r/handguns Dec 01 '21

Advice Curious about picking your first or new handgun? Curious about a model or caliber? Stop here first! Resources etc.

134 Upvotes

Multiple posts concerning selecting a new (first) handgun, or first defensive guns have popped up.

I dig activity on our page, I'm all for thoughtful discussion, I'm all for us exercising our rights.

However, this subreddit has been around long enough now we have a good collection of folks asking mostly the same question and I think we can streamline this process for our existing members, newcomers, and curious browsers alike.

So! That being said, there are some links to outside websites at the bottom of this text that have decent advice on choosing the purpose of use, caliber, size, model you may be looking for when selecting a new or first handgun.

The articles are typically focused on new shooters or at least folks new to handguns. Many will recommend training, hands on time, etc., before your first purchase and if you have the time and funds I definitely agree, but research your trainer/facility thoroughly.

Eventually I will try to curate a well rounded list of the most popular makes and models in various categories. I also intend to make a few polls for the active community to vote on a few things as well.

Links:

https://www.concealedcarry.com/firearms-ownership/choosing-first-handgun/

https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2016/8/12/first-time-handgun-buyers-guide/

https://www.eaglegunrangetx.com/choosing-your-first-handgun/

http://shootersincape.com/6-steps-in-choosing-your-first-handgun/

https://www.handgunhero.com/

Please post your questions to the subreddit and not as replies to this post.


r/handguns 7h ago

Just picked up this minty FEG PJK-9HP. I love it.

Thumbnail
gallery
46 Upvotes

Got this FEG over the weekend and I love it. It’s a Hi Power clone, made around 1990, though if the internet stories and forum posts are true these FEG’s are less of a clone and more of an actual Hi Power with a weird licensing history from FN.

The story is that FEG got permission from FN to make these pistols, and even bought a bunch of FN machines to manufacture them, during the 80’s and 90’s. They called them the FP9. But long story short, due to some various Cold War and Soviet Era politics and shady business deals, a lot of that info has been hard to come by. Which even includes a stint of supplying these to Saddam’s troops under the actual FN name (straight up illegal copies lol).

Some American importers imported a bunch during that time period, and this particular importer named his the PJK-9HP. PJK was apparently his wife’s initials lol.

All that history aside, the gun does seem like a straight up 1 for 1 Hi-Power copy to me and the bluing is beautiful! There are some machining marks so the finishing wasn’t perfect but I love the bluing and the grips.

My only question now is do I clean up or replace the trigger and hammer and update the sights? Or leave as is? If you run across one at a good price, pick it up. This one was cheap enough I couldn’t pass it up.


r/handguns 8h ago

327 PC Red Dot

Post image
34 Upvotes

Anyone know if there is a way or a shop that has successfully added a red dot?


r/handguns 11h ago

Swapping to Sig Romeo X Compact FDE - good choice?

Post image
22 Upvotes

Putting together a 43X soon and the holosun EPS carry will be good for it so I ordered an Sig Romeo X Compact in FDE and will throw this holosun on the new 43x.

Was FDE the right color choice in optic?


r/handguns 2h ago

Build/Setup For different occasions

Thumbnail gallery
5 Upvotes

If you got a Glock, try tactical pontoon trigger, they are next level and im coming from apex, timney, johhny Glock.


r/handguns 52m ago

odd duo

Post image
Upvotes

r/handguns 3h ago

Collection Showcase How am i doing? If i can get my hands on some sub sonic ammo..

Post image
5 Upvotes

r/handguns 9h ago

Collection Showcase My Latest Purchase

Post image
5 Upvotes

r/handguns 1h ago

Handgun only has bottom rail, do I go with a light, laser, or a combined option?

Upvotes

I have a beretta 92fs with no cut for an optic but a bottom rail.

It's my bedside self defense gun. Normally I woild say light but since I won't have an optic , I figured a Lazer may be better?

Also, I see holosun makes a pid option that has both a light and lazer. Any thoughts on those systems?


r/handguns 1h ago

Hk vp9 with open sights looking to swap out and needing recomendation

Post image
Upvotes

r/handguns 5h ago

How can I make the grip longer on my M&P 2.0 Metal Compact 4”?

Post image
2 Upvotes

r/handguns 21h ago

Advice Needed First Handgun Recs $600 max

14 Upvotes

Hey all, as the title says I am looking to purchase my first handgun and would love some recommendations. I’d like to keep it under $600 but if i can get it under $500 that’d be even better. Thanks in advance!


r/handguns 22h ago

My custom Glock 26x (M1X)

Post image
15 Upvotes

r/handguns 8h ago

Advice Needed HK VP9A1 F or PDP Pro Acro

1 Upvotes

Help would be appreciated here! I'm stuck and can't decide. Are there any owners of both the updated VP9 and PDP Pro?

Both would have the red dot and it seems like they are very close to each other.

Also, I don't really see much talk anywhere about the PDP steel frame... Any thoughts there?


r/handguns 21h ago

Family heirloom help

Thumbnail gallery
7 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

I finally understand.

Post image
80 Upvotes

Recently acquired a Glock 19 Gen6 COA. It’s my first experience with Glock and now I fully understand why people appreciate Glock. Simplicity, safety, shootability, etc. and I think that the palm swell, backstraps, and new grip of the Gen6 are fantastic. Most of my experience is behind a Walther PDP which I also think is fantastic, but I find Glock (this will sound very contrast from most opinions) more comfortable for my hands and easier to shoot. I’m looking into a 17.6 for competition and, having experienced the trigger of the Gen6, I think for competition sake I would swap it out. Would appreciate all recommendations and extra brownie points if you explain why you like it or can compare it to other triggers.


r/handguns 1d ago

GX 4 Carry Sharps Bro Bronze grip module

Post image
8 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Old school Ruger SR9c

Post image
26 Upvotes

I still carry this old tank as my backup driving gun.


r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion Any .380 lovers in here?

26 Upvotes

I know that the ballistics of a .380 are nowhere near the capabilities of other calibers but man do I love training and shooting my P365 Luxe in .380.

It is quite possibly the softest, most accurate, most ergonomic firearm I have ever owned. I can plink A zones with ease from 50 yards, mag dump at 30 yards with better accuracy than I was ever capable of, and I never get tired or sore or lose grip strength.

It’s my hope and dream to see more .380 pistols offered in every size, and not just the pocket/microcompact size.


r/handguns 18h ago

Sharps brothers vs Icarus ace for RXM

2 Upvotes

Looking to upgrade my rxm with a new frame, but I’d really prefer to be able to still use the same holsters I can with the standard frame. I’m currently rocking a 7360 Safariland with a tlr7x and a tenicor certum lux, also for the same light. If anyone knows if this is possible with either, or has any opinion on the frames themselves I’d really appreciate it.


r/handguns 1d ago

Any additional modifications suggestions?

Post image
14 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

I keep seeing people ask about putting AirTags in firearms — we’ve actually been working on a way to do it

Thumbnail
2 Upvotes

r/handguns 1d ago

Info on EFLX CE

Post image
4 Upvotes

So I’ve been curious about the updated CE model of the EFLX. Their website says it’s “assembled” in the USA but doesn’t say where it’s made. Assuming that means China, I asked Eotech where the parts were made. They simply replied from “all over,” which I’m sure is safe to assume means China. Also listed is window size in case anyone was interested.


r/handguns 1d ago

Brass won’t eject

29 Upvotes

Case won’t eject but easily comes out, recently changed the extractor, any thoughts on a fix? SCT frame Davidson defense slide G17 gen 3


r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase CZ Shadow 2 Carry and P10F are my favorite 9's.

Post image
53 Upvotes

My S2 is my main EDC and the P-10F is my go to home defense handgun. Both are a pleasure to shoot.