What’s the BEST Handgun?

Short answer: the best handgun is the one you will use.

Is it really that simple? Yes.

However, there are many factors to consider when choosing a handgun including its purpose (home or self-defense, concealed carry, target shooting, etc.), size, weight, caliber, recoil, grip/comfort, reliability, availability of ammo, and even its looks (yeah, we like a gun that looks good too).

That’s why it’s important to try a variety of handguns before purchasing. If possible, find a local gun store or range that will allow you to rent various handguns so you can shoot them and get a good feel for them. 

Also Check Out: Beretta APX Review: Your Next Everyday Carry Pistol

Get A Grip!

The grip is the most important factor when choosing the right handgun. It’s imperative that it fits your hand and feels comfortable. You need a handgun that allows a full purchase on the grip. If it doesn’t fit your hand or allow a proper grip, it’s not going to be a good choice for you no matter how cool it looks or how many good reviews it has. 

How do you know it fits your hands properly? Get training from a certified firearms instructor. If you need a head start on how to hold a pistol properly, we have instructional videos available on Xcluded Media.

Other Factors To Consider.

The size and weight of your handgun (along with a high-quality holster) will also affect its comfort when carrying it concealed. Your handgun must be comfortable to handle and carry especially when it’s on you all day.

In addition, you want to know what to expect when you shoot a handgun and experience the recoil. Higher caliber (.45 ACP versus .380) handguns tend to have more recoil than a smaller caliber. In addition, smaller, lighter guns tend to have more recoil than larger, heavier guns.

This doesn’t mean a small, light handgun (or caliber) will be a bad choice. It just needs to be the right choice for you. Not all guns are created equally and one brand of a .380 or 9mm handgun may differ greatly from another of equal or similar size, weight, caliber, etc.

Other factors to consider include reliability, ease of maintenance, and availability of ammo. Most handguns today are very reliable. But failures do occur and problems do arise. Sure, human error accounts for many issues, but sometimes things do go wrong. 

This is where research comes into the picture to see what others have said about a particular brand or model with regards to its reliability. However, take some of these reviews with a grain of salt unless it’s coming from an experienced shooter. When we say “experienced shooter,” we are not necessarily talking about someone who may be a current or former police officer or military veteran. 

Found The Right Handgun? Good. Get Training.

Competitive shooters and gun enthusiasts tend to know more about the shooting aspect of guns due to their drive to hone the skill for fun and enjoyment. Firearms instructors that demonstrate what they teach tend to be reliable training sources. It’s the instructors that never demonstrate that concern us. 

Most handguns are easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble. But some have more parts or require more maintenance than others. Take time to learn how to disassemble and reassemble a handgun from a knowledgeable firearms instructor, gun owner, or even through YouTube.

What About Caliber Sizes?

With regard to ammo, some calibers are more readily available than others. Typically, .22, .380, and 9mm are more available than .40 or .45 ACP. However, there are times when the supply of ammo is heavily reduced or almost nonexistent during times of crisis (as we’ve seen since the beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic), and during political years when politicians threaten to take away our guns or enact strict gun laws, restrictions, or taxes (as we’re seeing now). Another consideration is the price of ammo. Larger calibers or rare calibers (7.5FK, 10mm, etc.) tend to cost more than other calibers.

The Bottom Line On The Best Handgun.

These are just some of the main factors to consider when purchasing a handgun. You may also want to consider the sights used (standard, night, red dot, etc.) and the type of safety mechanism it uses (manual, trigger safety, or no safety).

Once you’ve researched handguns and tested out several of them to find the best one for YOU, don’t forget to invest most of your time with firearms training. It doesn’t matter how comfortable, powerful, or cool your handgun is without proper training and education.

Big Daddy Unlimited advocates strongly for Second Amendment rights because we believe that the right to keep and bear arms exists to protect all of the other God-given rights of American citizens. Become a member today to join our community of freedom-loving Americans, and let’s work together to support and defend our Second Amendment rights.