The Finest Handguns for Newcomers of 2024

Newcomers would possibly really feel intimidated on the subject of deciding on an acceptable handgun, however with a calculated method, yow will discover one that matches your price range and fulfills your wants. There are two challenges a newbie faces when deciding on their first pistol or revolver. First, it’s good to take into consideration your supposed function. Would you like a handgun for self safety, leisure capturing, or competitors? Second, which type of handgun are you able to shoot most precisely? That final one isn’t as straightforward to reply. There are handguns of every kind, types, and sizes, and there’s definitely one on the market to suit your wants — however it may be powerful to resolve which one. That can assist you out, I picked what I believe are a number of the finest handguns for freshmen that fulfill a wide range of functions and tastes. 

How I Selected the Finest Handguns for Newcomers

When making an attempt to pick one of the best handguns for freshmen, we wish to contemplate qualities like reliability, high quality, and options. We additionally must weigh the whole lot from the attitude of somebody who’s simply getting began. For a newbie, the top-end performer isn’t at all times going to be your best option. When deciding on a number of the finest handguns for freshmen, I selected from handguns that I’ve already examined or have expertise with and based mostly my decisions totally on the next standards:

• Simplicity/ease of use
• Recoil and capturing expertise
• Versatility and future usefulness
• Price

A starting handgun shooter wants a dependable gun that can fulfill their wants, however the platform must be straightforward to shoot to allow them to be taught the basics of security and marksmanship. Nobody ought to begin with a handgun that recoils excessively or is difficult to handle, so bigger calibers and less-ideal designs are out. Although it could be your first handgun, you wish to purchase one thing that can proceed to be helpful as your expertise enhance. Lastly, most freshmen don’t must shell out for the most costly weapons. Search for a handgun that strikes an inexpensive stability between high quality and affordability. 

Finest Handguns for Newcomers: Opinions and Suggestions

Finest General: Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite

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Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single motion, inner hammer
• Barrel size: 4.4 inches
• Sights: Adjustable, optic rail included
• Value: $575

Professionals

• Dependable and long-lasting
• Straightforward to shoot and clear
• Similar grip angle as 1911 pistols
• Suppressor prepared
• Good set off

Cons

The Ruger Mark IV is among the finest .22 pistols ever made, and the 22/45 and 22/45 Lite variations, which mimic the grip of heavier 1911 pistols, is among the finest handguns for freshmen to begin with. The Ruger Mark collection of pistols was initially impressed by the World Warfare II Japanese Nambu pistol, and has turn into some of the fashionable .22 semi-auto designs ever. 

The Mark IV 22/45 Lite is straightforward to be taught and function, however dependable, and fires the reasonably priced .22 LR cartridge. A brand new shooter can be taught and observe fundamentals with this handgun and never fear in any respect about recoil. It’s fed from a 10-round single-stack journal and the spherical bolt operates inside an aluminum receiver tube. The metal barrel on this Lite model is skinny and housed contained in the vented aluminum receiver tube/sleeve. The 22/45 is obtainable in a wide range of configurations, and freshmen ought to decide one with the adjustable sights. It additionally has a Picatinny rail put in so you should use a pink dot, however most pink dot sights sit fairly excessive on this pistol and might be tough to grasp. 

The Mark IV pistols aren’t low-cost, however that is actually a gun that’s nice to be taught on and can serve you nicely for a lifetime. This can be a handgun that you just’ll by no means wish to half with.

Finest .22 Coach: Sig Sauer P322  

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Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 20+1
• Motion: Semi-auto, single motion, inner hammer
• Barrel size: 4 inches
• Sights: Adjustable, red-dot suitable
• Value: $400

Professionals

• Replicates really feel of bigger caliber semi-autos
• Easy controls and performance
• Nice grip texture and ergonomics
• Purple-dot suitable
• Interchangeable set off sneakers

Cons

• Not particularly heavy responsibility
• Some ammo may cause extra main within the barrel

For the newbie who’s trying to get comfy with a semi-auto pistol, the Sig P322 is a wonderful choice. The design mimics that of the bigger P365 and P365 XL pistols, so each the texture, and controls are almost an identical. One factor I actually like concerning the P322 is that it makes use of a double-stack journal that holds 20 rounds of ammunition — when most .22 LR semi-autos solely maintain 10. The P322 comes with good iron sights, however also can simply be fitted with a Romeo Zero pink dot sight. Contemplating the prevalence of pink dot sights on pistols, it’s a terrific coaching software for the brand new shooter. 

I’ve discovered the P322 to be fairly dependable, but it surely doesn’t have the identical heft that a number of the traditional .22 pistols have. It won’t be an heirloom pistol, however for the newbie, it makes a terrific plinker and coach. The one reliability-related subject I’ve encountered is that some varieties of ammunition may cause extreme lead buildup within the barrel after 50 to 100 rounds, inflicting bullets to tumble and veer wildly off target. This may be remedied by a little bit scrubbing with a cleansing brush, but it surely’s one thing to pay attention to. 

Finest Finances Revolver: Ruger Wrangler

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Specs

• Caliber: .22 LR
• Capability: 6
• Motion: Single-action, hammer-fired
• Barrel size: 4.6 inches
• Sights: Blade entrance, rear groove (non-adjustable)
• Value: $210

Professionals

• Easy to function
• Nice for studying handgun security and revolver fundamentals
• Enjoyable to shoot
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Sights aren’t adjustable
• Not as good or sturdy nearly as good metal revolvers

Probably the greatest handguns for freshmen on a price range is the Ruger Wrangler. This .22-caliber six-shooter is a Peacemaker-style, single-action revolver that prices lower than half the value of many different .22s. The place do these price cuts come from? A lot of it’s in manufacturing and using aluminum somewhat than metal the place it is smart. Metal isn’t mandatory for a lot of components in a .22 revolver, and these aluminum-framed revolvers function a wide range of Cerakote end choices. The Wrangler options the traditional blade-style entrance sight and non-adjustable notch rear sight that’s built-in into the gun’s body and makes use of Ruger’s switch bar firing system that forestalls unintentional discharge when the hammer is down.

Why is that this a terrific handgun for freshmen? Apart from being reasonably priced, a single-action revolver (the hammer should be cocked manually earlier than every shot) is nice to be taught fundamental handgun security and fundamentals as a result of it’s easy, and these are very enjoyable to shoot and plink with. It’s a terrific choice to observe the fundamentals of gun dealing with and marksmanship with none extra complexity. Even if you happen to plan on switching to capturing semi-autos ultimately, you’ll discover this little revolver to be nicely well worth the small funding.

Finest All-Round 9mm: Glock G19 Gen 5 MOS

Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel size: 4 inches
• Sights: White dot entrance, Notch rear, optic-compatible
• Value: $650

Professionals

• Easy controls and operation
• Delicate recoil
• A number of aftermarket product help
• Extraordinarily dependable
• Optic suitable

Cons

• Manufacturing facility sights aren’t nice
• Some shooters don’t just like the angle of the grip

The Glock G19 is among the most outstanding semi-automatic pistols on the earth, and if you happen to’re trying to get began with a 9mm, it’s a strong decide. Glocks aren’t flashy or fancy, however they’re easy, sturdy, and ultra-reliable. The G19 is a compact pistol, barely smaller than the full-sized G17, but it surely’s a wonderful do-all handgun. The usual journal holds 15 rounds of 9mm ammo, and the brief 4-inch barrel nonetheless permits it to be an excellent concealed-carry choice. The present Gen 5 MOS mannequin is one of the best but, and options Glock’s MOS optic mounting system so you should use one of many finest pistol pink dots.

The G19 is a superb handgun for a newbie as a result of recoil is gentle and the whole lot about working and sustaining a Glock is fairly easy. It’s a wonderful fundamental pistol, however it might additionally function at a excessive stage. It’s utilized by many regulation enforcement businesses, and the aftermarket choices for components, upgrades, and holsters is sort of countless. The one important drawbacks of the Glock G19 are that some shooters actually don’t just like the grip angle and the way the gun feels within the hand, and the manufacturing facility sights may very well be significantly better. Any gun vary that gives leases could have one, so take one for a spin before you purchase.

Finest Finances 9mm: Palmetto State Armory Dagger 

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Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 15+1
• Motion: Single-action, striker-fired
• Barrel size: 3.9 inches
• Sights: Black Iron sights, optic suitable
• Value: $350

Professionals

• Easy controls and operation
• Delicate recoil
• Good ergonomics
• Optic-compatible
• Very reasonably priced

Cons

• Manufacturing facility sights aren’t nice
• Triggers might be fairly stiff

If an excellent worth, the Dagger from Palmetto State Armory is a superb choice. It’s among the finest handguns for freshmen on the lookout for a budget-priced semi-auto. That is one in every of many Glock G19 clones available on the market, they usually piggyback off the simplicity and reliability of that platform. PSA affords their Dagger in a wide range of configurations, however most are surprisingly reasonably priced with nice function units for his or her value. The PSA Daggers have polymer frames which might be properly contoured and textured, and sturdy Cerakote finishes on the slides. One other plus is that the slides are lower for an optic, however are solely suitable with Trijicon RMR-pattern pink dot sights. 

I’ve put greater than a thousand rounds via a Dagger and actually didn’t have any complaints in addition to the stiff set off — which I used to be capable of treatment with a few aftermarket springs. This isn’t a best-in-class gun, but it surely’s among the finest handguns for freshmen. And just like the Glock G19, it’s straightforward to be taught and can be utilized for a few years to return.

Finest Revolver for Newcomers: Taurus Tracker 627 4-inch 

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Specs

• Caliber: .357 Magnum/.38 Particular
• Capability: 7 
• Motion: Single/double motion
• Barrel size: 4 inches
• Sights: Adjustable rear, orange entrance ramp
• Value: $506

Professionals

• Easy to function
• Ported to scale back recoil
• Can use each .357 magnum and .38 Particular
• Nice for studying, observe, or backcountry protection
• Reasonably priced

Cons

• Not as easy or good as high-end revolvers

In the event you’re a newbie who’s available in the market for a centerfire revolver, take an in depth take a look at the Taurus Tracker 627. It’s chambered for .357 Magnum and you’ll shoot lighter .38 Particular masses via it for coaching and observe. The tracker is a fairly dependable mannequin from Taurus, and I had one for years. It’s not almost as easy and refined as .357s just like the Colt Python, but it surely has what a newbie must be taught and is sensible for backcountry or off-body-carry. 

Along with holding eight rounds within the cylinder, the Tracker 627 has a ported barrel with a fuel growth chamber to counteract muzzle flip from recoil. It makes this gun fairly straightforward to shoot precisely, even with full-power .357 Magnum masses. That’s an vital factor to contemplate when beginning out. Smaller-framed revolvers are extra concealable, however not as straightforward or enjoyable to shoot. The tracker is provided with respectable sights, is made out of sturdy stainless-steel, and affords the beginner revolver shooter loads of flexibility and usefulness for the cash. Sometime you would possibly wish to improve to a high-end revolver, however then once more, you would possibly simply wish to preserve utilizing this one. 

Finest for Hid Carry: Sig Sauer P365 

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Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 10+1
• Motion: Single Motion, Striker-fired
• Barrel Size: 3.1 inches
• Sights: X-Ray 3-dot night time/day sights
• Value: $660

Professionals

• Extremely compact
• Easy controls
• Nice ergonomics and grip texture
• Number of fashions
• Optic-compatible fashions

Cons

• Will be more difficult to shoot precisely and be taught fundamentals

The Sig P365 is among the first pistols that began the micro-compact 9mm craze by cramming 10 rounds of 9mm right into a tiny pistol with nice ergonomics when similar-sized weapons solely held six or seven rounds. The P365 is among the finest concealed-carry weapons available on the market, and it’s additionally among the finest handguns for freshmen who need a reliable carry gun. The usual-sized P365 comes with 10-round magazines, however 12- and even 17-round magazines can be found. There are additionally various completely different P365 fashions, together with the P365 XL and P365 X-Macro which have bigger grips and better capability — these are good choices too.

Although there are some variations, the P365 fashions all have easy controls, function the identical fireplace management unit, and most of them are optic-compatible. They’re dependable and, for the scale, have nice ergonomics and grip texture that helps the shooter handle recoil. The usual P365 isn’t the best 9mm pistol to shoot or be taught on, but it surely’s not unhealthy in any respect. Just like the Glock G19, the Sig P365 is supported by an enormous array of aftermarket components and upgrades. It’s a gun that you just gained’t outgrow as your expertise enhance. 

Finest Sub-Compact: Springfield Armory Hellcat Professional Comp

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Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 15+1, 17+1
• Motion: Single Motion, Striker-fired
• Barrel size: 3.7 inches
• Sights: tritium entrance, u-notch rear
• Value: $683

Professionals

• Nice for hid carry
• Glorious grip texture
• Nice capability
• Good low optics mounting system
• Compensator reduces recoil

Cons

One other dominant handgun within the micro-compact market is the Springfield Hellcat. I’ve reviewed different fashions of it just like the RDP, however the Hellcat Professional is a barely up-sized model that matches extra within the sub-compact class. Don’t let that idiot you although, the Hellcat Professional and this mannequin, the Hellcat Professional Comp OSP pack loads of punch. The pistols are smaller than a regular compact just like the Glock G19, however include 15- and 17-round magazines, making them a potent choice for hid carry.

The grip on the Hellcat Professional is good-sized for a newbie, particularly these with smaller fingers, but it surely’s not too small for these with gorilla mitts. The grip is roofed in an ultra-grippy texture that isn’t too abrasive when carried in opposition to the physique in a holster. This Professional Comp mannequin has a built-in muzzle compensator that reduces muzzle flip and recoil drastically. Usually the Hellcat pistols have sharp, snappy recoil and this does so much to mitigate that. The gun comes with nice iron sights, but in addition has an optic lower that caters to micro-sized pink dot sights. LIke the P365, this is among the finest handguns for freshmen and specialists alike.

Finest 2011-Model Pistol for Newcomers: Army Armament Company MAC 9 DS 1911 

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Specs

• Caliber: 9mm
• Capability: 17+1
• Motion: Single motion, hammer fired
• Barrel size: 4.25 inches
• Sights: Fiber optic entrance, serrated notch rear (adjustable), optic-compatible
• Value: $950

Professionals

• Easy and dependable
• Nice accuracy
• Nice package deal worth
• Good optic system
• Glorious worth

Cons

• Much less refined than costly 2011-style pistols

One of many finest handguns we’ve got examined this 12 months is the Army Armament Company MAC 9 1911 DS. It’s a Turkish imported 2011-style pistol that’s much like the Springfield Armory Prodigy and Staccato P. That principally implies that it’s a double-stack 1911 that has a detachable grip module somewhat than a full-length body and grip scales. It’s not as refined because the higher-end pistols, however at $950, it’s lower than half the value of a lot of them. I put nicely over 2,000 rounds via two of those pistols and each proved dependable, correct, and straightforward to shoot nicely. 

This isn’t going to be the finest handgun for each newbie, however if you happen to’re keen on 2011-style pistols or need a pistol that’s reasonably priced however good for competitors, the MAC 9 DS 1911 is a superb worth. It comes with further magazines and a pleasant carrying case, in addition to further fiber optics for the entrance sight. This can be a pistol {that a} newbie competitor may improve over time, however as-is, it’s already a step above many striker-fired pistols.

Issues to Take into account Earlier than Shopping for a Handgun for Newcomers

In the event you’re a newbie, it may be overwhelming making an attempt to pick a handgun that can work finest for you. Deciding what sort of handgun you need on your supposed software will slender the sphere drastically, however there’ll nonetheless be plenty of choices. Decide a gun that can fulfill your wants at an inexpensive value. If you would like one which might be helpful long run, it’s OK to spend extra. In the event you simply wish to be taught the fundamentals, an reasonably priced .22 pistol is an effective approach to go. Except you will have the additional cash to spend, you gained’t profit a lot from deciding on a top-end pistol till your expertise have developed.

FAQ

Closing Ideas on The Finest Handguns for Newcomers

There’s by no means been a greater time to be a newbie handgun shooter. There are weapons of each form, dimension, and magnificence, and almost everybody can discover one that can swimsuit them finest. The handguns I’ve listed definitely aren’t the one nice choices, however they’re a number of the finest handguns for freshmen that I’ve used or examined. In the end, it’s good to resolve what you want finest, and this listing needs to be a terrific place to begin.