Handgun Recommendations for New Shooters 

Hey guys. There have been a lot of changes in the handgun market since we made this video a few years back. We hope to make an updated version sometime this year. Until then, for those of you looking for the "Fighting Smarter" book by Tom Givens, you may have noticed that it is out of print. There's actually a revised and improved version of that book with a new title. Look for "Concealed Carry Class," also by Tom Givens. It's a great primer on everything you need to know before you carry a gun.

Basically, "Big enough that you can shoot it accurately, small and light enough that you'll always carry it."

*SPOILER ALERT* Just conceal carry a gold desert eagle under a purple furry pimp coat. problem solved.

The logic and professionalism of these videos is outstanding! I truly enjoy watching them. I learn something new every time! Thank you Lucky Gunner!

I've shot the Glock 26. Not a fan. I'm a smaller girl... (5'4"). I didn't buy it. I have a Glock 42 and love it. It fits me perfectly.

Best advice I received was to find a gun that you will actually carry....

as far as caliber effectiveness. Paul Harrell does a lot of really good videos on the effectiveness of almost every popular handgun caliber. They are really good and he shows how a lot of myths about caliber effectiveness are just that, myths

My first recommendation to any new gun owner is pick what feels the best in your hands. Ignore caliber and brand. Second shoot it. If it feels natural to hold it and you work well with it, then you have your gun. They fit like jeans. A 34x34 isn’t going to fit all who assume they wear that size. I have my brand biases, but I’ve owned and fired weapons for years. You train first with what fits you and then you branch out. Baby steps.

Dude,,, you're becoming a breath of fresh air in a world of information and opinion overload.

You guys make the best vids, keep it up.

If you are just now watching this video (2019), the P250 (compact) is still a fantastic gun and can be had for a song. I picked one up as a new guy pistol shooter, and it is unlikely that I will ever change with regard to carry. The long trigger takes a bit of getting used to, but it is lovely once you get the swing of it. Mine is calibered in .45 and even though I am a fellow new to pistols, I can still put holes in holes downrange. Plus I can assure you that, regardless of stress levels, I will never pull it anywhere shy of deliberate. That element of comfort was why I bought it, and that element of comfort is why I made the right choice.

The Smith & Wesson SD9 VE is a great choice for a full size 9mm. It's essentially a lower priced Glock. Very shootable and reliable. Has a standard accessory rail and good sights.

Very limited in California. I have a Springfield XD9 and it's been very reliable and a comfortable gun to shoot.

I carry a Ruger SP 101 for winter, I love the way it shoots and I love the way it carries.

The first rule of a gunfight is to have a gun. Most people are far more likely to carry a pocket .380 on a regular basis than a larger gun, unless they live someplace where dressing in layers and heavy clothing are a year round phenomenon. Since not all of us live in Canada, that makes pocket .380s good options. There are of course small 9s as well. My concern is that statistically, the caliber is less important in deadly force situations (involving handguns) than placement and multiple shots on target, and the usage of good defensive ammunition. Small 9s kick like the dickens, and fast accurate follow-up shots become difficult. That is less true of .380 and .32, where you can have both a light, easily concealed gun and less recoil than an equivalent 9. Also, pocket carry is very popular precisely because with a good holster it offers both deep concealment and fast access, a kind of gold standard for self-defense. However, a gun longer than 6 inches simply isn't going to be concealable in most pants pockets. Similarly, grip height can be problematic if it goes over 4.5 inches (and less is better, like 4.25 or even 4) and thickness needs to be 1 inch or less. What a light pocket .380 requires is a good quality laser sight (Crimson Trace or Viridian or the like), a good concealment holster and practice practice practice. You can't avoid the need for practice, no matter what gun you buy.

Years ago, I researched and bought my first hand-gun... a "lowly" Hi-Point C9. It was a big, recoil absorbing brick. For my large hands, and being a new shooter, it was the perfect fit, and it led me to train more and more. The price of entry ($130 for the gun, and another $100 for 600 rds of ammo) made it easy for me to begin training in earnest. Years later, I have seven guns, including that old C9, and nobody can convince me that it's a bad choice for a new shooter. They are reliable for typical civilian use, and they will kill you as easily as any gun.

couldn't agree more on the p250 for beginners and trained alike. accurate, reliable, comfortable, and super smooth trigger. I also think contrary to the professionals that a slightly longer & heavier trigger is safer for novice & pro alike. Say whatever you want but accidents are called accidents for a reason, and it would be much harder to ND/AD with a p250/revolver/DA trigger than a glock,etc.

Sig p250 series good to go. Concealable, consistent and intentional double action pull, high capacity, RELIABLE. I've found that this weapon receives harsh criticism from less experienced shooters who haven't yet developed trigger skills, because it's a longer pull and they anticipate it to the point of jerking. However the most proficient shooter I know was singing it's praises at his first shots. It's simply a matter of training to it and then once you know what your talking about... preference.

Nice overview and good quality recommendations. I might have mentioned the Ruger LCR .327 among the revolver options. Provides six shots in a J-frame versus the more typical five. When combined with the 85 grain Federal low-recoil cartridges, it makes for a formidable self defense weapon. We're blessed to live in a time and place that provides us so many quality firearm options.

Love your channel. Informative without all the extra yappin’. I don’t have time to watch a 30-40 minute video for 10 minutes worth of information during this current ADD era.

It’s enlightening to watch opinions shift over time as new information is gathered and research performed. Who would have thought that 2016 Chris would soon launch a 22 entry (and counting) series on the virtues of pocket pistols?

Yep. Got two 250’s. Compact one in 45 and 9mm. Love them.

Great tips

Probably worth calling out that the Sig P250 Gen1's had all kinds of reliability issues leading to a recall and a revamp. I have a Gen 1 P250 compact in .40 S&W that would experience a failure on almost every magazine I ran through it. I bought one of Sig's X-Change kits for .357 Sig (which are all Gen 2 slides, barrels, springs and magazines) and it runs like a champ now - it's on carry duty. Fantastic gun with a long but easy trigger to master.

Walther PPQ, Glock 19, Sig 320C, HK VP9. CZ P10C

Glad to see the Sig P250 getting some respect. I own two and consider them my "high capacity" revolvers. Both have been solid with the Caliber X-Change kits I own in several calibers. Thanks for the video.

The moment I turned 21 I bought a Canik Elite in od green. I'm happy.

I really belive that a desert eagle is the best self defense gun , even without ammo ... you can hit the shit out of anyone with that 20kg monster

Sig 250 is an OUTSTANDING weapon. Can be found new in box for $299. Once you master the trigger it is a tack driver.

I had been surprised to see your recommendation for the P250, no one recommends this gun.....ever. I happen to love it, this is one of my favorites.

The P250SC was my first real carry gun, pocket guns up to that point. I have since moved up to a P229 but I agree the P250 is underrated.

I carry a S&W M&P 40c (13+ 1 with 4 inch barrel). I'm 6'4". Very comfortable in my hand and no issues concealing it. Some people may prefer the 9mm version, though.

There is also the Immortal S&W Models 10, 13, 15, 19, 64, 65 and 66. They served as the first handguns for many, myself included. They are as simple as it gets. Six rounds of .38 Special, or if you have a Model 13, 19, 65 or 66, .357 Magnum, which can also fire .38 Special and +P rounds too. Almost anyone, short of the extremely infirm, can easily load and fire it. No safeties to fool with, just a long double action trigger pull or at least 10 lbs. It can't be fired without deliberation. It's as simple to use as it gets for repeating handguns. And short of catastrophic failure of the hand, ratchet, pawl, or mainspring, as reliable as it gets. The chances of that happening in an S&W or Ruger revolver is near nil.

Solid video that will easily appeal to the masses with several questions and concerns. Good job Chris.

I’m a little late to the party here, but I have to give the Sig P250 an endorsement. They’re amazing pistols. Accurate, user friendly with an inherently safe design and drop dead reliable. I purchased my full sized 9mm about the time this video was released for under half of msrp because the shop owner wanted it out of his display case. I’ve never regretted it. Practice pre staging that DAO trigger and I promise you that within the first 50 rounds you’ll be consistently ringing the steel at 25 yards. You’ll only get better.

Took my wife probably six months to pick her gun. She has small hands and she had trouble finding a gun that was comfortable for her. She went with the sig p225. Amazingly comfortable gun. When trying to find it I had trouble finding a shop that even knew what it was. Lol

I like the jam at the end. It's easy to groove to.

I found makarov to be good gun for the first time shooters. reliable, light recoil because 9mm Makarov is like .380 and gun itself is steel framed. so it weighs as much as fully loaded glock 19 but only has 8 rounds. and here in Eastern Europe they are between 90 and 150 bucks.

This channel is a gold mine

I am a certified firearms instructor. I'm 73 years old and have had guns since I was 12. I've bought and sold over 40 guns (30 pistols and 10 rifles) searching for the right fit. @6:45 the host mentions 380 as being small. There is a report on RU-vid about a woman who shot an intruder 3 times in the left shoulder area and stopped the intruder. 380 with the right bullet makes a formidable round. I carry S&W M&P Bodyguard or Shield 380 EZ or 9c or M2.0 (full size duty pistol) depending on where I'll be that day. I really like the EZ over the others. I use Hornady Critical Defense 380 ACP 90 gr. FTX or Hornady Critical Defense 9 mm 115 gr. FTX

Does anyone else thumbs up every new lucky gunner videos while it's loading?

Got a G19 for concealed carry. Even compact, still too big too hide for me. I went with the G43 and it is perfect for me. Easy to hide, light, and 6 rds with a backup mag with another 6 is good enough.

I was glad to hear you mention shooters with short fingers. It is a problem for me, and living in Ca, it is harder to find a gun that fits me properly. the ones I like the most are also the most expensive.

Most women and some men have a very hard time racking the slide on semi-automatic pistols. Add to this their relative complexity, and a double-action revolver is perhaps the best choice for a new shooter that is buying their very first handgun for self-defense purposes.

Depending on the time of year, where I am, what I’m doing I could have any of the following on my person; S&W 442, 58, 4016, 65, Beretta 96, Springfield XDm with a red dot, or Ruger GP100. My favorites are the prelock 58, 4016, and Beretta 96. I tend to relegate the 442 to a back up role or for those non permissive environments. For new shooters I like the Beretta 92 and 3” model 65. They tend to be more forgiving of new shooters especially the 65. I have various other handguns like the 1911 and the Hi Power but they are just range toys for me. As new shooters evolve their ideas of what they want to carry or use for home defense will likely change over time. If you start a new shooter on a good revolver, and they get to where they can shoot it well, they will most likely shoot anything well. Just my $0.02

i know ill seem like another one of the gun's cult followers, but, the M&P shield is the freakin best. Yes, its small size does make it a little harder to shoot accurately at first, but with training, that thing is an incredible firearm.

I've carried all sorts of things in my life. At one point I thought carrying a fnx-45 was a good idea. I did so for about a year. It's a great gun however I believe a terrible edc, just like any other gun of that size. Its heavy, bulky, uncomfortable, and just overall impractical to carry. I think you as you mature and become more realistic about what you actually want in a carry gun, ideas start to change. Having said that I am now back to carrying a colt lightweight commander. The glock 19 and cz 75 p01 are my second and third favorite carry guns.

I tell students the fit of the pistol grip in the hand, or the hand around the pistol grip is the first most important consideration. I advocate that the tip of the thumb ought to land between the tip of the middle finger, and back to the cuticle.

I think the glock is a good choice. The low bore axis is just so nice for fast shooting. The grip leaves something to be desired but I think it's something you get use to.

i tried the Glock 43 for a spell but it didn't pan out. The reliability is there but i cant seem to manage the recoil. I guess my small paws have something to do with it. Now i confidently carry the 42 for ease of shooting.

Currently in 2020...the Sig P365. Got it because it’s small yet shoots like a big gun. I tried the G43x and was not a fan. The P365 just melts in my hand and is one of the most concealable 9mm’s on the market today.

I must commend you on your video, handgun recommendations for new shooters. I always felt a revolver was the way to go for new shooters. The part of this video that caused me to comment was your recommendation of the Sig P250. I never knew this gun even existed up until almost a year ago. I'm retired law enforcement (30+) years. My choice in a sidearm for duty was dictated to me, a Glock 22 gen4, an excellent weapon. I went through the academy with a revolver and carried on duty up until we transitioned to semi-autos. As for new shooters I always suggested a revolver, but if they insist on a semi-auto I always said get a Glock, simple operation, but now I'd say a Sig P250 is a better choice if they can be found.

I carry/own a few of these but im a combat vet so I got plenty of experience. Right now I'm carrying a revolver for my morning walks and whatnot, HK USPc .45, or SIG 1911. But I plan on getting an HK P30 (full sized, I have an SK as a backup piece or carrying in light weather, best sub-kompact for me, though I love my wife's M&P Shield performance center), or my two favorite compact pistols: SIG P225, or 228/9. Also carry my beretta m9 sometimes, always loved that pistol

H&K P-30, CZ P01 and Ruger SR9 are all worth consideration for guys and gals with smaller hands. Reliability, capacity and ergonomics are first rate. All of them offer compact variants for concealed carry.

For beginners, I would suggest a revolver, 357 Mag caliber that can shoot 357, 38+P, and 38 SPL. The operator has the choice of cartridge power, based on recoil control, and cost sometimes. Less likely to jam (FTF, FTE), and simpler to operate from a squeeze and shoot simple task. However, with no safety and easy to operate for kids, it may not be the best choice in this case. Semi-auto handguns are more difficult to operate for those with smaller hands and who cannot hold the handgun steady can result in stove-piping malfunctions. A 380 is a good caliber for self defense but the recoil can make it difficult to control due to its blowback action. In principle, the heavier the gun, the less recoil it should have. My first was a S&W 686 Plus when they first came out in 2001, 7 shot, 5 inch barrel. Took a while before I got my first semi auto, a SIG P232 in 380. Size matters here as does shot placement.

My daughter, 5' 4" and 120 pounds prefers a full size 1911. It is a bit large and heavy but she doesn't miss even in rapid fire. She says says the weight helps her keep it on target.

I own 2 of the Sig P250's...9 & 45 both compacts. You CAN'T stop these guns. If you grew up or are used to and comfortable with double action revolvers, it's a semi-auto version. I tell people to take my .22 and put a couple hundred rounds down it. Then hand them my model 10 Smith, lather, rinse, repeat. When they're putting up nice groups, I hand them the Smith 642 with standard pressure then +P, to gauge recoil sensitivity. Then onto the Sigs/Glocks/Berettas/1911's. Within a few trips to the range, they know what recoil they're comfortable with, size that fits them, etc. I NEVER tell them a cheaper gun is "just as good"...if they have their CC, I'll let them use one of mine till they can save a bit more to get a better quality gun. (There's a price range curve there...a Sig Legion is unnecessary amount of money for a CC, IMHO so is a 200 Keltec, but at 400 - 500, you'll find SEVERAL options that will out shoot you and out last you - my model 10 was made in 1914, I'm 4th generation family owner of it...throws lead down it's pipe every time I pull the trigger). NOT a decision that should be made after one trip to the gun store/range...

Comort??

Kahr CW9 should be in this video. Great compact 9mm. Kahr is a popular, well known and liked name, as much as any of the others mentioned in the video. The CW9 is well known, there are lots of aftermarket products (grip wraps, rear sights, springs, etc), easily concealable, reliable, sights are good, recoil is very manageable, 8 round capacity with the included mag (7+1) and 9 rounds available at Kahr or MidwayUSA (8+1). It's one of the most slim compacts on the market. It's border line a pocket gun, someone 5'10" or taller can pocket the CW9 in a jacket pocket or with loose fit pants (me), even though a IWB is faster to draw and more comfortable, but it's not so small you can't get a good grip to handle the recoil easily. I picked one up a few months ago and love it. 124gr +P, standard 147gr 9mm and anything lighter is just fine and it eats everything I feed through it (no break in period for me, it just worked), however, I did find that shooting 147gr +P JHP Underwood Ammo made the back strap hurt the palm of my hand. I wouldn't mind having a P250 also. Not a Glock fan, they are fine guns, just not for me. And I would pickup an M&P if the price was right. And I disagree of your opinion regarding the S&W Internal Lock Revolvers. The internal lock is really a non-issue. The fact is that there are verified cases of the lock malfunctioning and locking up the gun, but is usually caused by misuse or something repairable and does not happen to 99.999% of S&W ILS Revolvers. If you really want a new S&W revolver but don't like the internal lock it is easily disabled or removed. You can even get plugs to fill in the hole on the side plate that match the different finishes. I have a Model 69, .44 magnum, that I bought a few months ago, have put hundreds of rounds through and have had zero malfunctions or failures (it's crazy accurate and the trigger is perfect). I even dropped it upside down so hard on a tile floor that it broke off the rear sight. If mine was going to lock on it's own It would have then or when I was shooting the 320gr Double Tap WFN (that hurt my wrists and scared so many people at the indoor range). There are hundreds of more stories online with people saying they don't have the issue than those who do. The benefit of the ILS revolvers is the triggers tend to be better/lighter. It is rumor that S&W did this since the lock is there, not sure how true this is, it's possibly they just improved their triggers over the years. But I say if someone wants a new S&W revolver, don't let the ILS dissuade you, remove it if it's really that concerning to you, but it's not to me even using mt M69 as an HD gun (I understand the issue of over-penetration but all guns will over-penetrate and I want a one stop shooter). And despite what some of the owners of classic S&W say, all the new S&W revolvers I have had my hands on were very much top quality, but I was looking at $800+ revolvers. I can't speak for the smaller less expensive snubbies and such. And now they are making the M69 in a 2.75" barrel. Do you think an L-Frame in a 2.75" barrel is concealable? Maybe! It is the close to the same size of a GP100 with a 3" barrel. And if you can't take care of the problem with 5 rounds of .44 Magnum in the guns and a speed loader in your pocket, I'm not sure having 6-10 rounds of 9mm and an extra mag would do you much better. I would carry my M69 over my Kahr if I could but the barrel is just to long. I am not associated with Kahr, S&W, or any other firearm related company. I own and enjoy both guns and just want to voice my opinion for those who want to know about the CW9 and M69.

I carry a p250 with a custom stippled xcompact frame and I love the damn thing.

Bummer, Tom Given's book is out of print. Of course I can pay $1,000.00 (lol) for the copy on Amazon. Guess I'll see what e-copies might be had out there.

for a new or entry level shooter Id highly suggest a stainless med size 5/6 shot .38spl +P or .357magnum DA/DA only revolver. Stainless steel is ideal but new polymer models like the Ruger LCR can do fine. a ccw user or gun owner can practice with low recoil .38spl then move on to +P or shoot/carry .357magnum. If a pistol is desired, a sig P320, a Glock gen 4 9mm or .40, a Walther PPQ in .40 or 9x19mm, the HK P2000 in LEM, the Ruger American, the M&P series 2.0, the CZ85 9mm, or the SIG Sauer DAK format P226R/P229R in .40 or 9mm.

Happy Holidays, Chris - All your Lucky Gunner RU-vids exhibit great professionalism and attention to detail, which I’m sure substantially help to make them exceptionally credible and very valuable. So, as always, I thank you. Because you are so focused on excellence, I thought you’d want to know that “comfort” is misspelled at approximately 3:30 in this video. I did not read the near-500 earlier comments, so it’s likely you’re already aware of this inconsequential error, which I point out ONLY because it’s abundantly clear that your devote real effort to produce flawless products.

I started with a HiPoint in .40S&W. Sold it and got a H&R Sportsman 999 revolver. When I could not find a critical replacement part for it, I sold it and got a Charter Arms snub nose in 38 Special. Lots of trigger time and handload testing with that 5 shot revolver. I found a good deal on a KelTec P11 and discovered it was a good pistol complement to my mostly revolver background.

Love your channel. Great info, very easy to understand, and you're not annoying to listen to like other channels. Keep it up, and thanks!

at 2:20 LG proclaims reliability, reliability, reliability. He's absolutely right, and just as a follow on to new shooters: Inspect your new piece before the range, clean it after the range, and store it appropriately.

If I'd recommend anything to friends or family it would have to be a smith and wesson shield ez 9mm to start, train, and carry. And then go into a hk vp9 for the home. It's full size, very accurate with great trigger, and very comfortable because of all the grip panels you can change to fit everyone's hand.

I’ve been training my neighbor & his wife w/their Glock 19 & SIG 365 and we’re headed for another range session two days from today. They’re both doing OK & I’m spending a lot of time drilling them on safe loading, unloading & storage. Both have gotten their ccw permits but don’t routinely carry yet. I want to spend some time on carry/holster options and convince them NOT to leave a gun in their car.

No mention of the CZ P07? ok... :(

Great video. Thank you for the good information!

I just wish revolvers weren't so bleeding expensive.

I agree with your recommendations except for the Sig p250. I had one a while back, and the double action only trigger takes a while to get used to, especially for a new shooter. DAO triggers IMO are the worst for a beginner because they tend to jerk the trigger even more than a striker or single action. Takes much longer to get accustomed to

3:29 "COMORT" lol. Someone was in a hurry to pump this out

Outstanding tips! I fully agree on new shooters and women having a false idea that smaller guns are better for them. A female friend was talked into a small aluminum framed 38 Special revolver for home defense. I asked if she truly liked shooting it and she said no. My wife has an M&P M2.0 5 inch 9mm and loves shooting it. So, working on getting her something else. I find it interesting you chose striker fired handguns such as Glock and M&P, but chose the P250 and not the P320. What is the reasoning? I also agree on the micro .380 pistols not being good as well. My first LTC class had a female that was talked into buying a Kel-Tec P3AT and struggled with failures from limp wristing and struggled to qualify. I have had my Ruger LCR 38+P and carried it for years now and would not suggest it for a new shooter. It is not fun to shoot, but is amazing for carry!

Another recommendation is to try to go to an Indoor shooting range and see if you can rent firearms before purchasing. I work at a range and we have a try before you buy option that waves the rental fees if you purchase a handgun.

I got a Ruger American 9mm. I like it. 18 rounds total. 17 in magazine

Ruger SR 9c is a good one too.

For the less than 5% of the gun owning public that watch these videos and take firearms seriously I completely agree. For 95% of the public that don’t a light weight revolver is the best option hands down. Like you touched on In several other videos, the vast majority of gun owners will shoot less than one box of ammo, not use a holster or at Best Buy a nylon uncle mikes from Walmart and not think twice about the gun until they need it. A revolver is the simplest safest most reliable weapon for those people. The average gun owner doesn’t know what a first phase immediate action is let alone has the ability to do it in a stressful situation.

Well done. You hit all the main points and you gave good examples for folks to try. It is almost impossible to answer the question for someone you have never seen handle a gun, shoot etc. It is difficult. Maybe this why I have so many? I'm 58 and have tried almost everything. I shoot all the time and am proficient. Right now, the G43 and the S&W Airweight are my two main carry guns. Not by choice but because I can conceal them without looking like I am hiding a toaster. (I am not large). Anyway, very good video.

Thanks again for another great video Chris, as well as for my last order of quality ammo!

Beretta 92fs, CZ 75, Sig p328 if you want full size pistols, or if you don't intend to carry (home defense). All incredibly reliable especially the Beretta, and far easier to shoot than these smaller guns. They are a little big for most people to carry though.

For anyone who's curious. I have the SP101 Wiley Clapp. For first time shooters, I would suggest to stay with the 38sp and maybe not go past the +P. Till you get into it more. To be honest .358 isn't unmanageable in this little tank. Also, night sights and other aftermarket parts available for it to make it a little more friendly to shoot.

My first concealed carry gun was a Ruger Old Army cap n ball revolver. It had a 7.5" barrel and it's own zip code. Thought I'd attack the problem as directly as possible. It took a Bianchi X15 shoulder holster and a sport coat but I packed it successfully. After that the J frame I went to next was a breeze. Funny the dumb things I've gotten away with.

I think a revolver is the best beginner gun. Simple, intuitive, reliable.

Ditto on the Ruger SP101. Small enough for concealed carry and a longer barrel may not be needed within the confines of your home. SIGs are pricey - though not overpriced compared to Glock or H&K - but for an entry level shooter the full-size SIG I recommend is the cost-effective SP2022 in 9mm.

You can tell it kills him to call a glock reliable but he couldn't lie lol

awesome videos, thank you for being unbiased when it comes to guns. ...allot of guys praise one gun manufacturer over any other.

For those with limited dexterity the walther pk380 and smith 380 ez are two great options

Depends on if for carry or predominately home defense, etc. of course but I would recommend trying out the Walther PPS M2. The problem with .380 is not the ballistics but the lack of a really reliable handgun. If you think it's the ballistics, search YT for "Texan Wild Hog .380" and watch the vid. I would NOT want to be shot with one! The problem is you may only get one or two shots before the handgun malfunctions. I've often wondered why they don't make .380 Revolvers like they now do for 9mm. Should solve the reliability problem and be a little easier on recoil for the ladies and kids. And, yes, the smaller the handgun the more difficult it is to shoot accurately even at short distances and especially under distress/duress. And, even more so for inexperienced shooters. It NEEDS to be a handgun you 1) can actually shoot, and 2) you'll actually carry, if it's for carry. Actually, you should CARRY your home defense weapon on you at home too. I just use my EDC for both so it's always on me even, oftentimes, when I go to sleep. It only takes one time of needing it and not having it for it to not matter anymore. And, I'm a firm believer that the only use for a handgun is to fight your way to your fighting rifle. jmho.

But any compact or full sized striker fired 9mm. Don’t worry about carry. You can carry any gun if you dress around it with a good holster and belt. Your first gun should be large and easy to shoot. And fun to shoot. I love my shield, but it was a pain to learn to shoot on. I bought a full sized 320 shortly after that is much more fun, and much easier to shoot. New shooters have to enjoy shooting and learning first, then worry about a carry gun later.

I looked at the single stack 9mm and tryed the Springfield XDS the Glock 43 the Walther PPS and end up with the S&W SHIELD ! ! I'm not a revolver guy but if I have to choos is going to be the Smith & Wesson Model 66 357 or model 60 in 38 Special they are both perfect for concealed carry .

Another quality video. The information is on point and very useful as always. Keep em coming.

I saw my P250 in the thumbnail and I HAD to click this lol :) Great discussion and great recommendations. Keep it up!

I carry a .45 acp 1911 and it’s quite a nice shooter

If a person has to ask for advice on what advice they should give give a new shooter they shouldn’t be giving advice. Another good video. BTW that book is available from Amazon for just under $100 for a used paperback.

Speer Gold Dot - rock on!! Pick some up on regular basis.

Thumbs up. I'm starting out with a Ruger Redhawk Stainless .44 Mag 4.2-inch 6Rd Hogue Grip

My two cents: Find one that is obviously concealable for your body/frame and specific clothing norms. Then find one, perhaps above all, that truly feels good in the hand. Those two parameters will go a long way to “Will you want to take it with you every day?”

I like book recommendations, keep them coming!

My advice is pick a gun and a holster, save all the packaging and receipts, when you fall in love and buy the newest gun out there, return the other gun and holster immediately. Every shooter i know owns a dozen guns, a 1,000 pound safe, boxes of holsters, different ammo brands, types and calibers. Most ranges rent any gun, shoot it and leave it behind. In nam my sergeant gave me a rifle and i gave it back when i left, that system has worked since humans used clubs. Be "a" gun owner, not a half assed "collector".