How to Choose Your First Handgun
If you're new to handguns, this guide will walk you through what to look for and why it matters. We'll focus on reliability, simplicity, and cost-effective ways to get quality gear without wasting money.
Start with a 9mm Polymer Striker-Fired Handgun
What is Polymer?
Polymer means the frame of the gun is made from high-strength plastic rather than metal. This keeps the gun lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and more affordable. Polymer-framed guns are the industry standard for concealed carry and duty use.
What is Striker-Fired?
Striker-fired guns use an internal spring-loaded firing pin instead of an external hammer. This makes the gun:
- Easier to learn (same trigger pull every time)
- Safer to carry (built-in drop safeties)
- Simpler to maintain (fewer moving parts)
Best First Handguns (Concealable and Reliable)
All of these are 9mm, striker-fired, polymer-framed, and available in optics-ready versions:
- Glock 19 – Gold standard for reliability, mid-size, 15 rounds.
- Glock 43X MOS – Slimmer, easier to conceal, optics-ready.
- Sig P365 – Compact, optics-ready, great trigger feel.
- S&W M&P Shield Plus – Slim, good capacity, budget-friendly.
- S&W M&P 2.0 Compact – Full grip feel, optics-ready, solid build.
💡 Avoid: Sig P320 (due to past drop-fire issues and inconsistent striker behavior)
Add a Compact Weapon Light
- The best compact weapon-mounted light today is the:
- Streamlight TLR-7 Sub – Fits Glock 43X/48 MOS, Sig P365, and other subcompacts. Reliable, bright (500 lumens), and durable. Adds minimal bulk.
- Why add a light?
- Identify threats in low-light situations
- Improve grip and control
- Train realistically for real-world scenarios
Use a Quality Holster
- Holster matters. A bad holster is unsafe.
- We recommend:
- Alien Gear Photon – Available for most optics/light combos
- Adjustable cant and retention
- Comfortable for everyday concealed carry
Consider an Optics-Ready Model
- Red dots reduce the learning curve by helping you find your sight picture faster under stress. Look for MOS (Glock), OR (Smith & Wesson), or ROMEOZero-ready (Sig) models.
- Good entry-level red dots:
- Holosun 407k/507k
- Shield RMSc
- Trijicon RMRcc (higher end)
How to Save Money
- Police Trade-Ins – Often under $400 for Glock 19, M&P models
- GSSF Membership – Join for Glock discounts, especially if buying new
- Pawn Shops – Some states allow good-condition used handguns under MSRP
- Buy Once, Cry Once – This is a tool that is meant to save your life, it is worth taking extra time to save money rather than purchasing one from an unreliable manufacturer.
State-Specific Considerations
-
California
- 10-round magazine limit
- Must choose from the California Handgun Roster
- Consider the Glock 19 Gen 3 or M&P Shield CA-compliant models
-
New York
- Magazine capacity limited to 10 rounds
- Must go through a long permit process (varies by county)
- Expect several months from application to approval
-
New Jersey
- 10-round mag limit
- Mandatory permit-to-purchase and Firearms ID
- No hollow points allowed except in home/self-defense
-
Massachusetts
- Requires a License to Carry (LTC)
- Must choose from MA-compliant handgun list
- Glock models must be Gen 3 or earlier
-
Illinois
- Requires a FOID card before purchase
- Concealed carry requires separate training and permit
-
Hawaii
- 10-round magazine limit
- Long waiting period, and mandatory in-person registration
- Only specific models approved
-
Connecticut
- Permit required to buy AND carry
- 10-round magazine limit
- Background checks and training course required
-
Washington, D.C.
- Very limited handgun options
- All firearms must be registered
- Carry permits difficult to obtain