What Is The Best Handgun For Beginners?

Out of the thousands of questions that I’ve seen on Concealed Nation, this is up there in the top 5 without a doubt. So many new faces are coming over to gun ownership and concealed carry and are looking for direction in many different ways. It truly is a great time for concealed carry and firearms in general.

One of those directions they seek: What is the best handgun for beginners?

While the answer is not a specific firearm, there are some questions that anyone can ask themselves, and then apply the answers to a future purchase. This is definitely not a catch-all, but it’s a start.

Here are four questions to ask yourself:

Question 1: What Is My Experience With Firearms

Your lifetime experience with firearms will play a large role in a beginner handgun. If your experience is very limited, such as never even firing a gun, it’s best to start out with a smaller caliber. Never be afraid or ashamed to pick up a nice .22 caliber handgun. In fact, I recommend it as a first purchase for anyone who is new to firearms. It’s a great way to get a feel for firearms, they’re cheap to shoot, and so much fun.

If you have a little experience and are familiar and have shot numerous calibers, it’s recommended to start off with one of the following: .22, .380, 9mm.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to get proficient with a smaller caliber until moving up to a larger one. For example, if you pick up a nice new 9mm Glock and can’t hit the paper, it’s best to set that one aside for the time being and get yourself a .22 or .380 until you become proficient with that (preferably a .22).

Question 2: What Am I Going To Do With The Handgun I Purchase

I’m going to break this down into two categories: Range Gun or Carry Gun.

Range Gun
If it’s a range gun that you’re looking for, it’s really up to you with what you choose. Remember, we’re still keeping the answer to question #1 in mind. If however, you’re looking for a carry gun, read on.

Carry Gun
A beginner that’s looking for a carry gun has to take a few other things into consideration before making a purchase. Is the firearm that you’re looking at easily concealable? Is it suitable for concealed carry? What are the reviews like? Also, you don’t want to be carrying a firearm around that you haven’t demonstrated proficiency with. Range time and practice are extremely important, and don’t ever forget that.

About Brandon

Brandon is the founder of Concealed Nation and is an avid firearm enthusiast, with a particular interest in responsible concealed carry. His EDC is a Glock 27 that holds Hornady 165 gr FTX Critical Defense rounds, and rides comfortably in an Alien Gear Cloak Tuck 3.0 holster.