Your Guide to the Best Guns for Beginners

Deciding on your first gun is a big decision, and you must consider its purpose, type, size, weight, fit and caliber. This might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By arming yourself with knowledge of different gun features, you can find the right firearm for you. This guide explores factors like ease of use, safety and comfort to ensure you find a starter gun that suits your needs. Discover the best options to help you build your skills as you embark on your shooting journey.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Good Starter Gun

Choosing a beginner gun involves a few important considerations, from intended use to recoil. Before investing in your first firearm, consider these factors.

Firearm Features

Your starter gun should be comfortable to handle, shoot and maintain. These features influence your choice:

• Weight and size: A gun’s size and weight affect comfort, control and accuracy. A lighter, properly sized firearm handles easier, reduces fatigue and improves the shooting experience. You can focus on learning proper technique while building confidence without being overwhelmed by a heavy or unwieldy gun.
• Fit and comfort: A firearm’s fit influences handling. Choose a gun with good ergonomics that feels balanced and natural in your hand. This will make it more comfortable to hold.
• Caliber and recoil: A gun’s caliber is determined by the diameter of the bullet it fires. Recoil refers to how the gun moves backward when fired and depends on the caliber. Popular handgun calibers for starter shooters are a .22 Long Rifle (LR) caliber or a 9-millimeter (mm) caliber.
• Safety features: Firearms have certain safety mechanisms that are crucial for beginners. Features like manual, trigger and grip safeties prevent accidental discharges. Chamber indicators show whether the gun is loaded or unloaded.
• Maintenance ease: Part availability and simple disassembly make maintenance easier. Look for a gun that you can quickly disassemble or reassemble for convenient cleaning.

Purpose and Intended Use

Do you plan to use your gun for defense, hunting or target shooting? Each has different criteria:

• Defense: In an emergency situation, you need a gun that’s compact, reliable and easy to use. Handguns are ideal for self or home defense.
• Hunting: The type of game you plan to hunt dictates the best type of gun. Rifles with features like range and stopping power are preferred for hunting.
• Target shooting: Accuracy and handling ease are the most critical factors when shooting at a target.

Now that you know what to look for when investing in your first gun, let’s explore which of each gun type is best for beginners.

Best Handgun for Beginners

Are you planning to use your handgun for recreation, defense or competition? The answer to this question can influence which gun suits the purpose. Handguns include pistols and revolvers, and each category has many variations. Here’s a roundup of the best starter handguns:

• Glock: The Glock 48 and Glock 43 make excellent starter guns for female beginners. Both options feature an ergonomic design and are lightweight for easy carrying. Glock G30 Gen 4 and Glock 17L are also noteworthy handguns for beginners, offering comfortable grips and easy concealment.
• SIG: The SIG Sauer P365 features a double-stack magazine, a compact build and a lightweight construction. This gun also provides visibility in dark and light conditions, making it more versatile.
• Smith & Wesson: A Smith & Wesson handgun is another beginner choice. The Smith & Wesson Model 66 revolver is suitable for home protection. The M&P Shield is an option for concealed carry, and the M&P Shield Plus serves the same purpose but may be more comfortable for gun users with large hands.

Best Rifle for a Beginner

Rifles are a great choice if you enjoy spending time at the range, participating in competitions or hunting small game. You’ll have more contact between your body and the gun compared to a handgun, which can make it easier to become a skilled shooter. It’s important to start with a light rifle as a beginner for easier handling. Here are some options:

• Best beginner rifles for target shooting: Caliber is a consideration when searching for a target shooting rifle. The best shooting range gun for beginners will offer a manageable recoil and suit your shooting distance and target. A .22 caliber is a solid choice for beginners because the cartridge produces minimal recoil and noise. If you’re looking for high accuracy, versatility and power, a .223 is the way to go.
• Best hunting rifles for beginners: The Ruger AR-556 is an affordable option for beginner hunters. The Tikka T3x is another option, offering lightweight construction and many possible upgrades. However, it is essential to know which guns are legal for hunting use in your state.

Best Shotgun for Beginners

Shotguns are popular among gun owners due to their versatility. Beginners should consider the gun’s gauge, weight and recoil to find the right fit. Generally, a 12-gauge or 20-gauge is suitable because it offers less recoil while still delivering power.

A Mossberg shotgun is a great starting option. Models like the Mossberg 500 or 590 are pump-action shotguns. These firearms come in various models, and you can pair them with many accessories to increase their versatility. Winchester shotguns also offer versatility and affordability for new gun owners. The Winchester SXP offers fast cycling and reduced coil.

Best Home Defense Guns for Beginners

If you’re considering a gun for safety, you’re not alone. More than 80% of gun owners report feeling safer with a gun, and 72% of gun owners say safety is the primary reason for owning a gun. If you want to protect yourself, your loved ones and your home, it is critical to find a gun you feel comfortable with and can handle easily. Take a look at these top contenders:

• SIG Sauer P226 MK25: This gun features a comfortable grip and has an accessory rail for attachments. Several P226 variations exist, but the 9mm is typically the best choice for home defense.
• Walther PPQ M2: Walther guns are known for their reliability and quality. These guns have few misfiring issues, making them a solid choice for new owners to keep at home. This 9mm gun features three safeties, an accessory equipment rail and sculpted backstraps.
• Ruger 1707 GP100: The Ruger 1707 GP100 is a revolver boasting a 6-inch barrel. This gun offers smooth cycling and prevents accidental discharging with a triple-lock cylinder and transfer bar.

Best Concealed Carry Guns for New Shooters

Concealed carry guns must have concealable designs, be compact and offer reliability. Take a look at these top picks:

• The Glock G43X is a semi-auto handgun that can hold 10 rounds. It is easy to conceal over clothing, and the added grip length makes it comfortable to hold.
• Both the Mossberg MC2 and MC2c are compact and light. These pistols can come with or without safeties, and the ergonomics make them sensible for new shooters.
• The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 2.0 has an impressive capacity and a smooth trigger. The grip is comfortable, and the gun can hold 10 or 12 rounds.

Find Your Perfect Beginner Gun at Keystone Shooting Center

At Keystone Shooting Center, you can find gun rentals, training classes, store purchases and excellent customer service to help you find the right gun. Our world-class shooting range is open to new and seasoned shooters. We offer walk-in experiences and training simulator systems to create unforgettable experiences for everyone. Browse our online store, book a reservation for our range or enroll in shooting classes to improve your aim and find the right gun for you.