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.

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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 13h ago

The flashlight collection so far.

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r/handguns 8h ago

Build/Setup My Echelon build

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Any can recommendations? Just need a can and an RCR and this build will be complete.


r/handguns 21h ago

Collection Showcase New pickup!S&W M&P 2.0 HD 5”

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First full size handgun and first smith & Wesson! This is my third overall handgun purchase. My first two handguns were chosen for concealment and carry purposes, being a Sig Sauer p365 and a Ruger lcp max, so I have been wanting a full sized frame for a while. Loving this so far!


r/handguns 12h ago

Obligatory car post

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shield arms catch is new


r/handguns 4h ago

19c gen4 or Glock 19cv

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r/handguns 4h ago

Advice Needed Where might I look to find a custom handle w/ mount for an Automag II

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I recently picked up an Automag II at a gun show. While online I stumbled upon some images of the same gun with a mounted site. Obviously I was intrigued and looked more into it. I found several of the product and even some old manufacturers but it seems that none produce it anymore. I searched the web for a couple hours trying to find a second hand seller but the only ones I could find weren't being sold separate from the gun.

This brings me to this question. If one isn't currently being sold anywhere is it possible to get it custom machined? If so where might I get this done?


r/handguns 13h ago

Training & Drills Walther PDP SF Match @ Skip J GPA Match - 9/5/26

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r/handguns 5h ago

What's the better handgun here

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10 votes, 1d left
Walther PPS M2
Walther CCP

r/handguns 15h ago

Looking for a feedback .. Carry Route gun transport reference app

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Full disclosure: I’m the developer of CarryRoute.

I built it because ordinary reciprocity maps don’t show everything encountered during an actual drive—county and city boundaries, tribal areas, transit properties, stops, and overnight stays.

You enter two addresses, and CarryRoute:

• ⁠Maps the route using Apple Maps
• ⁠Breaks it into state, county, city, tribal, and special-jurisdiction sections
• ⁠Lets you tap each route section
• ⁠Shows concise research summaries with links to official government sources
• ⁠Accounts for your resident state, permits, age, and selected carry/transport mode
• ⁠Supports offline itineraries and optional jurisdiction alerts

The route colors identify jurisdiction changes only. They do not mean legal/illegal or safe/unsafe. CarryRoute is a research tool—not legal advice—and users should verify the current official text.

I’d genuinely appreciate blunt feedback: What information would you want before crossing a state or local boundary? What would make the route view more useful?

iPhone/iPad: CarryRoute: CCW Navigation

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/carryroute-ccw-navigation/id6804322086


r/handguns 1d ago

Collection Showcase EDC

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r/handguns 1d ago

A couple Springfield Echelons

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r/handguns 1d ago

S&W Revolver QC In The Toilet

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r/handguns 1d ago

Discussion Just picked this up!

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Zevtech OZ 9 hypercomp. Shot my instructor’s once, and found this one. Curious on the reliability?


r/handguns 1d ago

Substituting 200gr LRN for 200gr LSWC in .45 ACP?

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r/handguns 2d ago

Advice Needed Best way to clean this firearm ? Not the most experienced so don’t want to do anything wrong.

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My girlfriend’s little brother had this Canik tpsf9 just sitting under his desk and I asked what’s wrong with it. He said the firearm was in his backpack with a bunch of other stuff and had a bottle of tajin that spilled in the bag and all over the gun. He never cleaned it and said he forgot about it just threw it under his desk. I bought it for $100 dollars what can I do to clean and salvage this ?


r/handguns 2d ago

Pistols

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My little collection…


r/handguns 1d ago

Build/Setup Sunday Gunday

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r/handguns 2d ago

First Walther

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I went to get my first Walther today and couldn’t make my mind up so I got both lol. Walther PDP PRO SD and a Walther PD380. Super excited.


r/handguns 2d ago

My current modest collection

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Canik Mete SFT Pro,
Gen 3 Glock 19,
S&W 640,
S&W Shield Gen 1,
Tisas M1911A1,
S&W E Series SW1911.


r/handguns 1d ago

I need help!

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First Sig! I received a 9mm P250 Gen 2 With a Full-Medium Grip. I'm wondering if these 2 in the image are compatible with my current FCU? The labeling and everything has me confused....

Now the description for this grip says it'll accept the P250 FCU? Just want to check before dropping money...


r/handguns 2d ago

3 fine friends

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Don’t hate on my sharpies holding them up 😂
I can’t get enough of these ! All 3 are incredible !
Dan Wesson dwx with 507 comp
Kimber 2k11 pro comp
Cz shadow 2 compact with eps


r/handguns 2d ago

Protection from what? Ze Germans?

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Plastic fantastic. USP Expert, MK23, USP Elite, HK45T, P30L, HK45CT, LTT USPC, P2000

May not be everyone's cuppa, but I am an HK hammer enjoyer...closest in performance to some of my other steel frames.


r/handguns 2d ago

Question Is this a sign to downsize on my pistol light?

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So this is the first time I’ve ever put a protruding light on a pistol so I’m a lil new to this, would this be an issue later down the road as I shoot more with this light? Idk what thread to post this on lmk.


r/handguns 2d ago

Fun range day!!

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