*gets out soapbox* *Adjusts microphone*
I'm presuming you have little to no experience with them. I'm also presuming you have the basics of gun safety. If not beginner classes are everywhere.
1. Stay away from subcompacts, airweights, and snubnose revolvers. They are not beginner friendly.
The minimum barrel length you should be looking at is 3-4in
Recoil is going to be more noticeable the smaller and lighter the gun is. Shorter barrels reduce accuracy.
2. A .22lr such as a Ruger MKIV, S&W victory, and Browning buckmark. Is ok, but note that the .22lr is suboptimal for defense, but still very much lethal. If you are planning on mostly a learning platform they are excellent for this purpose.
3. Caliber
Just as .22lr is considered too light you can also go too heavy. Bigger calibers mean more recoil and more expensive cartridges. Uncommon calibers means expensive or unavailable ammunition. Recommendations:
Autos- 380acp/9mm/40S&W/45acp
Revolver .38special/.357
4. Revolvers are a good choice for those who are looking for a sock drawer gun. Mostly for just in case and carried infrequently. They are also the most versatile when it comes to grip choices. Most autos you are stuck with what it is and few have changeable grip inserts.
As long as it's 3-4in you should be good to go. 4in is a common barrel length. Again stay away from airweights!
5. Brands. They ALL have stinkers in their lineups.
KelTEC and Highpoint- Are your absolute minimum brands. Cheaper guns with poor ergonomics. Guns are usually safe and function OK but I recommend saving up.
Taurus- Has some to recommend for the budget constrained. G2C, G3C, TX22, Some of their revolvers.
S&W
Springfield
Ruger
Glock
Beretta
Colt
Walther
CZ
Sig Sauer (365 and 320 models are not recommended for now)
FN
Canik
6. When shopping take someone experienced with you. Most of us would be happy to help. Do not trust the gunstore clerk's advise by itself. Multiple opinions make for informed choices. Discount advice that says you need a specific gun. They are like shoes what fits personA will not fit personB.
Look for something that feels comfortable in your hands. Your fingers should be able to reach the controls easily. The gun should point naturally for you. A test of this is to point it in a safe direction and close your eyes for 15 seconds. When you open them is the gun pointed in the same spot or is it off to the right or left?
If you have a range nearby that has a rental counter they are an excellent opportunity to try out several and see what fits you.
Of note I had a Beretta 92FS. Fit my hands BUT I could not shoot it accurately two handed. I've had instructors and even Beretta reps watch me shoot and have no idea why this is. I've also tried different models of the same gun and they all performed the same way.
7. Optics, fiber, and night sights.
Night sights are glowing inserts that make them easy to see in low light. They also fade and need replaced every 12 years or so. Expect them to be $50-100.
Fiber optic sites collect light and can be useful for low light situations. They can be more fragile than traditional sights but for most of us it's fine.
Optics such as red dots are featured more and more on handguns. They can be very useful for those with vision issues. You do have to deal with batteries and other considerations. Expect this to be a $150+ addon. Also be aware that holster choices will need to accommodate the sites as well.
Is this recommended for new handgun shooters? I don't have an opinion since I just bought my first one.
8.Flashlights/Lasers
For a beginner get comfortable with the basics before looking at accessories.
9. Homes with children or adults that are questionable.
If it's not on you LOCK IT UP!
A basic handgun gun safe is about $50. A locker that can handle rifles and handguns run $125. I like GunVault products. I don't recommend biometric locks such as fingerprints. Do not rely on putting them on a high shelf or hiding them. Every gunstore should have a basic cable or trigger lock available for $10 if it's not included. That is the bare minimum and would get a safe/locker asap since they would only stop a curious young child.
10. New or Used?
As a new shooter, new.
Used can save money, but as with a used car it can bite you in the behind unless you know all the things to look for. Just because it's for sale at a gunstore or gunshow does not mean it's in working condition let alone safe to fire.
Practice frequently. Be Safe. Have fun.
Feedback appreciated. I'm sure I missed something.
