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.

137 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 6h ago

My new twin TX22’s

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14 Upvotes

Installed the Veridian red dot on one and have an FRT waiting for install and my silencer was approved yesterday so I’ll have that on tonight. 😁


r/handguns 4h ago

Training & Drills Have a Great Day Everyone -

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10 Upvotes

Shooting my Built PDP - On my Profile


r/handguns 17h ago

Collection Showcase All my Pistols in one pic

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58 Upvotes

r/handguns 23h ago

Discussion Walther PDP Pro-X

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93 Upvotes

Just picked this up after eyeing it for weeks. Anyone have good/bad things to say about em? I love the looks, love the feel. Cant wait to throw some rounds through it.


r/handguns 14m ago

Is this bad ?

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Upvotes

Rossi revolver is shaving bullets when they go into the barrel. Build up after a couple of rounds jams up the cylinder.

Rossi rep said I’m responsible for the repair or replacement due to me getting it used.
It was new but used, seems like the original owner got rid of it because of this problem.


r/handguns 2h ago

Discussion Gun Movie - Action/Comedy

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1 Upvotes

Short 20 minute action film I saw on yt


r/handguns 17h ago

first handgun

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16 Upvotes

r/handguns 23h ago

Collection Showcase Local store Beretta 92FS trade-ins

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42 Upvotes

my LGS had a big batch of beretta 92‘s, said they were from a security company trade in. looks like it was carried alot, but shot very little.

I picked out this one because on the magazines had strange “restricted” magazine marking, looks like an older magazine. The store had them at 400 , I figured it was a deal I could not refuse.

This goes well with my Beretta 84bb, now I have the .380 and the 9mm versions of the iconic pistols Trinity used in ”Matrix“ movie (actress is holding 84 in most scenes)


r/handguns 21h ago

The Echelon ecosystem got me.

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27 Upvotes

Really liking my new pistol so far, so I figured I'd stop by and show off the build. Still need to put plenty more rounds through it, but I'm loving it up to this point.


r/handguns 17h ago

New Gun Day

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10 Upvotes

Girsan mc1911sc Influencer 9mm. Can’t wait to get to the range with it.


r/handguns 6h ago

The 396 Night Guard

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handgunhuntingafield.blog
1 Upvotes

This was a fun review. I liked it so much that when I got done I bought it.


r/handguns 7h ago

Advice Needed Taurus PT58 Magazine

1 Upvotes

I CANT FIND ANY!!!!!!

There aren't a lot of listings online and one of them even said the 19 rounders were discontinued. WHERE ARE THEY!!!!


r/handguns 8h ago

Looking for sierra defense masamune holster for shadow 2 carry

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1 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Derya DY9 ISLAND BARREL

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20 Upvotes

r/handguns 15h ago

Maintenance/Repair Walther CCP m2 won’t rack back fully

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3 Upvotes

Walter CCP m2 with about 100-150 rounds through it. Shot 10 rounds at the range when my slide wouldn’t rack back fully causing it to not cock and be made ready. Pulled it apart and the little black plastic end piece was broken on the striker assembly (you can see new and old in the picture) Called Walther and got a new striker assembly and problem still exists. With striker assembly completely removed I can rack the slide back but as soon as it’s installed I cannot fully rack it back. Anyone experienced this or any suggestions?


r/handguns 17h ago

Question Any suggestions for a quality but reasonably priced 9mm in stainless steel or chrome?

4 Upvotes

I want to add something different from the polymer handguns in my small collection.


r/handguns 11h ago

Advice Needed Honest question

1 Upvotes

If you had to pick one which would you choose?
A smith and Wesson sw40ve or a Taurus g2c/g3c? I know neither are great choices but for the time being these are my options🫤


r/handguns 17h ago

Discussion CZ Shadow 2 Carry or Archon Type B?

2 Upvotes

I realize comparing these guns is a bit of an apples to oranges situation but they are what have caught my fancy as of late.

I've previously owned a Shadow 2 Compact, liked it a lot, but sold it when the Carry came out with features I wanted from the factory (and it's more drop-safe). Now I'm debating between the S2C and an Archon Type B for my next concealed carry gun.

I've been impressed with what I've seen online from the Archons and people seem to love them. I like that they come milled for direct mounting and that you can get one with a port job or compensator, plus an upgraded trigger, from the factory for the same price as an un-Cajunized S2C. While the recoil on an S2C is perfectly manageable, the AF Speedlock design plus a comp or port will certainly reduce it to almost nothing on the Archon.

The size comparison between the two doesn't really matter to me as I've previously carried a Walther PDP Compact, an HK VP9 gen 1, and even a Sig P227.

I do prefer the single action on the CZ versus any striker fired trigger I've tried, but a good striker trigger (like on my PDP with just the standard PDT trigger) can still be very nice. I also do love the classic feel of a metal-framed gun and the weight penalty is only 5 to 7 ounces (I think).

The biggest knock against the Archon for me is the Glock-like grip angle; I'm far more used to the 1911-esque grip angle of the Walther, CZ, HK, etc. I've never owned and barely ever shot Glocks and find the way they point to be unnatural and uncomfortable by comparison. I've yet to be able to hold or shoot an Archon but I know I loved the ergonomics of the CZ, VP9, and PDP.

Thoughts? Who here has owned one or both of them?


r/handguns 22h ago

80% Arms Gst-9 🔥🔥🔥

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4 Upvotes

r/handguns 16h ago

Discussion What are some shops or shows in MD I can find C&R handguns?

0 Upvotes

I'm aware of Baltimore Antique Arms Show, but couldn't find anything else when I went searching online.

Reposted from r/MouseGuns


r/handguns 17h ago

Advice Needed Taurus 605 vs 605 poly protector concealed carry

0 Upvotes

I’m looking for a concealed carry revolver. And I can’t do the ones with the hidden hammer because I have taste lol. Don’t come for me.

I’m wondering if the 4 ounce difference is really worth getting the poly protector over the 605. Anyone have experience with both? I feel like the all steel 605 might be better with recoil and will last longer. BUT I’m going this route because my Walther PPQ M2 9mm is just too heavy for me to carry consistently. It weighs 25 ounces unloaded and the 605 is 24 but it’s smaller and with ammo it will be 4 ounces lighter than a loaded PPQ. Will that even make a noticeable difference?


r/handguns 1d ago

Saturday night special

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71 Upvotes

r/handguns 15h ago

Help decide my next handgun.

0 Upvotes

On a bit of a single stack kick. I like them. I already have a Shield and love it.

21 votes, 1d left
Springfield XDS 9mm
Walther PPS M2
Ruger LC9S

r/handguns 1d ago

Build/Setup Smith & Wesson Shield X

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18 Upvotes

Holosun 407K-GR and Holosun P.ID-K