
Which handgun should I buy?
A handgun, similar to a car, is a personal choice. It is best to try before you buy. You need to find the handgun that fits your hand better (yes, some grips can be changed within reason). Does the handgun feel comfortable in your hand or does it feel like a block of wood, awkward, just not right? Have you shot before? If so, what caliber(s) can you handle or feel comfortable shooting? What type do you prefer: revolver or semi- automatic?
Here is a short and excellent video on this topic:
Since it is always best to sample, Vermont Firearms Training offers an assortment of handguns to try during the NRA Basic Pistol course or during Personal Instruction:
- Smith & Wesson Model 17, revolver in 22LR
- Smith & Wesson Model 63, revolver in 22LR
- Smith & Wesson Model 317, revolver in 22LR
- Ruger Model SP101, revolver in 22LR
- Browning Buckmark, Semi-auto in 22LR
- Ruger 22/45, Semi-auto in 22LR
- Smith & Wesson Model 22A, Semi-auto in 22LR
- Smith & Wesson Model M&P22, Semi-auto in 22LR
- Glock Model 22 with Advantage Arms Conversion, Semi-auto in 22LR
- Walter P22, Semi auto in 22LR
- Sig Sauer P226, Semi auto in 22LR/9mm/40S&W
- Glock Model 17 Gen 3, Semi auto in 9mm
- Smith & Wesson M&P 9Pro, Semi auto in 9mm
- Glock Model 22 Gen 4, Semi auto in 40S&W
- Smith & Wesson M&P 40, Semi auto in 40S&W
- Essex Arms 1911A1, Semi auto in 45ACP
- Smith & Wesson 4506, Semi auto in 45ACP
- Smith & Wesson Model 686, revolver in 357 (Shoot 38SPC)
- Smith & Wesson Model 66, revolver in 357 (Shoot 38SPC)
- Smith & Wesson Model 27, revolver in 357 (Shoot 38SPC)
- Smith & Wesson Model 625, revolver in 45Colt (Shoot 45ACP)
A 22 long rifle (LR) revolver or a semi is a great first handgun to buy and will continue to serve you well after other handguns are bought and sold.
I look forward to helping you identify which firearm works best for you.