Are you a first time gun buyer? Yes? Then this article has got you covered. We will cover some of the best and some of the worst guns for the first time owner. We’ll cover several topics such as calibers, size, fit, price, among others.
Let’s get into it!
Caliber
For the first time buyer, the caliber of the gun whether it be a rifle or a handgun needs to be easy to use and easy to buy. The recoil needs to be manageable as well. With something like a rifle, we recommend going with more popular rounds like a .308 Winchester or .223 Remington. They will be comfortable shooters and the ammo is easy to find.
The best caliber we recommend getting is the 9mm; it is the most universal handgun cartridge with a lot of variety of brands.
The caliber is also pretty cheap compared to other handgun calibers. The recoil isn’t that bad either. In recent years, 9mm has caught up with .40 S & W and .45ACP in terms of penetration and impact. Capacity is another big advantage with 9mm over other popular calibers. You can normally fit more ammo in a magazine (15 + 1) whereas with .40 S&W and .45ACP (7-13) is less so.
That being said, having shot all three calibers, the recoil isn’t terrible on .40 S & W and .45ACP either. It’s just 9mm is generally cheaper, therefore, for the gun newbie, we recommend going with the 9mm.
Fit
No matter how well it may seem when you hold it in the gun store, the most important thing is comfortability and fit to the user. How does it fit on your person? How does it feel in your hands? Does it feel good when you operate the weapon? These are all questions that need to be answered before purchase.
That’s why it is recommended that a new buyer goes to the gun range to test out different types of guns before buying one. Get used to recoil of the different calibers as each performs uniquely than the other.
Price
Price is always one of the biggest points. Guns aren’t always the cheapest. At Farm and Flannel USA, we recommend at least allocating $500 to purchase a gun. Whether that be a shotgun, handgun or rifle, giving yourself $500 will get you a decent firearm. With $500, you can buy a nice Glock or Remington shotgun. Trust us, when God forbid you ever have to use one of these in a life or death situation, you don’t want to have to worry about whether or not the quality will match up to whatever the situation is.
Tip: Stick with quality brands like Glock, Sig Saurer, Remington etc. for your first purchases. Don’t go with an unknown brand, do your research and talk to experts before purchase.
Size
Size is another matter to think about when purchasing your first firearm. There are questions you need to ask yourself. Will you be using this for just home-defense? What about concealed carry? If so, you need to consider your body type and the size of the weapon matches for your comfort.
If you are a person who is smaller in size and stature, concealing a full size handgun like a Glock 17 or Beretta 92FS is going to be harder than hiding the Glock 43x or Smith and Wesson 642.
Use
What is the gun’s use? Will you be hunting with your recent purchase or will it simply be used for home-defense? A bolt action rifle may be the perfect choice for a long distance hunter but not for the single mother who needs to protect her home and her children.
Best Picks for the First Time Buyer
- Glock 19/43x
- Ruger 10/22
- AR-15
- Mossberg 500/Remington 870
- Ruger SP101
- Smith and Wesson 642
- Sig Sauer P365/XL
- Savage Axis II
- Beretta 92
- Lever Action Rifles
Glock 19/43x
The Glock platform is the go to for many military forces and law enforcement agencies around the world, and for good reason. The Glock is one of the best beginner platforms due to the simplicity of the weapon, as well as the army of aftermarket support.
The Glock 19 is one of the most popular concealed carry options out there. The lack of external safety is one of the drivers for some. The ability to have immediate access to the gun without flicking a safety is a dealbreaker.
However it does have its limitations. Its size for one is compact and doesn’t always work for everyone. For the slimmer folk, the 19 wasn’t always ideal. That’s why Glock manufactured the Glock 43 which holds 5 + 1 rounds of 9mm. Its small, subcompact, slim frame was what some people really needed for their everyday carry; for others not quite.
The next rendition of the 43 model was the 43x. The 43x holds 10+1 rounds of 9mm. Its slim frame was exactly what people were looking for. A slim framed everyday pistol that a good portion of people could carry and defend their homes with. Plus, an aftermarket company known as Shield Arms makes 15 + 1 round magazines that fit flush in the magwell of the 43x! Thus, giving you just as many rounds in the 43x as the 19.
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is another simplistic weapon. It is by far the best .22LR semi-automatic rifle on the market. It is probably one of the most popular guns for people to learn how to shoot on. It’s an easy weapon to learn. The controls are such: a cross bolt safety, a charging handle, and a magazine release. Starting off with a 10 round detachable magazine, the 10/22 gives you a good starting point to learn how to shoot. The 22 Long Rifle is relatively cheap and has little to no recoil, so it’s easy to shoot.
AR-15
This gun may be controversial but it’s affective. The AR-15 is “America’s gun” due to the vast opportunities for customization it allows its user. It is a semi-automatic replica of the selective fire versions used by our military. It is the most popular sporting rifle in the U.S. chambered in the popular 5.56x45mm cartridge.
The unique customization of the weapon allows for user to build and tinker with the firearm, building to each owner’s distinct desire.
Check out Pew Pew Tactical’s Guide on them for more information!
Mossberg 500/Remington 870
Remember the old saying, “Tomato/Tomato?” Essentially that applies to the classic pump action shotguns as well. I personally as a left-handed shooter prefer the Mossberg 500 because the safety switch is on the top rather than the side. Both are excellent options for you first shot gun. It would be best to stick with a 12 gauge for your first shotgun. It’ll give you the most amount of options ammo wise.
Both the 500 and the 870 are used by militaries and police worldwide. These two competitors are the top notch of the pump action shotgun world. Don’t overthink it, just go with which one suits you best.
Ruger SP101
Thinking of dipping your toe into the revolver realm? Then the Ruger SP101 is one of the best options for a beginner! Offered in either a 2.25 inch or 3 inch barrel, the Ruger SP101 is one of the greatest .357/.38 Special options for a beginner. You can select either the double action revolver or hammerless. The revolver also offers a variety of different calibers ranging from the 22LR to the.327 Federal Magnum.
Smith and Wesson 642
Maybe the SP101 isn’t your cup of tea and you want to go smaller. Then look no further than the Smith and Wesson 642. This double action 5 shot j frame is perfect for personal defense and concealed carry. However, it’s not the best weapon for some due to its recoil being like a cannon in your hand. With a Smith and Wesson 642 and a We The People holster to go with it, you’ve got an awesome package ready to conceal on your day to day!
Sig Sauer P365/XL
Again, another 9mm deviation like the Glock, the Sig Sauer P365 and its big brother the P365 XL . These guns totes either a 10 + 1 capacity for the smaller and a 12 + 1 capacity for the larger one. These are essentially to the Sig version of the Glock 43 series. Same principle. They’re excellent shooters!
Savage Axis II
Probably the best beginner’s bolt action rifle for the money. Savage Arms makes the Savage Axis series that retails for around $400. Even less so for certain big box stores around Black Friday. The Savage Axis II is the second rendition of the model. It is available in multiple calibers like .223, .308, 7mm Rem Mag, .243 etc. The Savage rifle comes with a 3x9x40mm Vortex scope along with it. Its carbon fiber frame makes the rifle very light and easy to use.
Beretta 92 FS
Maybe the most iconic on this list. Perhaps it was the Die Hard series or growing up playing Call of Duty Modern Warfare games, the Beretta 92FS is an excellent beginner’s gun. The firearm is a 9mm double action handgun that holds 15 + 1 rounds. Based on the popular military Beretta M9, the 92FS is the best firearm to get into double action pistols. It will be easy to find accessories and holsters for this gun.
Lever Action Rifles
This rifle brings up iconic visions of the Wild Wild West. Lever action rifles are easy to operate and come in a bevy of different calibers. Anyone new to guns or not generally has an idea how to wield this type of firearm. These guns are also beneficial if you live in a “ban” state where other popular firearms like the AR-15 are illegal to own, lever actions are not. Depending on the cartridge you can hold up to 10-12 rounds of your selected caliber; making the lever action a perfect gun for the beginner.
Firearms to Steer Away From
Budget Brands
Brands such as Taurus, Hi-Point, and Kel-Tec are ones I would stay away from for the first time buyer. Although their price point may attract some, the quality will not. You’ll end up paying more in the long run if you do.
The Latest Greatest Model
I personally made this mistake for my first handgun. Buying the latest rendition of a popular 9mm. There wasn’t any good aftermarket accessories and its marketing didn’t do it any justice. New models at times aren’t as established as proven models like the Glock 19. That’s why we recommend sticking with proven brands such as Glock or Sig for your first firearm. For example, the Smith and Wesson EZ is marketed as a great beginner gun, due to its “easy” slide to rack back. However, its hard to find holsters for, it only holds 9 rounds, and there’s not many aftermarket accessories for it.
Final Thoughts
I hope you all find this list useful. Leave a comment below about any thoughts or things you’d like to add!
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