Top Handguns & Rifles That Make a Great First Firearm
Choosing your first firearm can be exciting, but with so many options out there, it can also feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re picking up a gun for home defense, hunting, or just getting into shooting sports, this guide will help you make a smart, confident decision — and we’ll highlight some of the best beginner-friendly guns to start with.
Step One: Know Your Why
Before anything else, figure out why you’re buying a gun. That will help narrow down what type of firearm you need.
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Self-defense: Compact handguns are usually best
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Hunting: Rifles are often the go-to choice
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Target shooting or plinking: Low-recoil handguns and .22 rifles are ideal
Once you know your purpose, it becomes a lot easier to match it with the right tool.
What to Look for in Your First Firearm
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer, but any good beginner firearm should be:
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Simple to operate — nothing too complicated out of the gate
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Reliable — from a trusted brand with a good reputation
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Comfortable to hold and shoot — proper fit goes a long way
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Low recoil — so you can focus on fundamentals, not flinching
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Easy to maintain — basic cleaning shouldn’t be a hassle
Don’t forget your budget. It’s not just the price tag on the gun — think about ammo, safety gear, cleaning kits, range time, and training classes.
Best Handguns for First-Time Owners
Handguns are compact, easier to store, and perfect for practicing at indoor ranges. For new shooters, starting with a .22 caliber pistol or revolver is a solid choice.
Why a .22 Makes Sense for Beginners
The .22 LR round is inexpensive, super light on recoil, and quiet. It’s a great cartridge for learning how to shoot without feeling overwhelmed by noise or kick.
Recommended .22 Revolvers:
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Smith & Wesson Model 63 – Small, durable, and accurate
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Ruger LCRx (3-inch barrel) – Lightweight with solid trigger feel
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Taurus Model 942 (3-inch) – Affordable and beginner-friendly
These double-action revolvers are especially great for practicing trigger discipline and learning to shoot safely and accurately.
Moving Up: Beginner-Friendly 9mm Pistols
When you’re ready for something a bit stronger, 9mm handguns are often the next step. They're one of the most popular calibers for a reason — good stopping power, widely available ammo, and still manageable recoil.
Great Starter 9mm Pistols:
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KelTec P11
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Taurus PT-111 G2C
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Springfield Hellcat
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Smith & Wesson Shield Plus
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SIG Sauer P365
Best Rifles for Beginners
If you're leaning toward a rifle, especially for outdoor shooting or small game hunting, a .22 LR rifle is hard to beat.
The Ruger 10/22 — A Timeless First Rifle
The Ruger 10/22 is one of the most respected beginner rifles on the market. It’s lightweight, accurate, affordable to shoot, and customizable.
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Semi-automatic, easy to reload
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Great for learning proper stance and muzzle awareness
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Minimal recoil = easy to stay on target
The best part? Most shooters never outgrow the 10/22. It’s a rifle that stays in your collection even after you’ve upgraded to bigger calibers.
What to Expect When You Visit a Gun Store
Your first visit to a gun shop can feel intimidating — but it doesn’t have to be. Most store employees are glad to help you learn, especially if you’re honest about being new to firearms.
Gun Store Etiquette 101:
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Always re-check that the gun is unloaded (even if they just showed you)
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Ask before pulling the trigger (dry-firing)
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Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction — floor or wall, never at people
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Hand guns back butt-first or with the muzzle pointed up/down
The Buying Process
When you’re ready to buy, you’ll need to fill out ATF Form 4473. It confirms your identity and verifies that you’re legally allowed to purchase a firearm. Lying on this form is a felony — so take your time and answer truthfully.
Once the form is done, the dealer will run a background check through NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). Most are approved in minutes, but occasionally you might get a delay. If everything’s clear, you walk out with your new firearm.
After the Purchase: What’s Next?
Some stores may walk you to the exit with the firearm — that’s standard policy for safety. Once you’re home, secure the firearm properly and take time to get familiar with it unloaded before hitting the range.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Stay Safe
Choosing your first gun isn’t just about specs — it’s about fit, comfort, confidence, and safety. Whether it’s a .22 revolver, a compact 9mm, or a rimfire rifle like the 10/22, your first firearm should help you build skills, gain confidence, and stay safe.
And remember, training is just as important as the gun itself. Look into basic safety courses, local range instruction, or trusted instructors in your area. You’ll be glad you did.
Need Help Picking the Right First Gun?
If you’re still not sure where to start, reach out to our team or visit your local gun store for a hands-on experience. There’s no substitute for holding the firearm, testing the fit, and getting professional input before making a final decision.
