Though the first question you need to answer when considering the purchase of a firearm is “What are you going to use it for,” the next question will be, “Which one do you want?” When looking at a vast array of pistols at a store, it is easy to get overwhelmed.
Why are there so many different types of handguns? One reason is the competitive nature of the firearms industry. New and upgraded models flow out of factories faster than even many serious gun enthusiasts can keep up with. Some people prefer some brands over another. Each brand strives to have something unique that may appeal to a particular market segment that others don’t necessarily crave.
But another, more relevant answer for customers considering a new firearm are their own personal needs. It is not an exaggeration to say that guns are like shoes. A shoe that feels comfortable and supports one person’s foot may be uncomfortable and even painful for another person with the same “size” feet.
Consider some of the factors that determine how you will shoot with a firearm:
- Your overall size and strength
- The size of your hands
- Your upper body strength
- Your hand strength
- The length of your fingers
- Your dexterity
- Your experience and proficiency
- Whether you are left-handed or right-handed
Different designs and sizes of firearms will fit you and shoot differently FOR YOU. What works for one shooter may not work for another. It is important to not only hold a firearm but to shoot it. A gun that feels good in the hand may not feel as good when shooting. A gun that doesn’t feel like a perfect fit may be the one you shoot the best.
Some important questions to ask yourself:
- Can you rack the slide easily?
- Can you lock the slide easily?
- Can you eject the magazine easily?
- Are you left-handed? Right-handed? Is the gun ambidextrous?
- How does the grip fit your hands? Is the pattern too aggressive or too slippery?
- Does that gun have removable backstraps and side panels so you can customize the grip size?
- How well can you see the sights? (Color blindness can be an issue with some sights.)
- How well can you position your finger on the trigger?
- Does the trigger pull suit you? Is it too hard or too easy to go off for you?
- How easy is the firearm to break down and clean?
- Will you open carry, conceal carry?
- For what purpose will you shoot the gun (target shooting, clay shooting, personal defense, etc.)
For many people, a few minutes holding a gun in a store is all they get before committing to a several-hundred-dollar purchase. That’s why it is important to try before you buy! Prescott Shooting Range has over 98 rental firearms; they represent the brands and models we sell. You can try several different guns before settling on the one that’s right for you. Some shooters actually come back a few times to try the same gun before making a final decision. Some shooters have friends with the model they’re looking at so they can try them. What’s most important is that you shoot the guns you are considering before you buy. There are too many personal variables to buy first, then try.
If you would like assistance in choosing a firearm, we can assist! In our 1 ½-hr lesson, we help you choose viable candidates, then assist you in shooting each and understanding the components of each one.
Whichever way you go about choosing your first firearm, don’t be pressured into buying! Take your time. Find the one that makes sense to you.
