How to Choose the Right Handgun for First Time Gun Buyers?
Choosing the right handgun as a beginner is a big challenge. Because you have to consider a lot of factors in order to make the right choice. That’s why you need to spend some time researching the type of gun that suits your needs. Here is a step by step guide for choosing the right handgun as a beginner. We have elaborated all the information in detail to make your decision easier.
Choosing the right handgun is not as easy as going to the gun store, buying the gun you like and then coming back ready to fight with the bad guys. Because guns have life and death consequences attached to them. Any of your wrong decision can put you and others in danger. Therefore, it is really important to do proper research before getting your first firearm. No doubt, it is always better to have a gun with you for self-defense. And a responsible gun owner always uses a strategic approach to find the right gun for his needs.
We know that there are countless options available which can make you overwhelmed. Also, there exists no definition of a perfect handgun, caliber or bullet. So, you need to find the one with which you can comfortably shoot. And not the one which you think you might have. This is actually the first step for finding the perfect firearm for you.
Schminter has created this step by step guide to help you execute your firearm finding mission successfully. And for that, you need to get yourself armed (with the information first)!
Get Some Initial Training
This step will ensure that you don’t make a wrong purchase and suffer from buyer’s remorse later on. Of course, internet research may also be useful, but you can get practical knowledge only from a professional.
Therefore, hire an experienced trainer for a few hours and ask him to familiarize you with different type of handguns. Almost all the trainers own a good number of firearms and they can teach you some basics of shooting. Also, by practicing under their guidance, you’ll learn the right way to handle the guns. Another benefit that you’ll get is the added knowledge of various terminologies and other related information. Later, when you’ll go shopping your own handgun, you’ll have a basic understanding of the different type of displayed guns.
Larger Guns Provide Greater Accuracy
It is a misconception that beginners should start from smaller handguns as they can easily handle them. But, in fact, smaller guns are not as accurate as the larger ones due to their increased felt recoil. Also, they provide and better grip and good sight alignment. In general, professional shooters are also of the belief that larger guns provide a more comfortable shooting experience. This is due to their better fit and less felt recoil. Therefore, you should start with a larger handgun as a newbie but can also reduce the size with experience.
New or Used?
It is a common observation that people tend to buy cheap, secondhand guns to save some money. Of course, having an ‘antique type’ handgun may look cool but such guns lack practicality. Chances are there that you get a problematic second-hand gun which fails to protect you at the time of need. Therefore, it’s not a wise decision to get a used gun for defense purpose. Moreover, modern gun industry has revolutionized so much that you can easily get a new handgun at quite reasonable rates.
In fact, you can get a Heritage Rough Rider 22LR 6.5″ 6rd Cocobolo Wood Grip Blue Finish for only a little over $100.
Caliber Is as Important as Size
The basic purpose is to ensure that you don’t miss out your target. Every caliber has some strengths and weaknesses. And you should find out the one which suits your requirement rather than going for the higher number. One of the recommended calibers for beginners is .22 which have minimum recoil and helps to shoot the target accurately. Schminter carries several .22 caliber guns.
Find A Proper Fit for Your Hand
While shopping for your first handgun, you need to make sure that the firearm exactly fists your hand. If you feel like you need to change the grip in order to reach the trigger. Then the gun in hand is not a good fit for you. Also, check if your fingers can easily reach all the functional areas including magazine release safety and livers.
Ease of Use
A gun that is complicated and difficult to operate can put you and others in danger. Think of this way that you are encountered with a potential threat. But your complicated handgun is hindering your ability to act quickly. Then you can expect unpleasant outcomes as a result. Because in such situations, you have only seconds or less to respond. Therefore, your ability to easily and instinctively use the handgun is critical.
The Ruger revolver is a popular choice for ease of use.
Schminter is Happy to Help
If you have any other questions or would like us to make some recommendations feel free to contact us.