Choosing your first handgun can be tough, especially if you’re entirely new and unfamiliar with the gun world. For some of us, that first handgun is a fond memory; but, for others, it was a lesson in how things can go wrong. Don’t let your first handgun experience stop you from becoming a proficient shooter and happy gun owner. We’re going to help by giving you our top five handguns list for first-time gun owners. Now, when it comes to first handguns, your mileage may vary. It’s smart to spend hands-on time with various handguns prior to buying so you can get a better idea what suits your needs. Consider this a good starting point for first handgun selection, and let the adventure begin.
SIG P365XL
You might have heard of the popular SIG Sauer P365 that started as a subcompact carry gun. We’re recommending the P365XL instead, which is a later variant of the gun that’s just a bit larger. The larger size makes it a much better idea for new shooters because it reduces felt recoil and muzzle rise a bit and creates a smoother live fire experience. Even so, the P365XL is small enough for concealed carry. It’s like the sweet spot between getting a full-sized handgun as your first gun and one that’s so small it might be snappier than you’d prefer.
The P365XL is a 9mm with 3.7-inch barrel, overall length of 6.6 inches, and height of 4.8 inches. It has angled serrations at the front and back of the slide, making racking the slide simpler, and the grip is aggressively textured (giving you a firm hold while shooting). The controls are easy to reach without excessively adjusting your grip, which is an important feature. It features an XSeries straight trigger and Nitron finish for wear resistance. The gun has a 12 +1 capacity but there’s also a 10-round model for restricted states. Overall, it’s a great first gun that bridges the size gap between learning and carry, allowing you to do both with one gun.
Ruger SR1911 Commander
Now, you might be surprised to see a 1911 on this list — or maybe not — but not everyone starts with a striker-fired gun. When it comes to a starter 1911, the Ruger SR1911 is a fantastic choice. These are guns that way outperform their price point, are comfortable in smaller hands, and accurate on paper. I really have zero complaints about the SR1911 as a first handgun. This model is the SR1911 Commander, meaning it’s not a full-sized gun, but also not the smallest 1911 out there. It’s chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum, which is a great defensive round.
The 9mm Ruger SR1911 Commander has a 4.25-inch barrel, overall length of 7.75 inches, and height of 5.45 inches. The lightweight aluminum frame is relatively solid and isn’t as bulky as steel framed handguns. It has an empty weight of 29.3 ounces. Angled serrations are placed at the rear of the slide for improved manipulation. The trigger is skeletonized. Textured grip panels are black rubberized material for a better grip during live fire. Capacity is 9 +1. This is a great gun to get new shooters started on the 1911 platform.
CZ P-10 F
Just because it’s your first handgun doesn’t mean you don’t want a gun that’s optics and suppressor ready right out of the box. The CZ P-10 F does those things and is a reliable gun too. This is a full-sized handgun which might make it a bigger challenge for concealment, but that bigger size mitigates felt recoil and muzzle rise. This handgun is designed for superior performance and it delivers. Getting a full-sized handgun as your first gun can be a smart choice because they’re often easier to control and learn on than smaller handguns. While you might not want to use it as a daily carry gun, it can be great for home defense.
The CZ P-10 F is chambered in 9mm with a 5.10-inch barrel. The threaded barrel is ready for a suppressor or other muzzle device, but ships with a thread protector (meaning you aren’t forced to add a device just to protect the threads). The gun is 8.7 inches long and 6.02 inches in height. Full-height serrations are located at the back of the slide with partial-height serrations at the front. Take note: if you want to use the forward serrations to manipulate the slide, know how to do so safely. Fingers and hands should never be over the muzzle of the gun (or over the ejection port). The grips are textured and the trigger features a safety blade. It has a 21 +1 capacity. While it is optics ready thanks to a removable plate on the slide, it ships with great iron sights that can also co-witness with a red dot sight.
Walther PDP Compact
If you want a compact gun but don’t want it to be too tiny, there’s the Walther PDP Compact (also available in a full-size model). The PDP Compact is a well-made pistol designed and manufactured according to exacting standards. Walther’s handguns are rugged, durable, and built to last. The PDP Compact is no different. It’s a good fit for most hand sizes, large enough to cut down on felt recoil, and has a grip that feels comfortable in your hands. Plus, it’s reliable and accurate, both of which are important. Really, any handgun from Walther is a great first handgun choice, but we do love the PDP Compact.
The PDP Compact has a 4.0-inch barrel, overall length of 7.5 inches, and height of 5.4 inches. It’s chambered in 9mm with a 15 +1 capacity. It weighs 24.4 ounces empty. The gun has deep serrations at the front and back of the slide, which makes it easier to rack — even with wet or sweaty hands. Grips are rubberized. The gun ships with a variety of backstrap sizes to more precisely fit the shooter’s hands. The PDP Compact is optics ready with a removable plate but ships with iron sights in place. There’s also an accessory rail in front of the trigger guard for lights or lasers. Textured and ridged controls provide a sure feel during use.
Glock 43X MOS
Yes, it makes sense for a Glock to be on a first guns list. These affordably priced guns have proven incredibly reliable even when put through ridiculous torture tests. The Glock 43X is one of the company’s Slimline guns, meaning it isn’t a double-stack. It’s also a Gen 5, so it has all the benefits of the latest enhancements to the Glock family of guns. Furthermore, because it’s an MOS model, it’s optics ready. This fantastic subcompact handgun is great for concealed carry and new shooters learning the ropes.
The Glock 43X MOS is chambered in 9mm with a 3.41-inch barrel. It has an overall length of 6.5 inches, height of 5.04 inches, and width of 1.10 inches. Empty, it weighs 18.55 ounces. With its 10 +1 capacity, it isn’t that hefty even when loaded. The 43X MOS has upright serrations at the front and back of the slide. As a Gen 5 Glock, it has a Glock Marksman Barrel, which really is more precise, and no finger grooves in the textured grip. The magazine release is reversible, which is great for left-handed use. A Glock accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard makes it simple to add aftermarket accessories. As with all Glocks, the 43X MOS has the Glock S.A.F.E. Action System and a safety blade trigger. This is a nice pistol for defensive use and a good option for learning.
What was your first handgun? Share your experiences in the comments.
