What to Consider When Buying Your First Gun
Buying a gun for the first time can be daunting if you’re not sure what to look for. These are a few things to consider when making a purchase.
Size
When it comes to protecting their home, most people opt for handguns over rifles and shotguns simply because they’re easier to store safely and to wield when you’re in a tight situation. If you’re looking for a handgun that you can keep in the house and use as a concealed carry weapon for personal defense outside of the home, a compact or subcompact handgun is your best bet.
Caliber
Caliber refers to the diameter of the gun barrel and the size of the ammunition that the gun uses. It can be measured in millimeters or inches. The smaller the caliber, the less recoil you’ll get. For example, many first-time gun owners opt for a 9mm because the recoil is relatively mild. This is also a popular choice with law enforcement agencies.
Ergonomics
Your gun should fit in your hand comfortably and feel like an extension of your arm. You should be able to get a good grasp on it and reach the trigger with ease. The best way to determine which gun is the best fit for you is to visit your local shooting range and rent the models you’re interested in so that you can experience what they feel like in your hand.
Three of the Best Handguns for First Time Buyers
These guns come highly recommended for new gun owners because they’re relatively easy to control, they fire consistently, and they feature streamlined designs that are ideal for home use and concealed carry.
Glock 19
There’s a reason law enforcement agencies around the world use Glocks as their standard service pistols. The company is renowned for their solidly constructed handguns that are durable and dependable. The Glock 19 is a great choice for both home defense and concealed carry because of its compact size and versatility. The magazine holds 15 rounds, which is more than most 9mm handguns, and it’s easy to pop out and reload.
Ruger LCP II
If you’re looking for something a bit smaller, the Ruger LCP II is an excellent choice. It’s small enough to fit in a pocket or bag for concealed carry, but it has a long sight that allows you to line up your shot even in a tight situation. The grip is wide enough to absorb some of the recoil, and it has a textured surface to prevent slipping. As a bonus, you can choose from a range of styles including classic gun metal grey or slides in different colors.
Glock 43
Lightweight and slim, the Glock 43 is the ideal concealed carry weapon. This 9mm pistol has a grip with a beaver tail design, which allows you to get a firm grasp higher up for more stability. The slide lock lever is easy to locate and access, and the large magazine release button makes it easy to reload the six-round magazine. It has a bit more recoil than the Glock 19, but the ergonomics help absorb some of that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering buying a firearm to protect yourself and your family and give you some peace of mind at home, the handguns in this guide are exceptional choices. Each is renowned for its accuracy, reliability, and ease of use even for beginners. In addition, each is compact enough to keep close by, whether it’s in your bedside table, pocket, handbag, or vehicle.