The 5 Worst Handguns for Beginners

Published on November 5, 2025
Duration: 13:29

James Reeves, a highly credentialed firearms instructor and attorney, identifies the five worst handguns for beginners. He advises against shotgun revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor, ultra-budget firearms, non-standard calibers, micro-compact .380 ACPs, and snub-nose revolvers, explaining the practical drawbacks and potential negative training impacts for new shooters.

Quick Summary

Firearms instructor James Reeves advises beginners to avoid shotgun revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor, ultra-budget firearms, non-standard calibers, micro-compact .380 ACPs, and snub-nose revolvers. These choices can negatively impact training, reliability, and confidence for new shooters.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Credentials
  2. 00:46Obvious Bad Choices
  3. 01:13#5 Shotgun Revolvers
  4. 03:01#4 Cheap Guns
  5. 06:07#3 Non-standard Calibers
  6. 08:13#2 Micro-compact .380s
  7. 09:52#1 Snub-nose Revolvers

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the worst handguns for beginners according to firearms expert James Reeves?

James Reeves identifies shotgun revolvers (Taurus Judge, S&W Governor), ultra-budget firearms, non-standard calibers, micro-compact .380 ACPs (Ruger LCP, Kel-Tec P3AT), and snub-nose revolvers (.357 Mag/.38 Spl) as the worst choices for beginners due to issues with performance, reliability, shootability, and training impact.

Why are shotgun revolvers like the Taurus Judge bad for beginners?

According to James Reeves, shotgun revolvers like the Taurus Judge and S&W Governor perform poorly with .410 buckshot due to pellet deformation. They offer no real advantage over dedicated .45 Colt revolvers and are not ideal for new shooters learning fundamental skills.

What calibers should beginners prioritize when choosing a handgun?

James Reeves recommends beginners prioritize common and manageable calibers such as 9mm, .22 LR, or .380 ACP. These calibers offer a good balance of effectiveness, lower recoil, and ammunition availability, which are crucial for building confidence and proper shooting habits.

What are the drawbacks of micro-compact .380 ACP pistols for new shooters?

Micro-compact .380 ACP pistols, such as the Ruger LCP and Kel-Tec P3AT, are often difficult for beginners to shoot accurately and maintain due to their small size and limited grip. Reeves suggests larger .380s or micro-9mms for better shootability.

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