10 Handgun Questions. 10 Handgun Answers.

What does Striker-Fired, Hammer-Fired, Double-Action, Single-Action, and Double-Action / Single-Action mean?

1. We’ve linked a video to this question because the written explanation is difficult to visualize. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqd0YLqhWN0

2. Is Striker-Fired or Hammer-Fired better?

Striker-fired semiautomatic handguns are much more commonly used by law enforcement than hammer-fired. There are several reasons, but mostly all of them are related to cost. A hammer-fired handgun is usually more expensive than its striker-fired counterpart. Because striker-fired handguns are used by law enforcement to a greater degree than hammer-fired handguns, the market supports striker-fired handguns a bit better. Meaning, you can buy more holsters and more aftermarket parts at a local sporting goods store than you can for a hammer-fired handgun. 

Market support gives striker-fired handguns an edge in our opinion. That said, hammer-fired handguns typically offer a better trigger than striker-fired handguns. Hammer-fired handguns also come in more trigger configurations, i.e. single-action only, double-action-only, and double-action / single-action. Revolvers are all hammer-fired. 

Given cost considerations and market support, we believe striker-fired handguns are more appropriate for a first-time handgun owner. It’s difficult for a new shooter to feel the differences in trigger actions between the striker and hammer-fired platforms, as being able to benefit from one or the other requires mastery of shooting fundamentals.

3. Do I really need a holster?

Yes, you need to buy a holster. Some ranges will not allow you to draw from a holster, but almost every class you attend will require you to have a holster and magazine pouch. A holster is always a safer carry option than carrying your handgun in your hand or loose in a bag. Some states require your handgun to be secured in a holster or case when being carried. 

4. What are the differences between a Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 holster?

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 refers to the number of security measures you have to defeat to draw your handgun from the holster. Security measures are generally a number of buttons that must be pressed in a certain order to successfully draw your handgun. 

Level 1 holsters secure your handgun with friction retention only. Meaning your handgun is secured in the holster with screws designed to tighten the holster around the handgun. To draw your handgun from a Level 1 holster, you simply pull the handgun until it releases from the holster. Failure to properly tighten the holster around the handgun may result in the handgun falling out of the holster. 

We only recommend Kydex holsters. Cloth / soft holsters are never allowed in our classes.

Level 2 holsters secure your firearm with retention and one button release. These holsters require you to press a button or release a snap to effectively draw your handgun. Leather holsters will sometimes have a strap with a snap near the thumb of the draw-hand that needs to be released before the handgun can be drawn from the holster. Kydex holsters typically have a button release near the index or middle finger of the draw hand that must be pressed to draw the handgun. 

Again, we recommend Kydex holsters over leather holsters for first-time handgun owners for a number of reasons including: price, customization options, and retention options.

Level 3 holsters secure your firearm by retention and two buttons. These holsters are typically used by security and police professionals working in a uniformed capacity. We do not recommend Level 3 holsters to everyday handgun users. We do demonstrate their use during our in-person Introduction to the Handgun Class. 

5. What kind of holster should I buy?

We always recommend an Outside the Waistband, Level 2, Kydex Holster as your first holster. This holster is what we wear to the range for training days most often. 

Another excellent option is an Inside the Waistband, Level 1, Kydex Holster. We wear these holsters every day and to the range on a semi-regular basis. 

Safariland.com is one of the simplest places to begin your holster search. 

We also like LAS Concealment and Tier 1 Concealed holsters.

Kydex is a durable plastic-like polymer that can be heated and vacuum molded into any number of custom shapes. Kydex does not harm your handgun. 

You will also need a rigid belt to support your handgun, holster, and any magazine pouches you attach. Training Regiment uses 2 inch, leather belts from Magpul with universal Kydex magazine holders we buy from Amazon.com. 

You can purchase similar equipment from any major sporting goods store. 

6. What kind of hearing protection should I purchase?

First, hearing protection is required in every class and at every range in the country that is worth attending. Second, training and live-fire practice is more enjoyable when you can hear the instructor and talk to other shooters on the range without having to constantly adjust your hearing protection. 

We highly recommend purchasing electronic hearing protection from a reputable manufacturer. We use Walker’s Razor Electronic Earmuffs. We’ve linked them from Academy Sports and Outdoors, but they are available in every major shooting supply store and at most ranges.

7. What kind of eye protection should I purchase? 

Like hearing protection, eye protection is mandatory in every class and at every range in the country worth attending. No, your regular prescription eyeglasses do not meet the standards of protection required to protect your eyes from gun debris. 

Walker is another great resource with cost-effective options. Wylie X and Oakley also provide sunglasses or regular range glasses at a higher price-point than Walker. We recommend ordering Wylie X or Oakley from their online stores as you’re able to shop their entire line of products. Walker is available at Academy Sports and Outdoors, Bass Pro Shop, Cabela’s, and almost every other sporting goods store in the country. 

NOTE: Shooting glasses must be safety-rated. Regular sunglasses and prescription glasses are not sufficient substitutes for properly rated eye protection.

8. Can I order / purchase my handgun online?

Yes, you can order your handgun online from several outlets, including major retailers. If you order from a firearms store that does not have a chain in your area you may have to drive to a physical location or have your handgun shipped to a local Federal Firearms License holder for transfer and pickup. 

It is highly recommended that you contact and read all the fine print when ordering a handgun from an online retailer. We recommend purchasing your first handgun in person from a reputable local business or a major national retailer. 

9. What’s an FFL transfer?

An FFL is a Federal Firearms License holder that is authorized to sell firearms in the United States. An FFL transfer is the act of having a firearm shipped to an FFL holder to complete the transfer of the ordered firearm to the purchaser. Transfer fees apply and can range from as little as 5 dollars to over 100 dollars. 

10. How do I know what kind of ammunition to buy?

The ammunition caliber is printed/engraved on the barrel or frame of your firearm. For 9mm ammunition, you will see 9mm x 19, 9mm Luger, or 9mm Para on the box of ammunition. 

You will also see a grain weight on the box of ammunition. 115 grain is the most common target round, 124 grain is what Training Regiment prefers, and 147 grain is typically subsonic ammunition to be used with a silencer. 

For the first-time handgun owner, we recommend a 9mm Luger, 115 grain, Brass Case, Winchester (White Box), Blazer, or Federal ammunition. The box will have the following printed on the front: 

Target/Practice - 115GR, 9MM LUGER, CASING - Brass - Boxer-Primed, Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

There is a difference between target and personal defense ammunition. Target ammunition is cheaper—but it’s also a solid projectile. Home defense rounds are more expensive, hollow point, higher pressure rounds which are typically 124 grain or higher. These rounds will be identified by their hollow point and the words Home Defense or Personal Protection written on the front, and +P indicating the round generates a higher pressure than a non +P or target ammunition inside the barrel of your firearm when fired. 

+P is the reason we recommend that you purchase a firearm from a major factory manufacturer. Such handguns are almost always rated to fire home defense +P or ammunition. When purchasing your first handgun, you should always make sure your handgun is rated to fire +P ammunition safely. 

You can order ammunition online and have it shipped to your house, or purchase ammunition from any major retailer. Wal-Mart does NOT sell 9mm ammunition. If you have questions about what to buy, go to Academy or Bass Pro / Cabela’s and ask someone in the firearms section. We shop at all three retailers and we’ve had pretty positive experiences at all three. Online ammunition can be purchased through several outlets. We use LuckyGunner.com exclusively because they will ship 5000 rounds or more to us at a time.

Finally, we’ve recommended a lot of brands and retailers throughout this guide. We are not sponsored by any businesses. We do not sell firearms or ammunition of any kind. These are simply our thoughts based on our experiences. Shop around, find what works for you, and get some training.

See you on the range,

-The Regiment