3 Tips For Buying Your First Handgun

If you have decided to purchase your first gun for sale, you may be at somewhat of a loss as to which one to buy. If so, use the following three tips to help you get started on gathering information so you can make an informed decision.

Ask Yourself Why You Want A Handgun

The first thing you want to do before selecting your first handgun is to ask yourself why you want it. Possible reasons could include home defense, personal conceal and carry to protect yourself while you are out by yourself, or to have fun on a gun range. Knowing why you want it can help steer you towards what to buy.

For example, if you want a conceal and carry a gun, you may want to buy a smaller, more compact gun, such as a .9mm. However, if you plan on weekly trips to the gun range, you may want to select a larger handgun, such as a .357 magnum.

Consider The Caliber Size You Want

Once you figure out the reasons why you want a handgun, the next step is to consider the caliber of the gun, which is the size of the bullet. When selecting the caliber size of the bullet, you may want to think about how much strength you have and how much recoil the bullet gives off when you fire it.

For example, the .9mm discussed in the previous section does not have a lot of recoil, but the .357 magnum has enough power in the recoil to push back and to knock you in the forehead if you are unprepared. If you don't have a lot of arm strength, you may want to go with a smaller caliber, especially when buying your first gun.

See How The Gun Feels

After deciding on the caliber of handgun you want, the next thing to do is to try it on for size. This involves going to a gun store and picking up various handguns they have for sale. Since different brands have varying stock sizes and weights, holding each gun can give you an idea of which one feels the most comfortable in your hand.

The above tips can give you a starting point for making the decision on which handgun you wish to buy for your first one. If you have any further questions or concerns, you may want to ask the sales representative at the gun store for more detailed, personal information, as well as recommendations.