Getting Your First Gun Doesn't Have to Be Intimidating
There are reems of articles on the “best firearms for beginners”, and even more “gun store wisdom” that refuses to die when it comes to selecting your first gun.
To keep it simple I’ll say that you should pick something simple, reliable, that is in a caliber that you feel comfortable shooting. For handguns start with a full sized pistol or revolver, for rifles a .22 LR is a perfect place to start learning.
Try to rent a few at a local range and find something that works for you. Don’t think you need a “more powerful gun” than what you can comfortably shoot. An inexpensive gun with plenty of ammo for you to practice with is far better than an expensive one with nothing left over for ammo.
Below I’ll break all of this down in more detail and make a few recommendations for specific guns.
Why Full-Sized Handguns Are Better for Beginners
A common, and poor suggestion has been to push a small revolver such as a snub nose .38 for inexperienced shooters, especially female shooters. This is poor advice and is a disservice to new shooters. Fortunately, this particular bit of “wisdom” is dying out and instead full-sized pistols with larger grips is more commonly being recommended. The larger, heavier, guns and grips help mitigate recoil, making each shot more comfortable to fire. This keeps first-time shooters confident and in control.
- Less Recoil: Added weight absorbs more energy, so you experience a gentler recoil impulse.
- Better Grip & Stability: A larger frame offers a firm handhold, especially for higher-caliber pistols.
- Control & Confidence: The more stable the platform, the quicker you build muscle memory and proper technique.
Good Pistol Calibers for New Shooters
Starting out with high-powered firearms may sound exciting, but it’s rarely the wisest course of action. Light-to-moderate calibers help you focus on technique rather than wrestling with intense recoil or muzzle flip. Consider a pistol in the following calibers.
9mm - (9x19 Parabellum, 9mm Luger, and 9mm NATO)
The go-to round for the military and law enforcement, offering manageable recoil and broad availability. It’s generally very pleasant to shoot in just about every pistol that chambers it and can be found easily in standard and defensive rounds.
.380 ACP (.380 Auto)
This cartridge can come in a larger-framed pistol, giving it very mild recoil for novice shooters. It’s technically “weaker” than 9mm, and not quite as abundant, but for some shooters the reduced recoil is appreciated.
.38 Special (.38 SPL)
A solid choice in revolvers, delivering light recoil and easy practice sessions. Just about every model of revolver on the market will have a version that is chambered in .357 Magnum and will allow you to use .38 Special in them safely.
.22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
Ideal for recoil-free training and (usually) budget-friendly shooting, although not the strongest defensive option.
Using this first-time gun buyer guide to select a caliber that feels comfortable will encourage you to train more often and develop solid fundamentals faster.
Beginner Handguns to Consider
If you’re wondering which pistols really qualify as the best firearms for beginners, two primary recommendations often stand out:
Full-Framed Revolver in .38 Special/.357 Magnum
Revolvers are known for their simplicity. A .38 Special revolver often shares the same frame with .357 Magnum, allowing for versatility and a comfortable shooting experience.
- Pros:
- Exceptionally reliable
- Straightforward operation
- Widely available ammunition
- Cons:
- Limited capacity (usually 5–6 rounds)
- Heavier double-action trigger (learning curve for some shooters)
A Used Glock G17 or G19 (Often Found as Police Trade-Ins)
Glocks are celebrated for their minimal controls, consistency, and durability. The G17 and G19 are both chambered in 9mm, with the G19 featuring a slightly more compact grip.
- Pros:
- Straightforward, few external controls
Huge aftermarket support for parts and accessories
Commonly found as surplus at a more affordable price
- Straightforward, few external controls
- Cons:
- Basic factory sights (though easily upgraded)
Grip shape can feel “blocky” for some shooters - Different grip angle that not many other pistols share, and it may take some time for it to “point” naturally for you.
- Basic factory sights (though easily upgraded)
Rifles for Building Confidence
In the rifle category, the best firearms for beginners generally start small and focus on fundamentals like stance, breathing, and trigger control—elements easier to master when recoil is minimal.
Ruger 10/22 or Similar .22 LR Rifle
The Ruger 10/22 is a go-to recommendation for new shooters because it delivers negligible recoil but there are many other .22 LR options out there, don’t think that the Ruger 10/22 is the beginning and the end of good .22 options. It just has a ton of aftermarket accessories. Affordable .22 LR ammunition further helps build solid marksmanship without draining your wallet.
- Pros:
- Virtually no recoil
- Large aftermarket for custom stocks, triggers, and magazines
- Ideal training platform
- Cons:
- Low “stopping power” for home defense
- Some models might need upgrades for competition or specialized uses
- Other options are better out of the box for a .22 rifle.
Gradual Step-Up: AR-15 or Bolt-Action .308
After mastering a .22 LR rifle, you can move to an AR-15 chambered in 5.56/.223 or a bolt-action .308 for hunting and longer -range shooting. There’s no need to rush into bigger calibers like .308—skills learned on smaller platforms transfer well to heavier-hitting firearms later.
Gear vs. Training: The Real Investment
In this first time gun buyer guide, it’s important to emphasize that training usually trumps gear. It’s easy to get lured by expensive gadgets, but the fundamentals—proper stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control—make the real difference in accuracy and confidence.
- Ammunition: More time shooting means better recoil management, weapon familiarity, and muscle memory.
- Professional Instruction: Certified instructors can spot mistakes early and accelerate your growth as a responsible gun owner.
- Only Essential Upgrades: While good sights or a lighter trigger can help, they mean little without consistent practice.
Specific Models That Meet Beginner Needs
Below are additional recommendations that align with the principles we’ve discussed: full-sized frames, mild recoil, and straightforward operation.
Full-Sized Handguns (9mm)
- Smith & Wesson M&P 9: Ergonomic grip, reliable performance, and easy field-stripping.
- Glock 17: Proven and reliable, easy to find parts and accessories for.
- Springfield XD Service Model (9mm): A striker-fired pistol that blends solid safety features with ease of use.
Revolvers (.38 Special)
- Ruger GP100: Durable, heavier build to reduce recoil, often chambered in .357 Magnum but shoots .38 Special too.
- Smith & Wesson Model 686: A tried-and-true option famous for longevity and consistent accuracy.
.22 LR Rifles
- Marlin Model 60: Another iconic semi-auto .22 with a legacy rivaling the 10/22.
- Savage Mark II: A bolt-action .22 known for accuracy and budget-friendly pricing.
- Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22: AR-style .22 LR for those wanting the tactical feel without the heavier recoil.
Other Options
- Ruger RXM: A brand-new 9mm pistol to the market, however it is based off of much of the Glock design, making it a viable choice, even if it has yet to obtain a history of reliability.
- Smith & Wesson SD9 VE: Another spin on the Glock design, it is an affordable option that presents good value, if less features than the RXM.
- Hi-Point C9 or CF 380: Firearms snobs may point to the simple blow back design and the limited magazine capacity as issues, however if budget is the primary concern, the C9 is difficult to beat.
- KelTec PR57: This might be an odd one but I’m throwing it on here as it is a small and light recoiling gun. It is VERY new however and is chambered in 5.7mm a rather odd ball round. It serves the purpose of a high capacity, 20 rounds, pistol that could be used by a novice shooter in a defensive situation. This is not necessarily a recommendation, but an option if you want something that is possibly better than just a revolver for someone who wants or needs a defensive pistol but doesn’t train consistently.
Try Before You Buy: Visiting a Rental Range
If you’re still unsure which firearm feels best in your hands, consider renting a few different models at a local range that offers handgun rentals. This practical step can save you from buyer’s remorse:
Hands-On Experience
Test various sizes, weights, and grip shapes to see which pistol or revolver fits you best.
Immediate Feedback
Understanding how recoil, trigger pull, and overall handling feel in real-time is invaluable.
Expert Guidance
Range staff can often help you troubleshoot, adjust your stance, and provide recommendations based on your comfort level.
For new shooters aiming to invest in the best firearms for beginners, a rental range offers a low-pressure environment to explore options before making a commitment. This ensures you walk away with a gun that suits your needs and feels right in your hands.
Conclusion - Policing the Brass
Choosing the best firearms for beginners hinges on simplicity, manageable recoil, and an affordable price tag that lets you practice consistently. Heavier, larger-framed pistols—like a .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolver or a 9mm Glock—offer control and reliability. Meanwhile, .22 LR rifles, such as the Ruger 10/22, build foundational skills for minimal cost and recoil.
Remember, though, that no amount of gear will replace disciplined training. Focus on technique and consistent range sessions—potentially even testing various models at a rental range—so you can make an informed decision. As your confidence and skills evolve, you’ll be ready to explore other calibers and platforms while keeping the solid fundamentals you established as a first-time gun buyer.
