When buying your first handgun, deciding which gun is right for you is the biggest part of feeling comfortable owning and handling your firearm(s). No one handgun is right for everyone, so we’re here to help you feel comfortable with the firearm that you purchase!
What to Consider Before Buying Your First Handgun:
Revolver or Semi-Automatic?
While there is no right or wrong answer, what matter is which you are more comfortable with shooting. If you’re a brand-new shooter and aren’t yet fully confident in firing your handgun, a revolver may be a good choice. Revolvers are simpler than semi-automatic handguns, tend to be a bit less expensive and have fewer moving parts, making it easier to focus on shooting fundamentals when you’re in the learning phase of handling/firing a gun.
On the other hand, semi-automatic guns may seem a bit harder to use, but they have a quicker reload and make a better primary firearm than a revolver does, especially for self and home defense. There are also more calibers to choose from and a wider range of accessories and custom parts that you can choose from. They tend to cost more than revolvers, but may be a better fit depending on your individual needs.
WHICH CALIBER GUN IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Handgun bullets are measured by cailber (millimeters or inches). Calibers are classified as small, medium and large, with the most common/popular calibers being:
- .380 (small)
- .32 ACP (small)
- .22 LR (small)
- 9mm (medium)
- .38 (medium)
- .40 (medium)
- 10mm (large)
- .45 ACP (large)
- .357 Magnum (large)
- .44 Magnum (large)
The larger the caliber, the faster the bullet travels with greater force. The larger the caliber, the larger the firearm, as well. While the common belief is that smaller caliber handguns are easier to handle, that isn’t always the case due to the amount of recoil that each gun produces. The larger the handgun, the more the heavier frame can absorb the gun’s recoil.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Once you’ve narrowed down the type of handgun, caliber size and set a budget, there are some other important factors to consider before purchasing your handgun.
Reliability: this is arguably the most important factor in choosing your handgun! Whether your handgun will be used for self or home defense, hunting or recreation, making sure your gun only fires when it’s supposed to is #1. Be sure to choose a model with no known design or safety issues and that has passed multiple quality control tests with no malfunctions. We are happy to provide insight and opinion on what handgun would best suit you upon completion of the safety course!
Frame Size: your handgun’s size matters for many reasons, but also for concealability purposes. In New York, you must have a valid pistol permit and conceal your firearm at all times.
Ease of Use: upon completing the safety course, all handguns should become relatively easy to use, but choosing a handgun that is user-friendly as your first firearm will help you feel comfortable sooner and is less likely to frustrate you in the process.
Cost + Long-Term Value: one of the main rules-of-thumb is to not go for the cheapest gun. We are here to help find the perfect firearm for you within your budget! It is possible to get something basic but reliable to get the hang of shooting with. With that being said, a more expensive gun is usually worth the cost if it fits your needs and you are comfortable handling it and it will be one you’ll keep and shoot for years to come.
Here at New York Firearm Solutions, we look forward to helping each and every customer find the perfect firearm for them. Whether you’ve narrowed it down and need a second opinion or have no idea where to start, call us or come into our store and we’ll be more than happy to give you personalized recommendations and advice on purchasing your first firearm!
Once you decide which firearm you’re going to purchase, we will store it safely for you until you are approved by your jurisdiction. Once approved and your firearm is added to your NYS Pistol Permit AND after your successful NYS and ATF NICS background check, you can pick up your firearm.
We also can show you all of the accessories available to purchase for your firearm, including holsters, pistol cases, ammunition, cleaning supplies, tactical lights, safes and more.
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