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 14h ago

ECMPrecision Edge

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45 Upvotes

r/handguns 16h ago

Build/Setup LEGO 1911

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27 Upvotes

Designed this life-size replica of the M1911A1 using standard LEGO pieces; what do you think?


r/handguns 13h ago

Femaru 37M

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11 Upvotes

Traded a guitar for this Femaru 37M Pistol with sweetheart grips


r/handguns 10h ago

Discussion Is the Walther PDP's recoil really noticably bad compared to the competition?

6 Upvotes

I've been thinking about picking up my first Walther and the PDP seemed like a good starting point, with it being their new pistol that has seen some adoption by police and military. But I've recently been seeing complaints of high recoil compared to the competition, due to its high bore axis, massive slide, and low weight.

I've held one several times (never fired) and it fit my hand okay, the trigger was fantastic, and it was very light especially for it's relatively large size, despite the big ass slide.

But the M&P 9 M2.0 4.25" is all those things too, with a lower bore axis and higher weight (despite being a smaller pistol than the 4.5" PDP). I'm starting to second guess whether the PDP is worth adding to my collection.


r/handguns 14h ago

Springfield XDM Elite 10mm threaded with 45 Mojave can!

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8 Upvotes

I’ve had them all from Glock 20s to FN510s to Sigs and this might possibly be the best polymer 10mm to date with this OEM threaded match barrel! You don’t see these cracking like you do the FN510’s and it will run ANY AMMO! less


r/handguns 13h ago

Question Are all subcompact snappy??

6 Upvotes

Rent a 43x today cuz I want to get into sub compact territory for like gym short carry or not wearing proper clothes. The 43x caught me by surprise how hard to shoot (i have shot over 10k rounds on normal compact firearms like the 19 Gen 5, CZ, Ruger etc) and I shoot a lot.

Like the title, are all subcompact really that snappy and bad recoil?
I shot 200 rounds today and my wrist hurt like mtfker 😬 maybe 200 rounds is not enough to feel the gun? But the recoil is bad. I do not like it at all and I have very big hands and I’m quite muscular in my arm. Luckily I rent it before buying new.


r/handguns 8h ago

Porting Complete

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2 Upvotes

r/handguns 10h ago

Advice Needed Trying to find a good gift idea

3 Upvotes

I’m (24f) starting to budget and look for good gift ideas for my man (31m). He recently got rid of his 1911 and misses it but I’m also considering getting him something else. I’m looking for something budget friendly, but would be a damn good gift too. Something where he’s like “damn babe” but also less than $700 lol


r/handguns 18h ago

Ye Olde Modularity Appreciation Thread

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11 Upvotes

These things keep morphing on me. They’re like the AR-15 of handguns. Might have to try a Fuse at some point.

Thanks for letting me share. 🫡


r/handguns 16h ago

Best EDC for a lefty

3 Upvotes

Looking to buy an EDC and really prefer one with ambi slide and mag release. About the only one I can find that's remotely interesting is the HK VP9cc. Any other suggestions are welcome.


r/handguns 1d ago

Holsters & Accessories Ever wonder what goes into making a custom holster? 👀

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39 Upvotes

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at us building one from start to finish for a **Sig P365 XMacro** — Topo Map Dark on Zombie Green. 🧟‍♂️🔥
Made in-house, one holster at a time.


r/handguns 13h ago

Find the errors (unintentional discharge)

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Build/Setup My daily carry

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123 Upvotes

These palm swell LOK grips are phenomenal, feels like it slightly improved my shooting


r/handguns 1d ago

SA - 35

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23 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Advice Needed S&W 642 UC

2 Upvotes

I recently bought a S&W Model 642 Ultimate Carry (SKU: 14285) and I find myself having to settle the sight at the bottom of the channel (see red circle in picture) to get anywhere near where I need to be vertically. I also find the impact point is FAR to left of where I am aiming (the center of the 5). I have 12 other pistols... none of them have these issues. Also this target was shot at 5 yards which is absurdly close to be missing by that much. Also I know this is a small gun but that grouping is embarrassing. I am not THAT bad of a shot.

Ammo CCI Blazer Brass .38 Special 125-grain FMJ

Did I get a lemon? Is this simply a bad gun/ammo combination?


r/handguns 1d ago

RMR to ACRO plate stack

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5 Upvotes

r/handguns 22h ago

Discussion AMBI CARRY

2 Upvotes

Seeing that there are in fact a lot of guys with stomachs carrying AMBI. I’m 5’8 240 with a belly and I want to start carrying AMBI as opposed to 3 o’clock. What holsters are you guys running? Are you buying your jeans/pants a size up? What belts are you using? Anything helps.


r/handguns 23h ago

Safety Awareness on campus

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0 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Finally Getting My 2.0 Tomorrow

8 Upvotes

I’m finally getting my M&P 2.0 4” tomorrow. Any tips/things to upgrade first?


r/handguns 1d ago

Custom camo Cerakote Glock 17 Gen5 with orange accents

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13 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion Kimber R7 Mako - yay or nay?

4 Upvotes

Scheels and Bass Pro have the Kimber R7 Mako for $399. I've read lots of positive reviews and seems like it could be a decent handgun for Glock 26 lovers, etc.

Anyone here have one? What say you? I've heard repeatedly that the trigger is absolutely amazing. Some of the innovations, such as the shrouded ejection port, seems pretty cool. Optics ready, 13+1. What's not to love at $399?


r/handguns 1d ago

Modifications Disdef 🤙🏾Comp

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4 Upvotes

r/handguns 2d ago

What is this?

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74 Upvotes

Told my friend I want a makarov. This obviously isn’t one but I’m still interested in the sale. Looks like a walther to me. Let me know. Thanks :)


r/handguns 2d ago

Shhhh

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34 Upvotes

It’s a secret