Handguns

Choosing the Right Handgun: What to Consider First

The best handgun is the one that fits your hand, your use case, and your skill level. Before looking at specific models, narrow down your purpose: home defense, concealed carry, range shooting, or competition. Each use case points toward different features in caliber, size, and action type. A full-size 9mm that’s ideal for home defense may be too large and heavy for daily concealed carry — and a subcompact carry gun may be punishing to shoot for extended range sessions.

Semi-Automatic Pistols vs. Revolvers

Semi-automatic pistols feed from a detachable magazine, typically hold more rounds, and are generally faster to reload. They’re the dominant choice for concealed carry and home defense today. The tradeoff is slightly more complexity — you need to learn to clear malfunctions, though modern pistols from quality manufacturers are extremely reliable.

Revolvers are mechanically simpler, nearly malfunction-proof, and can fire from inside a pocket or bag in a pinch. They’re an excellent choice for home defense, new shooters who want simplicity, and anyone carrying in conditions where reliability under stress matters more than round count. The tradeoff is lower capacity (typically 5–6 rounds) and slower reloads.

Caliber Guide

9mm — The overwhelming choice for self-defense and everyday carry. Modern 9mm hollow-point ammunition has closed the performance gap with larger calibers while offering lower recoil, higher capacity, and cheaper practice ammo. We recommend 9mm for most buyers, especially those new to handguns.

.380 ACP — Popular in compact and subcompact carry guns where size is the top priority. Lighter recoil than 9mm but less terminal performance. Best for pocket carry or as a backup gun.

.45 ACP — The classic American self-defense cartridge, still favored by many experienced shooters. Heavier bullet, more recoil, lower capacity than 9mm. The 1911 platform chambered in .45 ACP remains one of the most iconic handguns ever made.

.357 Magnum / .38 Special — The standard revolver pairing. Most .357 Magnum revolvers also chamber .38 Special, giving you a lighter practice round and a potent defense load in the same gun. Excellent stopping power with manageable recoil in .38 Special.

10mm — A powerful semi-auto caliber favored for bear country carry and handgun hunters. Significant recoil, but excellent power. Glock 20 is the most popular platform.

Size Guide: Full-Size, Compact, and Subcompact

Full-size handguns have longer barrels (4”+), higher capacity, and better accuracy at distance. Easier to shoot well but harder to conceal. Best for home defense, range use, and open carry.

Compact pistols split the difference — concealable for most people with good capacity and shootability. The Glock 19 is the most popular example and remains our top-selling handgun year after year.

Subcompact pistols prioritize concealment above all else. Smaller grip, shorter barrel, lower capacity. Best for pocket carry or deep concealment. Require more practice to shoot accurately.

Staff Picks

Glock 19 (9mm, Compact) — Our best-selling handgun and the most popular concealed carry pistol in America for good reason. Reliable, durable, simple to maintain, and backed by an enormous aftermarket. If you’re undecided, start here.

Sig Sauer P365 (9mm, Subcompact) — Redefined the subcompact category when it launched. 10+1 rounds in a package small enough for pocket carry. Excellent trigger for the size. Our top pick for daily concealed carry.

Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus (9mm, Compact) — A slim, lightweight carry gun with a better trigger than its predecessor. Excellent value and one of the most comfortable to carry all day.

Springfield Armory Hellcat (9mm, Subcompact) — High capacity in a tiny package, with an optics-ready option. A strong contender against the P365 and worth handling before you decide.

Ruger GP100 (.357 Magnum, Revolver) — If you want a revolver built to last a lifetime, the GP100 is our recommendation. Nearly indestructible, excellent trigger, and handles full-power .357 loads without complaint.

First-Time Buyer Tips

• Handle before you buy if possible — grip fit matters more than most people expect.
• Don’t buy the smallest gun you can find for carry. Subcompacts are harder to shoot accurately and more punishing to practice with. A compact is often a better starting point.
• Budget for training, a quality holster, and ammunition alongside the firearm itself.
• We ship to your local FFL dealer. All transfers follow standard background check procedures regardless of your state.

Questions? Call us at 800-917-7137 or use our live chat. We’ve been doing this since 1992 and we’re happy to help you find the right handgun for your situation.