The Greatest Handguns for Newbies of 2024

Newbies would possibly really feel intimidated in the case of deciding on an acceptable handgun, however with a calculated strategy, you’ll find one that matches your finances and fulfills your wants. There are two challenges a newbie faces when deciding on their first pistol or revolver. First, it’s essential take into consideration your supposed goal. Would you like a handgun for self safety, leisure taking pictures, or competitors? Second, which fashion of handgun are you able to shoot most precisely? That final one isn’t as simple to reply. There are handguns of every type, kinds, and sizes, and there’s definitely one on the market to suit your wants — however it may be robust to resolve which one. That will help you out, I picked what I believe are a number of the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons that fulfill a wide range of functions and tastes. 

How I Selected the Greatest Handguns for Newbies

When attempting to pick the very best handguns for inexperienced persons, we wish to contemplate qualities like reliability, high quality, and options. We additionally have to weigh all the pieces from the angle of somebody who’s simply getting began. For a newbie, the top-end performer isn’t all the time going to be the only option. When deciding on a number of the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons, 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 taking pictures expertise
• Versatility and future usefulness
• Value

A starting handgun shooter wants a dependable gun that may fulfill their wants, however the platform must be simple 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 tough to handle, so bigger calibers and less-ideal designs are out. Although it is likely to be your first handgun, you wish to purchase one thing that may proceed to be helpful as your abilities enhance. Lastly, most inexperienced persons don’t have to shell out for the costliest weapons. Search for a handgun that strikes an affordable stability between high quality and affordability. 

Greatest Handguns for Newbies: Critiques and Suggestions

Greatest General: Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite

See It

Specs

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

Execs

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

Cons

The Ruger Mark IV is likely one of the greatest .22 pistols ever made, and the 22/45 and 22/45 Lite variations, which mimic the grip of heavier 1911 pistols, is likely one of the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons to start out with. The Ruger Mark collection of pistols was initially impressed by the World Struggle II Japanese Nambu pistol, and has grow to be one of the vital in style .22 semi-auto designs ever. 

The Mark IV 22/45 Lite is easy to be taught and function, however dependable, and fires the reasonably priced .22 LR cartridge. A brand new shooter can be taught and apply 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 accessible in a wide range of configurations, and inexperienced persons ought to choose one with the adjustable sights. It additionally has a Picatinny rail put in so you should utilize a purple dot, however most purple dot sights sit fairly excessive on this pistol and may 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 effectively for a lifetime. This can be a handgun that you just’ll by no means wish to half with.

Greatest .22 Coach: Sig Sauer P322  

See It

Specs

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

Execs

• Replicates really feel of bigger caliber semi-autos
• Easy controls and performance
• Nice grip texture and ergonomics
• Crimson-dot appropriate
• Interchangeable set off footwear

Cons

• Not particularly heavy obligation
• Some ammo could cause extra main within the barrel

For the newbie who’s seeking to get comfy with a semi-auto pistol, the Sig P322 is a superb possibility. The design mimics that of the bigger P365 and P365 XL pistols, so each the texture, and controls are practically similar. 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 may also simply be fitted with a Romeo Zero purple dot sight. Contemplating the prevalence of purple dot sights on pistols, it’s an awesome 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 may not be an heirloom pistol, however for the newbie, it makes an awesome plinker and coach. The one reliability-related problem I’ve encountered is that some kinds of ammunition could cause extreme lead buildup within the barrel after 50 to 100 rounds, inflicting bullets to tumble and veer wildly astray. This may be remedied by somewhat scrubbing with a cleansing brush, but it surely’s one thing to pay attention to. 

Greatest Funds Revolver: Ruger Wrangler

See It

Specs

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

Execs

• 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 pretty much as good metal revolvers

The most effective handguns for inexperienced persons on a finances 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 slightly than metal the place it is smart. Metal isn’t needed for a lot of elements 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 an awesome handgun for inexperienced persons? Moreover being reasonably priced, a single-action revolver (the hammer should be cocked manually earlier than every shot) is nice to be taught primary handgun security and fundamentals as a result of it’s easy, and these are very enjoyable to shoot and plink with. It’s an awesome choice to apply the fundamentals of gun dealing with and marksmanship with none extra complexity. Even if you happen to plan on switching to taking pictures semi-autos finally, you’ll discover this little revolver to be effectively well worth the small funding.

Greatest 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
• Worth: $650

Execs

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

Cons

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

The Glock G19 is likely one of the most distinguished semi-automatic pistols on the planet, and if you happen to’re seeking to get began with a 9mm, it’s a stable choose. 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 superb do-all handgun. The usual journal holds 15 rounds of 9mm ammo, and the quick 4-inch barrel nonetheless permits it to be a superb concealed-carry possibility. The present Gen 5 MOS mannequin is the very best but, and options Glock’s MOS optic mounting system so you should utilize one of many greatest pistol purple dots.

The G19 is a good handgun for a newbie as a result of recoil is gentle and all the pieces about working and sustaining a Glock is fairly easy. It’s a superb primary pistol, however it might additionally function at a excessive degree. It’s utilized by many legislation enforcement businesses, and the aftermarket choices for elements, upgrades, and holsters is almost limitless. The one vital 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 might be significantly better. Any gun vary that gives leases could have one, so take one for a spin before you purchase.

Greatest Funds 9mm: Palmetto State Armory Dagger 

See It

Specs

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

Execs

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

Cons

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

If a superb worth, the Dagger from Palmetto State Armory is a good possibility. It’s probably the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons in search of a budget-priced semi-auto. That is certainly one of many Glock G19 clones in the marketplace, they usually piggyback off the simplicity and reliability of that platform. PSA gives their Dagger in a wide range of configurations, however most are surprisingly reasonably priced with nice function units for his or her worth. The PSA Daggers have polymer frames which can be properly contoured and textured, and sturdy Cerakote finishes on the slides. One other plus is that the slides are reduce for an optic, however are solely appropriate with Trijicon RMR-pattern purple dot sights. 

I’ve put greater than a thousand rounds by way of a Dagger and actually didn’t have any complaints in addition to the stiff set off — which I used to be in a position to treatment with a few aftermarket springs. This isn’t a best-in-class gun, but it surely’s probably the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons. And just like the Glock G19, it’s simple to be taught and can be utilized for a few years to come back.

Greatest Revolver for Newbies: Taurus Tracker 627 4-inch 

See It

Specs

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

Execs

• Easy to function
• Ported to cut back recoil
• Can use each .357 magnum and .38 Particular
• Nice for studying, apply, or backcountry protection
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not as easy or good as high-end revolvers

For those who’re a newbie who’s out there for a centerfire revolver, take an in depth have a look at the Taurus Tracker 627. It’s chambered for .357 Magnum and you’ll shoot lighter .38 Particular masses by way of it for coaching and apply. The tracker is a reasonably dependable mannequin from Taurus, and I had one for years. It’s not practically 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 gasoline growth chamber to counteract muzzle flip from recoil. It makes this gun fairly simple to shoot precisely, even with full-power .357 Magnum masses. That’s an vital factor to think about when beginning out. Smaller-framed revolvers are extra concealable, however not as simple or enjoyable to shoot. The tracker is supplied with first rate sights, is constituted of sturdy chrome steel, and gives the beginner revolver shooter a whole lot 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 hold utilizing this one. 

Greatest for Hid Carry: Sig Sauer P365 

See It

Specs

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

Execs

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

Cons

• Will be tougher to shoot precisely and be taught fundamentals

The Sig P365 is likely one of 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 likely one of the greatest concealed-carry weapons in the marketplace, and it’s additionally probably the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons 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 numerous totally 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 hearth management unit, and most of them are optic-compatible. They’re dependable and, for the dimensions, have nice ergonomics and grip texture that helps the shooter handle recoil. The usual P365 isn’t the simplest 9mm pistol to shoot or be taught on, but it surely’s not dangerous in any respect. Just like the Glock G19, the Sig P365 is supported by a large array of aftermarket elements and upgrades. It’s a gun that you just received’t outgrow as your abilities enhance. 

Greatest Sub-Compact: Springfield Armory Hellcat Professional Comp

See It

Specs

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

Execs

• Nice for hid carry
• Wonderful 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 a whole lot of punch. The pistols are smaller than an ordinary compact just like the Glock G19, however include 15- and 17-round magazines, making them a potent possibility for hid carry.

The grip on the Hellcat Professional is good-sized for a newbie, particularly these with smaller arms, 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 rather a lot to mitigate that. The gun comes with nice iron sights, but additionally has an optic reduce that caters to micro-sized purple dot sights. LIke the P365, this is likely one of the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons and specialists alike.

Greatest 2011-Fashion Pistol for Newbies: Army Armament Company MAC 9 DS 1911 

See It

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
• Worth: $950

Execs

• Clean and dependable
• Nice accuracy
• Nice package deal worth
• Good optic system
• Wonderful worth

Cons

• Much less refined than costly 2011-style pistols

One of many greatest handguns now we have examined this yr 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 mainly implies that it’s a double-stack 1911 that has a detachable grip module slightly 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 lots of them. I put effectively over 2,000 rounds by way of two of those pistols and each proved dependable, correct, and simple to shoot effectively. 

This isn’t going to be the greatest handgun for each newbie, however if you happen to’re inquisitive about 2011-style pistols or need a pistol that’s reasonably priced however good for competitors, the MAC 9 DS 1911 is a good worth. It comes with additional magazines and a pleasant carrying case, in addition to additional 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 Newbies

For those who’re a newbie, it may be overwhelming attempting to pick out a handgun that may work greatest for you. Deciding what kind of handgun you need on your supposed software will slender the sphere drastically, however there’ll nonetheless be numerous choices. Choose a gun that may fulfill your wants at an affordable worth. If you would like one which will likely be helpful long run, it’s OK to spend extra. For those who simply wish to be taught the fundamentals, an reasonably priced .22 pistol is an effective option to go. Until you might have the additional cash to spend, you received’t profit a lot from deciding on a top-end pistol till your abilities have developed.

FAQ

Last Ideas on The Greatest Handguns for Newbies

There’s by no means been a greater time to be a newbie handgun shooter. There are weapons of each form, measurement, and elegance, and practically everybody can discover one that may go well with them greatest. The handguns I’ve listed definitely aren’t the one nice choices, however they’re a number of the greatest handguns for inexperienced persons that I’ve used or examined. In the end, it’s essential resolve what you want greatest, and this record needs to be an awesome place to start out.