This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are plenty of other awesome handguns perfect for first-time shooters. If your favorite didn’t make the list, please don’t take it as a personal insult. Space is limited, so we tried to keep the list short of the best handguns for beginners. We think the models on our list offer the perfect mix of performance and approachability that the newest shooters need.
Best Handguns For Beginners
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| Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
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Our Pick
1
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Crosman SNR357 Snub Nose Handgun |
Brand: Crosman |
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Best Seller
2
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Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 Handgun |
Brand: Umarex |
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3
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SIG SAUER P320 M17 CO2-Powered Handgun |
Brand: Sig Sauer |
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Best Seller
4
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BILLCONCH Gun Safe for Pistols |
Brand: BILLCONCH |
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5
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Colt Defender Semi-Automatic Metal Handgun |
Brand: Umarex |
1. Crosman SNR357 Snub Nose Handgun
Product Description:
I’m a long-time Airgun shooter- equally a long-time non-shooter who has come back into Airgun shooting.
I have always been a fan of Crosman Airguns ( and not because I live a few miles away from their E Bloomfield plant). Their products have had a good balance of reliability, accuracy, quality, and price. This pistol is no different.
Fortunately, I got this pistol before the shipping restrictions happened here.
Opening the box, the pistol is well packed with a form-fitting box. The gun comes with a safety on. It is pretty tight until you move the lever a few times to loosen it.
I am not a fan of using pistol round-looking ammunition holders. I’m used to using the small rotary holders but some research somewhere showed Crosman to go this route- but I, as a retired LEO and First Responder am not a fan.
So you open the cylinder as you would a regular wheel gun. You can simply point the pistol up to eject the holders or you can push the ejection rod. Load the cylinder and push the cylinder back into the frame. As with a wheel firearm, you NEVER want to use the flick your worst method of loading the cylinder into the frame- you’ll end up damaging the timing of the cylinder and the headspace == expensive repairs.
You can shoot Single Action ( SA) or Double Action ( DA). The pistol is fairly accurate in short ranges- the barrel is short so any further than 15-20 feet you’re pushing it.
If you’re shooting SA you’ll get a little bit better accuracy. DA trigger pull is pretty easy and smooth with multiple shots.
I say buy this if you’re a beginner shooter or an experienced shooter. Not only for airgun shooting, but it teaches the basics of the forgotten art of wheel gun shooting and handling.
2. Umarex Glock 19 Gen3 Handgun
Product Description:
The Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is an excellent replica of the real Glock 19 handgun. This air pistol is designed to shoot steel BBs at a velocity of up to 410 feet per second, making it an ideal option for target shooting and plinking.
One of the best things about this air pistol is its accuracy. The design of the pistol closely resembles the real Glock 19, and it has a fixed front sight and a rear sight that is adjustable for windage and elevation. This makes it easy to aim and shoot accurately, even at longer distances.
The Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is also well-made. It is constructed of high-quality materials that are durable and built to last, and it has a comfortable grip that is easy to hold and control. The pistol also has a smooth trigger pull that is easy to operate.
Another great feature of this air pistol is its realism. The Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol has a similar weight and feel to the real Glock 19, making it an excellent option for training and practicing gun handling and shooting skills. It also has a realistic blowback action that simulates the recoil of a real firearm.
Overall, the Glock 19 Gen3 .177 Caliber BB Gun Air Pistol is a great option for anyone who wants to practice their shooting skills or enjoy some target shooting or plinking. Its accuracy, quality, and realism make it an excellent value for the price, and its durable design ensures that it will last for years to come.
3. SIG SAUER P320 M17 CO2-Powered Handgun
Product Description:
I hesitated to get it for some time because of the reviews about jamming and accuracy issues. Nevertheless, I decided to order it and try it myself. I figured that in the worst-case scenario, I would return it and that would be it.
- Yes, coming out of the box it jams a lot but this is how I got that fixed:
- Lube the mechanism and the feeding belt
- Use wadcutter pellets only and make sure they are sitting down ( use a tool to push them until you hear a clear click sound)
- Put it on safe and dry fire it until you start feeling that less force is required to pull the trigger, it feels smooth, and it no longer gets jammed. While doing this eject and insert the magazine as if you were reloading. (I probably dry-fired it 1500 times and NO CO2 cartridge is required while doing this!)
- Again, coming out of the box it fires low and you can’t adjust the sights but this is how I improved the accuracy:
- Paint the white dot on the front sight with black ink (I used a Sharpie)
- Paint a white dot below the original dot.
After this, I shot 225 rounds (75 per cartridge) with absolutely no jams and much better accuracy. Beautiful replica. I’m keeping mine!
4. BILLCONCH Gun Safe for Pistols
Product Description:
If you’re searching for the epitome of firearm security combined with seamless accessibility, look no further than the BILLCONCH Gun Safe for Pistols. This state-of-the-art safe surpasses expectations with its unparalleled blend of biometric technology, digital keypad entry, key access, and even smartphone app integration.
**Security Beyond Compare:**
The foremost concern with any gun safe is security, and the BILLCONCH Gun Safe delivers on this front with flying colors. Its robust construction provides a sturdy fortress for your firearms, ensuring they remain out of reach from unauthorized access. The biometric fingerprint scanner adds an extra layer of protection, allowing lightning-fast access only to authorized users. Worried about power outages? Fear not, as this safe includes a backup key and keypad entry, ensuring access under any circumstance.
**Swift and Effortless Access:**
In an emergency, every second counts. With the BILLCONCH Gun Safe, accessing your firearm is as simple as a touch or a few taps on your smartphone. The fingerprint scanner recognizes your unique fingerprint in a split second, granting access to your weapon without fumbling for keys or remembering complex combinations. Even in low-light conditions, the illuminated keypad ensures easy visibility, making it perfect for bedside placement.
**Versatile Connectivity:**
What truly sets the BILLCONCH Gun Safe apart is its integration with modern technology. Through the dedicated smartphone app, you can monitor and control your safe remotely, receiving notifications on any unauthorized attempts. This level of connectivity offers peace of mind, whether you’re at home or away, knowing that your firearms are securely stored.
**Sleek Design, Enhanced Functionality:**
Beyond its impressive security features, the BILLCONCH Gun Safe boasts a sleek and compact design, making it a seamless addition to any room. Its versatility allows for easy placement on a nightstand, bedside table, or even mounted to a wall for added security. The interior is intelligently designed to accommodate multiple pistols while also providing space for additional accessories or valuables.
5. Colt Defender Semi-Automatic Metal Handgun
Product Description:
I got this pistol as a training aid for teaching my wife to be a decent pistol shooter since I didn’t want to flush a lot of expensive .40 cal ammo through my Glock, and this BB pistol can be used without alarming the neighbors. My wife loves the thing and I’m quite impressed with it. As an experienced police pistol instructor and range master, I’m not all that easy to impress, either. This pistol is a great value.
It has good muzzle velocity (~450fps), a solid feel with proper heft and balance in the hand, it’s reasonably accurate and consistent for plinking, and it seems fairly robustly put together. The plastic grips initially felt a bit wimpy to me but haven’t had any issues in several months of use, so I guess they’re plenty adequate. We’ve run a thousand or more BBs through ours and it has never malfunctioned in any way. It is also surprisingly thrifty as far as CO2 consumption goes. I’ve left a cartridge in it for weeks at a time and never had one lose pressure from leakage.
The only real issue I have with this pistol is the appearance – it is simply too realistic-looking in every way and I have serious concerns that some fool kid is going to wave one around at the wrong time and get dropped by a police officer who can’t distinguish this from a real Colt Commander firearm. (Thirty years ago I very nearly shot a damfool college kid who pulled a replica pistol on me when I was off-duty one day – it was only good luck that kept him from dying for his stupidity and me from having to live with his death on my conscience.)
I understand the desire to have a “cool” looking BB pistol, I just think they probably ought to be required to come with a red muzzle as is done with toy guns. Yeah, not as cool-looking as an accurate replica, but safer for all concerned. If you decide to get one of these, PLEASE keep that in mind and be safe!
FAQ:
What kind of gun should I get as a beginner?
A reliable and easy-to-use handgun, like a 9mm pistol, is often recommended for beginners.
What is the best caliber for a beginner pistol?
The 9mm caliber is widely considered the best choice for beginners due to its manageable recoil and availability.
Is the Glock 19 a good first gun?
Yes, the Glock 19 is a popular choice for a first gun because of its reliability, ease of use, and moderate size.
Is a 9mm a good carry gun?
Yes, a 9mm is a good carry gun due to its balance of stopping power, manageable recoil, and availability of ammunition.
Conclusion:
Many first-time gun owners choose a handgun based on appearance or price. While those are important aspects to consider, they shouldn’t be your top criteria. Just because a gun “looks cool” doesn’t mean it will be easy to shoot, and most budget options will cause far more headaches than they are worth.
If you’re a new shooter, you need a handgun that is simple, reliable, and easy to shoot. All of the firearms on our list of the Best Handguns for Beginners fit that criteria. We also think they look pretty cool, too, but that’s just an extra perk.