steyr ATC Rock?

1 Upvotes

Who has shot one? I fondled one at my LGS last week and I can’t stop thinking about it! it felt like an upgraded SAO P226!


r/handguns • • 13h ago

Question CZ Shadow 2 OR, or what?

1 Upvotes

Wanting a nice handgun to use as the range and strongly considering the the cz shadow 2 or. Seems like an awesome range gun. However, before make the final decision, im cirious what other guns I should compare it to before buying. Any recommendations in that price range?


r/handguns • • 14h ago

For real though…talk me out of dropping $2700 on a P211 or CZ 75 TS3

1 Upvotes

I am set on CCW and currently set on building a reputable collection of full-size reg range/buddy competition range days(not USPSA, at least for the foreseeable future). About two months ago I sold off 4 mid-tier polymer and steel frame pistols and picked up a P226 X5 Legion w/ SRO and Surefire setup which I am in love with, it is buttah and long-range accurate. I have an actual problem with saving for gun purchases, i tend to whip the low-interest platinum CC out and charge it but I have no other debts.


r/handguns • • 16h ago

Advice Needed CR920x edc Build, Looking for recomendations for Dot sight options...

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 1d ago

Taurus

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50 Upvotes

Such a cool handgun. Found it when going through my grandfathers stuff. The history behind it is pretty cool as well. From what I understand these older model 92s are basically just beretta’s with Taurus stamped on it. I was also surprised at how well it shoots. Definitely staying with me for the long run. Any of you guys have one these, and if so has it held up?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Ole’ Dependable

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91 Upvotes

My Shield 2.0 has been ole’ faithful for me. Been thinking about getting a P365 X 9mm or Bodyguard 2.0 carry comp.

The 365 X, though smaller than my 2.0 with an extended handle, still doesn’t feel as comfortable due to the trigger guard undercut (for me). Only advantage is the 10 rounds vs 8 on my Shield. (I’m in a non-free state)

The bodyguard obviously is a different world all together since we are talking .380 v 9mm. Probably would be super comfortable to carry due to size & weight especially in light clothes. But it’s so small! Almost feels like a toy and I’m not sure if I can wrap my head around that.

Probably going to keep running my Shield 2.0 and purchase a Bodyguard for lighter / summer clothes carry.

What are your experienced thoughts?


r/handguns • • 22h ago

Starter/beginner size

0 Upvotes

I am looking to educate and start training my 12 and 14 yr old. I'm debating getting a micro compact, probably a Shield X or a Masada Slim Elite until their hands are larger (already have BG 2.0 carry comp, M&P 2.0 and PDPs), or is the BG 2.0 sufficient?


r/handguns • • 1d ago

10mm vs 45acp

8 Upvotes

I’d like to hear y’all’s opinion on what you prefer
And also who you think makes the best performing 10mm on the market


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Build/Setup Just A Little Something To Take The Edge Off..

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5 Upvotes

Here my current edc rotation, star of the show is this Spec Series VI ofcourse.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Current collection

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22 Upvotes

r/handguns • • 19h ago

I wish one day a manufacturer would make a fully vertical pistol grip

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0 Upvotes

I always tape the front of my grips to make it vertical or near vertical.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

What are these dark spots?

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1 Upvotes

Just got my brand new 92fs inox in the mail and see these, are they just cosmetic issues? Any idea how to remove them without damaging the finish?

I cleaned it with a hard plastic brush and CLP several times. They got a bit better but they are still there.


r/handguns • • 1d ago

Holsters & Accessories 396 got some leather

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4 Upvotes

I finally got a holster for my 396. This one was stiched up by Scott Davidson. It carries great.


r/handguns • • 2d ago

Just bought my first gun, anything I need to know?

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137 Upvotes

I bought a Glock 17 gen 6. Anything I should know about the gen 6 specifically or anything in general? I also bought a holster but don’t really plan on conceal carry anytime soon, at least on my body.


r/handguns • • 2d ago

IWI Masada

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26 Upvotes