When looking for your first gun, it is a very personal choice. You should do your research and even ask an experienced firearm expert for assistance. They should recommend many different guns before you make that choice. Here are a few things to consider for your first gun:
12-gauge Firearms
Shotguns are popular for home defense. The 12-gauge may pack more of a punch to new carriers, more than what that might be ready for. This could lead to the carrier flinching in anticipation of the recoil and not learning to absorb it. It can lead to the gun jumping up, out of the carrier’s hands, and maybe even hitting them in the face.
Micro 9mm
Some believe the smaller the gun, the better for the new carrier. But this is not always the case. A pocket-sized 9mm can be difficult for the new carrier to control. This gun can lack the proper sights, making it more difficult to get a shot on target. The way many of these guns slap into the hand will likely mean less practice, making it even more difficult for the new carrier to be accurate in a time of need. “Limp writing” these guns can cause jams and unreliability as well.
Magnums
A gun too large can cause issues for new shooters, just as a gun too small can. Who would not want to be Dirty Harry, right? A new shooter, after the gun getting away from them the first time. Magnums in the hands of a new shooter are simply a recipe for disaster. When you add to that the price of ammunition for these guns, the likelihood that new shooter will practice enough to even gain control of the gun properly, let alone attain accuracy, is greatly reduced.
A Word About Price
While price is important to some, choosing the cheapest option is not always the best. Craftsmanship comes with a price, and a budget-level firearm can be less reliable and have other safety issues for a carrier if they are not equipped to handle it. However, there are some out there that perform very well. This is where the research and advice of an experienced carrier can come in handy.
These are the things to consider for your first gun. A carrier should feel comfortable with the gun first and foremost. It should fit well in the carrier’s hand and not kick so hard as to deter practice and repetition. Once a carrier has more experience, if they decide to progress to one of these types of guns listed, they will be in a much better position to do so.
