If you’re a first-time gun owner looking to buy your very first handgun, welcome to the front lines of the Second Amendment. Picking your first firearm isn’t just a purchase—it’s a declaration of independence, personal responsibility, and your God-given right to self-defense… And around here at the National Association for Gun Rights, we take that right seriously.
Choosing the right handgun isn’t about falling for hype or chasing trends– it’s about reliability, safety, and capability. Whether you’re buying for home defense or planning to train regularly at the range, the right sidearm can mean the difference between confidence and hesitation.
That’s why we built this no-nonsense guide, based on real-world experience and backed by years of firearms advocacy, weapons knowledge, and training expertise.
Why Choosing the Right First Handgun Matters
The right first handgun sets the foundation for your entire journey as a gun owner. Make the wrong choice, and you might end up frustrated, inaccurate, or worse—unsafe. But get it right, and you’ll build rock-solid fundamentals that serve you for life.
A well-chosen firearm helps develop safe habits, sharp shooting skills, and the confidence needed in a defensive scenario. It’s about more than caliber or price; it’s about building the muscle memory, discipline, and trust that come with handling a tool meant to protect life and liberty.
What Women Should Know When Choosing a Handgun?
Let’s cut through the nonsense. If you’re a woman shopping for your first handgun, you’ve probably already had some guy behind the counter push a tiny, brightly colored pistol on you—usually pink or baby blue. Don’t fall for it.
Smaller guns are often marketed to women because they’re easier to conceal or look “cute,” but the truth is, those micro pistols are much harder to shoot. They have more felt recoil, a smaller grip, and are often downright uncomfortable to train with. That translates into less range time and less confidence when it matters most.
Most women find that larger, yet still compactly sized, frame handguns—like the Glock 19—are actually easier to shoot well. They soak up recoil better, offer a full grip for more control, and are much more pleasant for extended training. Many experienced female shooters gravitate toward full-size or compact models because they’re more forgiving and reliable.
Also, don’t overlook holster selection and wardrobe considerations. Women often carry differently than men, so investing in a good concealment holster designed for female body types is key. Whether it’s appendix carry, off-body, or using a belly band, make sure your holster is secure and allows for a quick draw. Many women choose to carry in their handbag or purse–we suggest against this. Carrying in a bag will result in a much longer draw time, rather than having it readily available on your body.
Lastly, trust your instincts. Don’t let someone talk you into a gun that doesn’t feel right in your hands. You should be able to grip the firearm comfortably, reach the trigger without adjusting your grip, and manage the controls with ease. If available in your area, try renting and firing different models at a range before committing to your first purchase.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Handgun
There are a lot of flashy options out there. Ignore the gimmicks. Here’s what actually matters:
Caliber: For first-timers, 9mm is king. It offers low recoil, affordable ammo, and wide availability.
Size & Weight: A full-sized gun can be easier to shoot, but harder to conceal. Compacts like the Glock 19 offer the best of both worlds.
Reliability: If it doesn’t go “bang” when you need it to, it’s worthless. Trusted brands matter.
Ease of Maintenance: Cleaning your handgun shouldn’t require a degree in rocket science. Simplicity is a win.
Ergonomics: Your gun should feel like an extension of your hand, not a foreign object.
Safety Features: No gimmicks here, just the basics. Safe handling always beats built-in safeties.
Budget: We understand that price matters, but don’t compromise on quality. You’re buying a tool that could save your life. Reliability beats the lowest cost every time.
Top Handgun Recommendations for Beginners
Glock 19 Gen 5 – Best Overall Beginner Handgun
This is the one. The Glock 19 Gen 5 is the gold standard for a reason. Chambered in 9mm with a 15-round magazine (though 10, 17, and 24-round mags are available), it’s compact enough for carry but large enough for accuracy and control. With a clean factory trigger, proven reliability, and decades of military, law enforcement, and civilian trust behind it, this gun just works.
It’s also the most supported pistol platform in the world. Holsters, lights, sights, aftermarket triggers—you name it. If you want a workhorse pistol that’s ready out of the box and grows with you as you train, this is it. Expect to pay around $500-600, and it’ll be worth every penny.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 – Best Alternative to Glock
Looking for Glock-level performance with a more ergonomic grip? The M&P9 M2.0 delivers. Also chambered in 9mm with a 17-round magazine, it features an aggressive texture and four interchangeable palm swells for a truly customized feel.
It’s just as reliable and easy to maintain as the Glock 19, with a competitive price tag that floats in the same range. For shooters who want a slightly different grip angle and trigger feel, this is the one to beat.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 – Best .22LR Handgun for Beginners
If recoil is a concern or you’re just starting out, the Ruger Mark IV in .22LR is perfect for mastering fundamentals. Its low recoil makes it a fantastic training pistol, and .22LR ammo won’t break the bank. Plus, the Mark IV’s tool-less takedown system makes cleaning a breeze—something previous generations struggled with.
Just keep in mind, while it’s an ideal learning tool, it’s not suitable for self-defense. Still, as a foundation-builder, it’s second to none.
Sig Sauer P365XL – Best Small-Frame Handgun
Sig’s P365XL packs 12+1 or even 15+1 rounds of 9mm into a slim, concealable frame without sacrificing shootability. With a flat-faced trigger, extended slide, and built-in night sights, it offers premium features right out of the box.
It’s pricier than others on this list, but the quality is undeniable. It’s the go-to for new shooters who want a concealed carry pistol that performs like a full-size pistol.
Palmetto State Armory Dagger – Best Budget Handgun
Want Glock 19 performance without Glock 19 prices? The PSA Dagger brings serious value. Compatible with Gen3 Glock parts and running under $350, this pistol delivers on reliability without the sticker shock.
It features aggressive slide cuts, a grippy frame, and comes from a company with a reputation for providing working-class gun owners the tools they need to stay armed and free. We do want to warn you, the trigger on this gun is by far the squishiest of this list, which most shooters do not prefer. Perfect for patriots on a budget.
Training and Safety Resources for New Handgun Owners
Owning a firearm isn’t just your right—it’s your responsibility. But that doesn’t mean the government gets to dictate how or when you’re “qualified” to exercise that right.
At the National Association for Gun Rights, we believe the Second Amendment is absolute. No permits, no mandatory training, no bureaucratic hoops. If you’re a law-abiding citizen, you should be able to purchase, carry, and defend yourself with a firearm—period.
That said, we strongly encourage gun owners, especially new ones, to get real training. In fact, I always recommend spending at least twice as much on training as you did on your new gear. A weekend course at your local range can teach you the basics of marksmanship, how to run your gun under pressure, and develop good habits that could save your life. And if you really want to get serious, seek out classes that focus on defensive shooting, malfunction drills, and real-world scenarios.
Training makes you more confident, more capable, and a far greater asset to yourself and those around you. But make no mistake: that decision should be up to you, not the Government.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Beginner Handguns
What caliber is best for a beginner handgun?
9mm is the best choice for new shooters. It’s got manageable recoil, is widely available, and won’t bankrupt you every time you hit the range. It also fits a balance of performance. Recoil vs terminal performance. If you’re purely training and want to eliminate recoil entirely, .22LR is a decent option, but not suitable for defense.
Is a Glock 19 good for beginners?
Absolutely. The Glock 19 is reliable, easy to operate, and has minimal controls to learn. It’s trusted by professionals and civilians alike. While it doesn’t have a manual safety, that’s by design—safe handling practices are always more important than relying on a safety switch.
How much should I expect to spend on my first handgun?
You should budget $400-$700 for a solid, dependable handgun. Don’t forget the extras: training, ammo, a quality holster, and maybe even a safe are all part of first-time ownership. The Glock 19, especially some of the optics cut models, sits at the higher end, but it holds its value better than almost any other pistol.
Should I Use a Red Dot Optic on My Handgun?
In short: yes. Red dot optics aren’t just a flash in the pan—they’re the future. For new shooters, red dots can speed up target acquisition, improve accuracy, and remove the need to perfectly align front and rear sights. That’s a huge advantage when stress hits or you’re still dialing in your fundamentals.
Modern pistol red dots are rugged, reliable, and more affordable than ever. As long as your handgun has an optics-ready slide—or can be milled for one—there’s no reason not to make the upgrade.
Here are three solid red dot options, from budget-friendly to top-tier:
This is one of the best bang-for-your-buck optics on the market. It features a durable aluminum housing, long battery life, and a clear 2 MOA dot. It even includes solar backup power. It’s great for beginners and holds zero like a champ.
Made in partnership with American shooters and designed with concealed carry in mind, Swampfox red dots offer excellent window clarity and rugged construction. These are built for real-world use and pair great with optics-ready pistols like the Glock 19 MOS or PSA Dagger.
If you want what the pros use, this is it. The RMR is the standard by which all pistol red dots are judged. It’s bombproof, reliable, and trusted by military and law enforcement. If you’re going to stake your life on your gear, this one is worth every penny.
The bottom line? Red dots are here to stay. Get one you trust, practice with it, and you’ll shoot better—faster.
What’s the difference between a striker-fired and hammer-fired handgun?
Striker-fired guns like the Glock 19 or PSA Dagger use a consistent trigger pull for every shot. Hammer-fired guns may offer a traditional double-action/single-action system. Most beginners prefer striker-fired because of their simplicity and ease of use.
Should I choose a semi-automatic pistol or revolver as my first handgun?
Semi-autos like the Glock 19 offer higher capacity, easier reloads, and better concealment options. Revolvers are mechanically simpler and very reliable, but their low capacity and heavier triggers make them less ideal for beginners.
Making Your First Handgun Purchase
Your first handgun isn’t just a tool—it’s a statement. It says you’re ready to take responsibility for your own safety, and you’re not leaving that duty to anyone else. So choose wisely. Get trained. And don’t settle for less.
At the National Association for Gun Rights, we fight every day to make sure you have the freedom to make that choice. If you’re ready to stand with us and defend the Second Amendment, join us today or make a contribution to keep our legal and legislative battles going strong.
Because freedom is never given—it’s fought for.
About the Author
Taylor Rhodes is the Director of Communications at the National Association for Gun Rights. A seasoned political strategist and unapologetic defender of the Second Amendment, Taylor has led high-impact campaigns at both the state and national levels. He lives in Hoover, Alabama with his wife, Madison, and enjoys bourbon, golf, and collecting firearms—especially his 12.5” Geissele Super Duty.
