Choosing your first handgun can feel like a lot—there are tons of options, and everyone seems to have an opinion. Whether you need something for home defense, concealed carry, or just getting comfortable at the range, the right pistol makes a huge difference in how confident and safe you feel.
The key is finding a gun that fits your hands, is easy to control, and won’t frustrate you while you’re learning. Recoil, capacity, ergonomics, and price all come into play, and some guns are just better suited for beginners than others. This guide breaks it all down in a straightforward way, plus gives you solid recommendations for handguns that are reliable, easy to use, and worth your money.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ
The M&P Shield EZ was designed for people who struggle with racking slides and loading magazines. If you’ve ever found yourself wrestling with a stiff slide or struggling to load rounds, this pistol makes both incredibly easy. The EZ stands for easy racking and easy loading, and it delivers on both fronts.
Unlike most striker-fired pistols, the Shield EZ uses an internal hammer, which helps reduce slide tension. The grip safety ensures the gun won’t fire unless you have a firm hold, adding an extra layer of security. The magazines even have pull-down tabs on the sides, making reloading a breeze. While 8+1 capacity is on the lower side, the tradeoff is a super manageable handgun that’s great for new shooters. If you want the lightest recoil, go with the .380 ACP version. For a bit more power, the 9mm model is the way to go.
Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus
The Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus is a revolver that does it all. It’s chambered in .357 Magnum, but you can also shoot .38 Special for a softer, more beginner-friendly experience. The Plus means it holds seven rounds instead of the usual six, giving you a slight edge over standard revolvers.
The 4-inch barrel is the perfect middle ground—it’s not too bulky but still keeps recoil manageable. Revolvers are as simple as it gets: no magazines to load, no slides to rack, and if you have a dud round, just pull the trigger again. Whether you’re looking for a training revolver, a home-defense option, or just a rock-solid handgun that will last a lifetime, the 686 Plus is one of the best choices out there.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro Comp
The Springfield Hellcat Pro Comp is a concealed-carry powerhouse that’s also great for beginners. It’s slightly larger than the original Hellcat but still compact enough to carry easily. One of the biggest advantages? Capacity. It comes with 15- and 17-round magazines, so you’re not stuck with the smaller 10-round options that many micro-compacts offer.
Springfield did a great job with the grip texture—it’s aggressive enough for a solid hold but won’t shred your skin if you carry it all day. The built-in compensator is a major plus, cutting down muzzle flip and making follow-up shots easier. The only real drawback is the heavy trigger, but if you can get used to it, this is a solid choice for new shooters looking for a compact, carry-friendly 9mm.
Glock 19 Gen 5
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is one of the most versatile and reliable 9mm pistols out there. It’s small enough to carry but large enough to be comfortable at the range, making it a great choice for a first handgun. With a 15+1 capacity, a durable polymer frame, and a simple striker-fired action, it’s no wonder so many people—law enforcement and civilians alike—trust the G19.
Glocks aren’t known for being fancy, but they just work. The Gen 5 version brings a better trigger and improved barrel, plus an ambidextrous slide release. The biggest downsides? The factory sights are plastic, and some people don’t love the grip angle. But with a massive aftermarket, you can customize this pistol exactly how you want. If you need one handgun that can handle home defense, carry, and range time, this is it.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0
The Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 was built to go head-to-head with the Glock 19, and it definitely holds its own. It’s a durable, reliable 9mm pistol with excellent ergonomics—if Glock’s grip feels awkward to you, the M&P might be a better fit. The interchangeable backstraps help customize the grip size, and the low bore axis keeps recoil manageable.
This pistol comes in full-size and compact versions, both with 17+1 capacity. You can also choose a model with or without a manual safety, which is a nice option for beginners. The trigger is much improved over older models, and while the slide release can be stiff at first, it loosens up over time. If you’re looking for a striker-fired 9mm that’s comfortable and proven, this one should be on your list.
HK VP9
The HK VP9 is one of the most comfortable handguns you’ll ever hold. HK put a lot of thought into grip customization, offering interchangeable backstraps and side panels to fit just about any hand size. The 17+1 capacity, great trigger, and fully ambidextrous controls make it a fantastic option for new shooters who want a pistol that’s easy to use and comfortable to shoot.
One unique feature is the paddle-style magazine release, which sits at the base of the trigger guard. It’s different from the push-button release most people are used to, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fast and intuitive. If you prefer a traditional mag release, HK offers the VP9-B model. It’s not the cheapest pistol, and spare mags cost more than Glock or S&W, but you’re getting top-tier quality and reliability in return.
Palmetto State Armory Dagger
If you want a Glock-style handgun without the Glock price tag, the PSA Dagger is worth considering. It’s built around the same basic design as the Glock 19, which means simple controls, solid reliability, and tons of aftermarket parts to customize it. The polymer grip frame has a more contoured shape than a factory Glock, which some shooters actually prefer.
The biggest selling point? Price. At around $300, it’s one of the most affordable full-size 9mm handguns that still delivers decent quality. The slide is optic-ready, but it only fits Trijicon RMR-pattern red dots, so you’re a little limited there. The biggest downside is the trigger—it’s on the stiff side, but that can be fixed with aftermarket parts. For the price, this is one of the best beginner-friendly semi-autos out there.
Taurus Tracker 627
If you want to start with a reliable, versatile revolver, the Taurus Tracker 627 is a solid pick. Chambered for .357 Magnum, it also shoots .38 Special, which has much less recoil—perfect for learning the basics before moving up to more powerful loads. This revolver holds seven rounds and has a porting system on the barrel to reduce muzzle flip, making it easier to control.
For a budget-friendly revolver, it’s surprisingly well-built. No, it’s not as smooth as a high-end Colt or Smith & Wesson, but for a beginner, it checks all the right boxes. The adjustable rear sight helps with accuracy, and the stainless steel build gives it good durability. Whether you’re looking for a range gun, a backcountry sidearm, or just an all-around good revolver to learn with, the Tracker 627 is a great place to start.
Sig Sauer P365
The Sig P365 is one of the best concealed carry handguns you can buy, but it’s also a great first pistol if you want something compact yet capable. It started the micro-compact revolution, squeezing 10+1 rounds of 9mm into a frame that used to only hold six or seven. It also has a fantastic grip texture, which makes it easier to handle despite its small size.
The P365 lineup has a ton of options, from the standard model to the larger P365 XL and X-Macro. Many are optic-ready, and there’s a wide variety of aftermarket parts to customize them. While the small size makes it a little harder to shoot accurately, it’s still one of the best choices for a first concealed-carry gun. It’s reliable, easy to carry, and won’t feel outdated as your skills improve.
Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite
If you want a handgun that’s easy to shoot, reliable, and a blast to practice with, the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite is a solid choice. It fires the low-recoil .22 LR, making it perfect for beginners who want to build confidence without dealing with heavy kickback. The grip mimics a 1911, so if you plan on moving up to larger calibers later, this is a great place to start.
One of the best things about this pistol is how simple it is to take apart and clean—something that can be a headache with some .22 handguns. It also comes suppressor-ready if you ever decide to quiet things down. It’s not the cheapest option out there, but this is the kind of gun that’ll stay in your collection forever.
Sig Sauer P322
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly handgun that actually feels like a full-size pistol, the Sig Sauer P322 is one of the best out there. It’s modeled after Sig’s popular P365 series, so the controls and grip are familiar if you ever plan to move up in caliber. Plus, with a 20-round magazine, you get twice the capacity of most .22 LR pistols, which means more shooting and less reloading.
Another bonus? This pistol is red-dot compatible, so you can slap a Romeo Zero sight on it and train with optics right from the start. The only downside is that some ammo can lead up the barrel quicker than expected, but a quick brush-through takes care of that. For a new shooter looking for a fun and reliable training gun, this one is hard to beat.
Ruger Wrangler
Want something simple, affordable, and fun to shoot? The Ruger Wrangler is a fantastic first handgun, especially if you’re interested in learning with a revolver. It’s a six-shot, single-action .22 LR, which means you have to manually cock the hammer before each shot—great for slowing down and learning proper shooting fundamentals.
At around $210, it’s one of the most budget-friendly handguns you can get. The sights are fixed, so they’re not as precise as adjustable ones, but for plinking and target shooting, they get the job done. Even if you plan to move on to semi-autos later, this is the kind of revolver that’s just plain fun to keep around.
Smith & Wesson 351 PD
If you like the idea of a snub-nosed revolver but don’t want to deal with harsh recoil, the Smith & Wesson 351 PD is a great choice. It’s chambered in .22 Magnum, so it has a little more punch than a standard .22 LR but is still easy to handle. With a 7-shot capacity and an ultra-light aluminum frame, it’s also a solid option for concealed carry.
This revolver isn’t cheap, but it’s built to last and makes for a versatile tool beyond just training. Whether you want a lightweight carry gun, a backup for the woods, or something easy to shoot at the range, the 351 PD checks all the boxes. If you’re a beginner looking for a revolver that won’t beat up your hands, this is the one.
*This article was created with the assistance of AI.
