Quick Look at Best Handguns
- The best beginner handguns focus on comfort, control, and reliability
- Lower recoil and ergonomic design help new shooters build confidence
- Simplicity and safety features matter more than caliber size
- Training-friendly pistols accelerate skill development
- The “right” first handgun is the one you’ll practice with consistently
Related: 5 Modern Handguns Designed For Concealed Carry
Choosing the Best Handgun for a New Shooter
Buying your first handgun is an exciting step, but it can also feel overwhelming. With countless models, calibers, and opinions available, new shooters often struggle to separate helpful guidance from unnecessary complexity. The reality is that the best handgun for a beginner isn’t about trends or firepower. It’s about comfort, controllability, reliability, and confidence.
Handguns designed for new shooters prioritize manageable recoil, intuitive controls, and consistent performance. When the learning curve is smooth, fundamentals develop faster: grip, trigger control, sight alignment, and safe handling. The right first handgun doesn’t just make shooting easier. It makes training enjoyable, which is the single most important factor for long-term success.
Built for Beginners
There are several firearms available today that I could list as one of the 7 best handguns for the new shooter. To make the list, a firearm has to meet the following criteria: have some type of safety feature, be known for accuracy, be easy to clean, be reliable, and be available in a 9mm pistol.
Note, however, that the compatibility between gun and shooter depends upon the shooter. It depends on how big their hands are, what they’re looking for in a gun, and what they need it to do.
Here is a list of the 7 best handguns for the new shooter.
1. Springfield XD
After I got out of the military, the full-size XD9 was the first pistol I purchased, and I actually still own it. The XD line is an excellent striker-fired, polymer pistol.
They tend to come in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45ACP and are available in a plethora of different sizes. One model is even available in the venerable .357 Sig cartridge.
These firearms are about as safe as you can get, without actually having a manual safety that you have to flip off. Finally, they are also easy to field strip and clean.
2. Smith & Wesson M&P
Smith & Wesson’s M&P line of handguns is an excellent option in the striker-fired, polymer-framed self-defense pistol category. The M&Ps meet all our requirements for a safe weapon because they can be purchased with a manual safety feature.
They do have other safety features as well if you’re like me and don’t want mechanical safety. These handguns are comfortable to hold, are reliable, and are available in different sizes.
Projectiles range from .22 up to .45, to make sure you can feel comfortable behind the trigger.
3. Ruger LCR9
This list of guns wouldn’t be complete without at least one revolver. Revolvers are great because they are simple, point-and-shoot firearms.
A decent self-defense handgun with remarkable stopping power. There is literally almost no room for error.
Just don’t miss your target five times, or you’ll be in trouble. The safety feature on this handgun is the incredibly long double-action-only (DAO) trigger, which you have to intend to pull.
Recoil on these little snubs can be intense for newer shooters. So make sure you’re ready for it and understand proper shooting mechanics first.
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4. Glock 19
It pains me to put a Glock on my list because I’m not a fanboy. Other pro-shooters out there swear by them, and who am I to argue with the pros?
I listed the 19 because it is chambered in 9mm, which is an excellent choice for self-defense. Its polymer frame, although lightweight, aids in absorbing the recoil, making it one of the best handguns for newbies.
And, it does have the trigger safety to help reduce negligent discharges. Furthermore, Glocks are arguably the most reliable handgun in the world, so there’s also that.
RELATED: The Best Handguns For Home Defense
5. Beretta PX4 Storm
The PX4 is an uber-safe, comfortable, and reliable handgun that some people overlook, simply because it isn’t as popular as the others on this list. Having a manual safety/de-cocker that needs to be disengaged before it can be fired is positive in the minds of some new shooters.
Plus, once you disengage the safety, you’ll have a long double-action trigger, unless you pull the hammer back. It is available in 9mm, .40S&W, and .45 auto Colt pistol.
6. Walther CCP
This is a bit of an oddball to be on this list because it is a different type of handgun. Yet, it does have a manual safety, and is a perfect firearm for someone with weaker hands, because of Walther’s “Softcoil” gas-delayed blowback system.
It is also ideal for shooters who have a hard time pulling the slide back to send a round into the chamber.
7. KAHR CW9
Not only are they reliable and accurate self-defense handguns, but the craftsmanship is also striking with its carbon fiber finish. And even after several hundred rounds, the KAHR CW9 will still fire. All these qualities and more make it one of the best handguns for newbies that they can carry without any reservations.
Confidence Comes From the Right First Choice
The best handgun for a new shooter isn’t the most powerful or the most expensive. It’s the one that builds confidence shot after shot. A well-chosen beginner handgun encourages regular practice, reinforces safety, and makes learning genuinely enjoyable. When fundamentals are mastered early, everything else becomes easier.
Now that you know the 7 best handguns for the new shooter, check out this video from fmgpubs to know how to clean and maintain your guns:
I would like to state here that having a mechanical safety feature doesn’t mean the firearm won’t “go off” unintentionally. Then again, it is one more step you need to take in a self-defense scenario.
If you’re new to shooting, take your time, test different options, and prioritize comfort and control over hype. Pair your first handgun with quality training and consistent practice, and you’ll build skills that last a lifetime.
Are your favorite handguns on the list? Tell us about it in the comments section below!
Up Next: Concealed Carry and Open Carry Come with Own Pros and Cons
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 2, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy
FAQ: Best Handguns for New Shooters
What makes a handgun good for a beginner?
Beginner-friendly handguns are easy to operate, have manageable recoil, clear sights, and comfortable grips. They should allow new shooters to focus on fundamentals rather than fighting the firearm.
Is a smaller handgun better for new shooters?
Not always. While compact handguns are easier to carry, they often have more recoil and a shorter sight radius. Many beginners shoot mid-size handguns more accurately and comfortably.
What caliber is best for a first handgun?
Calibers with mild recoil and affordable ammunition are typically best for learning. Lower recoil helps new shooters maintain proper form and confidence during practice.
Should new shooters choose striker-fired or hammer-fired pistols?
Both can work well. Striker-fired pistols are often simpler and more consistent, while hammer-fired models may appeal to shooters who prefer additional control options. Personal comfort matters most.
How important is training compared to handgun choice?
Training is more important than the firearm itself. Even the best handgun can’t replace proper instruction, safe handling habits, and regular practice.
