First-Time Gun Buyer: 4 Firearms You SHOULDN'T Buy

Published on April 4, 2026
Duration: 8:49

This video provides crucial advice for first-time gun buyers, highlighting four types of firearms to avoid: obscure or exotic calibers, short-barreled tactical shotguns, micro-compact pocket pistols, and magnum caliber handguns. The instructor emphasizes that these choices often lead to frustration, injury, and wasted money due to high recoil, difficult handling, scarce ammunition, and reliability issues. Instead, beginners are encouraged to opt for reliable, low-recoil, easy-to-handle firearms that promote practice and skill development.

Quick Summary

First-time gun buyers should avoid obscure calibers, short-barreled tactical shotguns, micro-compact pocket pistols, and magnum handguns. These firearms often cause excessive recoil, are difficult to handle, have expensive or scarce ammunition, and can lead to injury and a ruined shooting experience. Beginners should opt for reliable, low-recoil firearms in common calibers that encourage practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the worst types of firearms for first-time buyers to purchase?

First-time buyers should avoid obscure or exotic caliber firearms, short-barreled tactical shotguns, micro-compact pocket pistols, and magnum caliber handguns. These types often lead to excessive recoil, difficult handling, scarce ammunition, and a negative learning experience.

Why should beginners avoid short-barreled tactical shotguns?

Short-barreled tactical shotguns deliver punishing recoil due to their compact size and powerful ammunition. This makes them difficult to control for beginners, often resulting in shoulder bruising or black eyes, and requiring perfect technique that new shooters lack.

What makes micro-compact pocket pistols unsuitable for new shooters?

Micro-compact pistols are difficult for beginners because their lightweight frames and small grips offer little to absorb recoil. This results in sharp, stinging recoil that is hard to control, leading to flinching, poor accuracy, and a generally unpleasant shooting experience.

What are recommended calibers for new firearm owners?

New firearm owners should prioritize common calibers like 9mm, .22 LR, .556, and 20-gauge. These rounds are widely available, significantly cheaper, and allow beginners to focus on developing their shooting skills rather than hunting for ammunition.

More Training & Techniques Videos You Might Like

More from Guns You Can't Live Without

View all →