The Best Handguns for Beginners

So, you're ready to take the plunge and purchase your first legal firearm. Congratulations! But, what is the best gun for a newbie? 

You want something that's reliable, comfortable to carry and easy to conceal, right? The issue is that you're still uncertain about which brands and models suit you best. 

Like all sports, personal preference comes with some experience. Some people prefer smaller options, others like a heavier gun with less recoil. 

Below, we highlight some of the pros and cons of the most popular beginner firearms. We also discuss the various factors to consider with each one. 

Are you ready to discover our top picks? Let's fire away. 

What are the criteria for selecting a beginner gun? 

Choosing the right firearm as a beginner can be daunting. We've all been there. The first step is determining the appropriate criteria.

There are a few things you should consider before making your purchase. 

Purpose

What do you plan to use the handgun for? Is it for self-defense, target shooting, or both? Your intended use will influence the type and size of handgun you should consider.

Caliber

The caliber of a handgun refers to the diameter of the bullet it fires. Common calibers for beginners include: 

• .22 LR, 9mm
• .38 Special. 

Choose a caliber that you're comfortable shooting and that is within your range of affordability. 

Size and Weight

Handguns come in various sizes and weights. A smaller, lighter handgun might be easier to carry. These compact options also have some drawbacks. 

They could be harder to control when firing. In some cases, there is also a bit more recoil. Consider what feels comfortable in your hand and what you can handle effectively.

Fit

It's important that the handgun fits your hand properly. You should be able to reach and operate all the controls comfortably. 

Try holding and aiming different models to see what feels best for you.

Safety Features

Look for handguns with safety features that you're comfortable with and know how to use. This could include: 

• Manual safeties
• Trigger safeties
• Grip safeties

Reliability

You want a handgun that you can rely on when you need it. There are different brands and models that have  a proven reputation for reliability and durability.

Take your time when making your decision.

Ease of Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential. It helps keep your handgun in excellent working condition. Consider how easy it is to disassemble, clean, and reassemble the handgun.  

You'll need to do this process after every other visit to the range. It needs to be convenient.

Cost

Handguns can vary widely in price, so set a budget and stick to it. Remember to factor in the cost of ammunition and accessories.

Training and Education

Owning a handgun comes with a huge responsibility. Use it safely and effectively. 

Invest in proper training and education to learn how to handle and shoot your handgun safely. Here at OMG, we pride ourselves in teaching you everything you need to know from scratch.

Our theoretical and physical training helps you feel confident and secure enough to handle your firearm responsibly. 

Top beginner options

Now that you know what you're looking for in a handgun, take a look at the ones that get the OMG nod of approval. 

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield

This firearm is known for its reliability. It offers ease of use and it's great for concealed carry. 

Is the Smith & Wesson M&P Shield the right beginner handgun for you?

Some of the pros associated with this weapon are:

• Compact Size: It's small and easy to carry. The gun is great for beginners learning to handle a firearm.

• Reliable Performance: Known for its reliability, you can count on it when you need it most.

• Easy to Conceal: Its slim profile makes it easy to hide. The firearm is perfect for everyday carry.

• Simple Operation: There are no complex controls. You just point and shoot, making it ideal for new shooters.

• Good Accuracy: This S&M delivers accurate shots despite its size.

Some of the cons include:

• Limited Capacity: The handgun holds fewer rounds compared to some other models. It might need more frequent reloading.

• Recoil: Being smaller, it can have more felt recoil. In some cases this may affect the accuracy.

• Basic Sights: This weapon's sights are simple. They lack some features present in higher-end models.

• Aftermarket Support: While there are options, the aftermarket support isn't extensive.

• Single Action: It's a single-action handgun. This means you'll need to manually cock the hammer for the first shot.

Ruger SR9

Is affordability a priority in your purchase? This firearm offers great value for money. 

It also ticks the boxes for reliability, and ease of maintenance. These elements make it a solid choice for beginners. 

Pros: 

• Affordability: Beginners who don't want to spend too much on their first firearm will find this option appealing. It's competitively priced and provides value for money. 

• Ergonomics: The design features a slim profile, with adjustable backstraps. 

• Safety features: The firearm has a manual safety function. It also features a loaded chamber indicator and a magazine disconnect. 

• Accuracy: Beginners looking for an option that offers out-of-the-box accuracy will love this gun. 

• Reliability: This handgun performs consistently well and isn't likely to malfunction. 

• Ease of use: It's a straightforward gun that's easy to disassemble and reassemble for maintenance. 

Cons: 

• Trigger feel: The trigger isn't as smooth as other available models.

• Grip texture: Some individuals may find the grip texture aggressive. 

• Weight: This firearm isn't too heavy, but other beginner-friendly models are a bit lighter. 

• Recoil: The firearm's recoil is manageable, but beginners may find it more noticeable than with other models.

Beretta Bobcat 21A .22

One of the most popular options for new shooters is a Beretta. The firearm sets itself apart from most competitors thanks to minimal recoil. Other top choices are the Beretta 92 series and the PX4 storm. The latter is more compact. 

Pros:

• Reliability: This brand of guns is built to last. Even with rigorous use, they perform consistently.

• Versatility: Whether you need a firearm for range practice, or concealed carry, this brand hits the mark. It allows you to explore different shooting disciplines with ease.

• Long standing reputation: The Beretta brand has been around for centuries. Its history can be traced back to 1526. These guns have a longstanding reputation for quality craftsmanship. The brand has a legacy of excellence.

• Ease of use: The firearms have intuitive controls and a comfortable grip.

Cons:

• Price point: The cliché ‘You get what you pay for’ is certainly true when it comes to the Beretta brand. Their exceptional quality comes at a heftier cost than competitors.

• Small grip: These firearms are compact. This may be uncomfortable for shooters with bigger hands. In some cases it may negatively impact accuracy if the grip isn't comfortable for the shooter.

Sig Sauer P320

The P320 is a versatile and reputable option. It’s a top pick among law enforcement officers and individuals who want a firearm for the long haul.

Pros:

• Modular design: It's easily customizable and there are plenty of accessories available.

•  Versatility: The firearm is available in multiple sizes to accommodate varied preferences.

• Safety and reliability: The gun features a striker safety, disconnect safety, and an optional manual safety. It's reliable and performs consistently. It's also a standard issue weapon for certain military branches.

• Impressive trigger system: The firearm has a striker-fired mechanism with a smooth, consistent trigger pull. Many users find that this feature enhances accuracy and shooting comfort.

The firearm is a top choice, but there are some drawbacks to consider.

Cons:

• Size: The Sig Sauer P320 is a bit heavier and bulkier in design. The size difference is more noticeable when compared to other polymer-frames concealed carry options.

• Price point: Budget conscious buyers may find this firearm to be costly. It's more expensive than several similar options.

• Recoil: Generally, the recoil on this firearm is manageable. When compared to other guns in its class, the recoil is slightly more pronounced.

Canik TP9 SF .380

The Turkish firearms manufacturer's newer addition to the popular TP9 series is ideal for beginners. The gun is made for performance. It's multipurpose features make it a great choice for experienced shooters too. 

The firearm is perfect for self-defense, concealed carry or even use on the range. 

Pros:

• Appealing design: It's a sleek weapon with a durable polymer-frame. The grip is comfortable and it has interchangeable backstraps for a customized fit. The grip is also texturized for a more secure hold. 

• Performance and reliability: The gun is reliable and has a manageable recoil. It has a low bore axis making it impressively accurate. The trigger is smooth and crisp with a short reset. 

• Impressive features: The firearm has a loaded chamber indicator and striker status indicator. It's also compatible with many aftermarket accessories.

Let's take a peek at some of the disadvantages of this firearm. 

Cons:

• Limited accessories: There aren't many options available for glamming up your gun. There is a limited range of accessories and aftermarket parts. 

• Light frame:The polymer frame may have a less durable feel than other options. 

• Magazine Capacity: The firearm takes a decent load, some competitor options have larger capacities. 

Shoot your shot 

Choosing the right firearm as a beginner is crucial. It helps build a strong foundation in responsible gun ownership. 

The top guns for beginners listed above offer reliability, ease of use, and excellent performance. These criteria are a great starting point on your firearms journey. 

Remember to prioritize safety and practice regularly. Consult us at OMG to arrange practice sessions on the range, or even to touch up on your training. 

You're well on your way to being a responsible and proficient gun owner. Happy shooting!