Fit and Needs Assessment
We’ve discussed some of the most common myths about purchasing a handgun Training Regiment Instructors hear from students. Hopefully, these myths have given you some direction as you consider what type of handgun to purchase. In this section, we will help you sort through your needs and wants to discover a handgun that best fits your budget and lifestyle.
It’s worth saying now: if you’ve always wanted to own a particular handgun, close this guide, save some money, and buy the handgun. The handgun you want most is always going to be the handgun you train with and carry most often. If you’re like 99.9 percent of first-time handgun buyers and you have no idea where to start—keep working through the rest of this guide.
We should also tell you that we almost always recommend a full-size, striker-fired handgun with a capacity of 15 rounds or greater to all potential handgun buyers attending our Introduction to Handgun Ownership course. Why? These handguns are the most widely available and have the most accessory options on the market, regardless of manufacturer.
Now that we’re done with disclosures, let’s work through some questions and find some solutions for you.
The primary consideration you should have when buying a handgun for the first time is your budget. The gun you can afford is better than the gun you can’t.
What’s your price range for a new handgun? Circle One
$100 - $500
$501 - $800
$801 - $1200
$1201 - $1500
$1501 - $3500
Low and High Price Points
Brand Pros and Cons by Brand
Pro
Sig-Sauer handguns are very modular. The brand enjoys wide market support making handgun accessories easy to find. The P365 series is America’s most popular handgun.
Con
If you want safety features, you’re going to have to make sure you’re purchasing a model that has them. The P320 and X17/18 models faced early criticisms due to firing when dropped.
Pro
Smith & Wesson is a respected American brand with a lineage dating back to 1852. High-quality, safe, and affordable handguns are hallmarks of this iconic American brand.
Con
Smith & Wesson is known for revolvers. The semiautomatic handguns from Smith & Wesson do not enjoy as much market support as other brands on this list.
Pro
Glock has a handgun for every price point, every occasion, and every person. As one of the most popular semiautomatic handguns of all time, Glock enjoys wide market support. Customizing your Glock is easy as parts and magazines are available just about everywhere firearms are sold.
Con
The sheer number of Glock options can be overwhelming to the first-time buyer. While putting together this guide, we found Glock handguns ranging from $399 to over $2500. It’s easy to get wrapped up in a neverending option-hunt when buying a Glock.
Pro
H&K is relatively new to the striker-fired handgun market. The HKVP9 series is the first H&K striker-fired offering since 1970. Know for rigorous testing and extremely high quality, the H&K is renowned for great triggers, ambidextrous controls, and longevity.
Con
Price is the single largest con for H&K buyers. Most H&K offerings start at around $800 and rise quickly from there. Holsters, parts, and magazines typically require an owner to order from an online source. Wait times can be substantial. The magazine releases on H&K are typically paddle releases. People either love the magazine release or hate it.
Pro
The Echelon series was ranked as the best handgun of 2023 by more than one industry source. Springfield offers exceptional quality at an exceptional price.
Con
If you’re looking for a handgun with plenty of after-market support, Springfield may not be your best bet. The upside is that Springfield Armory handguns ship directly from the factory with almost every after-market upgrade one would want to make.
How do you plan to store your new handgun inside your home?
In a lockbox
In a gun safe
Other ___________________________________________
Do you have any physical disabilities that may limit your ability to carry your handgun on your body?
Yes
No
Do you have any physical disabilities that inhibit your ability to grip a handgun with both hands?
Yes
No
If you answered yes to one or both questions above, it is highly recommended that you delay your purchase of a handgun until you consult a training instructor in your local area. Training Regiment routinely assists physically disabled adults in finding carry options that are compliant with state laws and appropriate for your specific needs.
Why do you want to purchase a handgun?
Personal defense inside the home.
Personal defense outside the home.
Both 1 & 2
If you chose option 1, it is recommended that you purchase a Red Dot Optic / Sight and an Outside the Waistband Holster for your firearm.
If you chose option 2 or 3, it is recommended that you purchase a Red Dot Optic / Sight, an Outside the Waistband Holster, and a Weapon Light for your handgun.
NOTE: The recommended options may be purchased at a later date or with your handgun. Before carrying your handgun outside of your home, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you attend courses designed to enhance your knowledge of and proficiency with your handgun as well as obtaining your state’s license to carry or concealed handgun license.
Finally, if you have the ability to attend an Introduction to Handguns course like one here at Training Regiment, we highly recommend doing so. These classes save you money in the long run. Why? Most classes include a fit assessment where you get to evaluate handguns, holsters, and on and off-body carry options. We developed our Introduction to Handguns course because we bought more than one handgun and more than a few holsters to figure out exactly what did and did not work for our needs.
