How to Choose Your First Handgun

 There are several factors to consider when deciding what will be your first handgun. Most likely, you are looking at a $400-600 purchase, so it’s worth doing some research on. You have to get your hands on several different guns before you go into the store. Think of it like buying a car. You don’t just pick one off the lot and hope for the best.

Fit

The gun should fit you. If the gun is too large or small for your hands, chances are you won’t enjoy shooting it. Some models are made entirely from metal and therefore are heavier to hold than their polymer counterparts. If you pick up a gun and immediately think, “Wow, this gun is uncomfortable,” then you should move on and find a different one.

Most of the time, though, simply holding a gun won’t give a good enough idea of the fit.

• Practice a solid two-handed grip with the gun. Do your fingers fall naturally on the grip? Do your thumbs align naturally along the frame or slide? Do you feel any rubbing or binding underneath the trigger guard?
• In a safe direction, practice presenting the gun toward a target. Does the gun align naturally with the target? Can you achieve a good sight picture? Is the bore axis too high?
• Place your finger on the trigger. Does it fall naturally onto the trigger? Can you manipulate the trigger without adding additional movement to the gun?
• Does your grip have the potential to cause a stoppage? Check to see if your grip and thumb position are capable of causing a stoppage by activating the slide stop.

Capacity

This one’s simple. In Massachusetts, we have a 10-round magazine limit. Don’t get hung up on that, though. Simply carry more magazines if you aren’t satisfied with 10 rounds.

Concealability 

This is where we start to see people start to compromise. Most new buyers believe they must get a subcompact gun because it’s small and easy to conceal. It is, but smaller guns are typically harder to shoot well. Carrying concealed is a lifestyle change, so you will have to adjust your wardrobe to fit your concealed carry gun. If that means a larger pant size and a belt, so be it. You should carry the gun you shoot best and conceal it. Not the other way around. Try to avoid carrying too few guns for the sake of concealment, but also avoid carrying too many guns if you will not carry them because of it.

Shootability

This is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a handgun. Shootability basically means your ability to shoot the handgun well. Whatever gun you decide to purchase and carry, you must be able to shoot it well. If you buy a gun, but find that you hate it, you won’t train with it. And if you don’t train with it then you won’t carry it. What handgun to purchase is a tough decision. It’s a decent amount of money to invest in something, especially if you don’t have much experience. The best advice is to seek out training with people who can put different guns in your hands so that you can try a bunch before you go to buy. Spend a little upfront to avoid having to sell a gun you purchased and then hated.

Choose Tactical Dynamics for Your Handgun Needs

Ready to find the right handgun for your needs? The team at Tactical Dynamics can help you get hands-on experience and expert training before you buy. Contact us today at 855-276-5730 to schedule a session and gain the confidence you need to make the right choice.