First Handgun? How to Determine the Right Type of Pistol to get started.

Published on August 8, 2025
Duration: 14:20

This video guides new firearm owners on selecting their first handgun based on intended purpose. It breaks down choices for home defense, outdoor carry, concealed carry, and recreational shooting, emphasizing factors like size, caliber, recoil, and ammunition cost. The instructor recommends full-size 9mm for home defense, compact 9mm for concealed carry, and .22LR for plinking, while also touching on specialized calibers for outdoor threats.

Quick Summary

Choosing your first handgun involves considering its purpose: home defense, concealed carry, outdoor use, or plinking. For home defense, a full-size 9mm offers manageable recoil. Compact 9mm pistols are ideal for concealed carry, while .22LR is best for practice due to low ammo costs. Always prioritize ease of use and maintenance for your first firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Choosing Your First Handgun
  2. 00:18Determining Handgun Purpose
  3. 01:00Handgun Type for Home Defense
  4. 02:00Recoil Explained: Small vs. Full-Size Guns
  5. 02:34Example: Small Snappy Gun (Kel-Tech P380)
  6. 03:29Example: Full-Size Controllable Gun (Beretta M9 A1)
  7. 03:54Why 9mm for Home Defense?
  8. 04:27Handgun Type for Outdoor Carry
  9. 05:04Calibers for Large Predators
  10. 06:03Sponsor Segment: ETS Magazines
  11. 06:56Handgun Type for Concealed Carry
  12. 08:01Recommended Concealed Carry Size: Compact 9mm
  13. 08:13Example: Taurus PX9 Duty 2.0
  14. 09:19Handgun Size Categories: Micro, Sub, Compact, Full
  15. 09:47Example: Micro Compact (S&W Bodyguard 380 2.0)
  16. 10:43Daily Carry Examples: P365 XL/Macro
  17. 11:15General Purpose Handgun Recommendation
  18. 12:05Handgun Type for Plinking & Practice
  19. 12:16Why .22LR for Practice?
  20. 12:36.22LR for Self-Defense? Reliability Concerns
  21. 13:10Hammer vs. Striker Fired
  22. 13:17Importance of Firearm Breakdown & Cleaning
  23. 14:06Next Video Preview & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of handgun for a first-time owner?

For a first-time owner, the best handgun type depends on its intended use. For home defense, a full-size 9mm is recommended for its manageable recoil and ease of use. For concealed carry, a compact 9mm offers a good balance of size and shootability. For recreational shooting, a .22LR is ideal due to its low cost and ease of handling.

Why is a full-size 9mm recommended for home defense?

A full-size 9mm handgun is recommended for home defense because its larger size and weight help absorb recoil, making it softer shooting than smaller pistols. This increased comfort allows for better control and accuracy, especially for new shooters, and 9mm ammunition is widely available and affordable for practice.

What caliber is best for outdoor carry against predators?

For outdoor carry where defense against large predators is a concern, calibers with more power are recommended. Options include 10mm, .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, or even larger calibers like .460 S&W. These provide greater stopping power than standard handgun rounds like 9mm.

Is .22LR a good choice for self-defense?

While .22LR is excellent for plinking and practice due to its low cost, it is generally not recommended for self-defense. Reliability can be a significant issue with rimfire cartridges, leading to potential malfunctions like light primer strikes or feeding failures, which are unacceptable in a defensive situation.

Related News

All News →

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from MrBigKid

View all →