If you’re a beginner looking for the right handgun, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. There are many factors to consider, including whether you want a revolver or semi-automatic, the caliber of the gun, and what kind of sights you prefer.
For my opinion, the best handgun for beginner is one of the next:
- CZ-75 SP02;
- SIG Sauer P320;
- Walther P22;
- Glock 43;
- S&W M&P M2.0 Compact.
In this blog post, we’ll explore five handguns that could be great options for beginners – the CZ-75 SP02, SIG Sauer P320, Walther P22, Glock 43, and S&W M&P M2.0 Compact – and provide some tips on what to look out for when purchasing your first handgun.
Contents
CZ-75 SP-01 Review

What do I like:
- Heavy, so gives a perfect stability;
- Easy to reload;
- Perfect and comfortable sights out-of-the-box;
- Low-recoil (as it can be for the 9mm handgun);
- The best option for the sport and precise shooting.
What I don’t like:
- Big hammer and grip;
- Definitely not the best option for concealed carry.
The CZ-75 SP-01 offers great performance in both accuracy and reliability due its double/single action trigger system which provides smooth operation with minimal effort from the user. It also features an ergonomic design that fits comfortably in the hand of most shooters, allowing them to have better control over their shots while providing maximum comfort during extended shooting sessions. Additionally, it features low profile sights which offer excellent visibility in all lighting conditions as well as adjustable rear sights that can be adjusted depending on your preferences or needs. Furthermore, its lightweight construction helps reduce fatigue during extended shooting sessions while still providing excellent accuracy even at long distances due its improved barrel rifling technology which increases bullet velocity and accuracy over longer distances compared to traditional firearms designs.
The CZ-75 SP-01 is well balanced and accurate thanks to its low bore axis design, making it perfect for target shooting or competition shooting. Additionally, the gun comes with adjustable sights and a Picatinny rail for mounting accessories like lasers or lights.
Walther P22 Review

What do I like:
- Almost recoilless;
- Small size – perfectly fits for concealed carry;
- Lightweight;
What I don’t like:
- Unable for effective usage over 50 m (160-170 ft);
When I was a first time user of this handgun, I asked my instructor: this is so lightweight and I barely feel it in my hand! Is it good for anything except for squirrel and hamster shooting?
Well… I didn’t know that .22 LR handguns were used by the Israeli Mossad. For example, Ruger Standard .22 Auto, Beretta 21 Bearcat, Beretta Model 71, Walther TP and TPH… And all of them are .22 LR. Moreover, .22 LR is one of the favorite calibers among contract killers and hitmens. So trust me – .22 LR handguns are perfect for home and self- defense.
The Walther P22 is another great option for beginner shooters looking for an easy to use handgun. It’s a compact semi-automatic pistol that offers a comfortable grip and excellent accuracy due to its ergonomic design. The gun also features an ambidextrous manual safety lever as well as a magazine disconnect safety that prevents accidental discharges when not in use. The P22 has been optimized for target shooting thanks to its adjustable rear sight and fiber optic front sight; however, it can also be used as an effective self defense weapon due to its 10+1 capacity magazine.
SIG Sauer P320 Review



What do I like:
- One of my favorite handguns (yes, I really like it);
- Lightweight, but enough for the decent recoil compensation;
- Multiple calibers available;
- 15-17 9x19mm rounds per mag;
- Used by the Canadian Special Operation Forces, Spanish Grupo Especial de Operaciones, the USAF and police, and so on.
What I don’t like:
- Quite tough trigger;
The SIG Sauer P320 is a semi-automatic pistol that was introduced in 2014. It has several features that make it appealing to beginner shooters, including its modular design and customizable grip size. The trigger also has minimal travel distance and offers an adjustable trigger pull weight from approximately 10 to 20 lbs., making it a great choice for shooters with different levels of experience. Additionally, the P320 is compatible with multiple calibers (.45 ACP, .357 SIG, 9mm) and comes with three interchangeable magazines that can hold up to 17 rounds each—making it an ideal choice for home defense.
Glock 43 Review

The Glock 43 is another popular semi-automatic pistol that has been on the market since 2015. It weighs just over 1 pound and features a slim frame design with a six-round magazine capacity—making it small enough to fit easily into most holsters while still providing plenty of ammo storage capacity for self-defense situations. The Glock 43 also features three safeties (trigger safety, firing pin safety, and drop safety), making it one of the safest handguns available on the market today. While not as customizable as the P320 in terms of grip size or caliber options, many shooters appreciate its simplicity and ease of use when shooting at close range or in competitions such as USPSA or IDPA matches.
The S&W M&P 2.0 Compact Review

The S&W M&P 2.0 Compact is an excellent choice for beginners due to its reliability and accuracy. It has been designed with features that make it easy to use and comfortable to hold, making it ideal for first-time shooters as well as experienced shooters who are looking for a reliable sidearm. This pistol also includes a variety of safety features such as an external manual safety, a loaded chamber indicator, and a trigger safety.
When choosing a handgun, one of the most important factors to consider is weight. The S&W M&P 2.0 Compact weighs in at 1 pound 3 ounces unloaded, which makes it light enough to carry around comfortably without feeling too heavy in your hands or weighing down your gear too much. It can also be used easily by both left-handed and right-handed shooters thanks to its ambidextrous design.
Size is also an important factor when selecting a handgun because you want something that fits comfortably in your hand without being too big or too small. The S&W M&P 2.0 Compact has been designed with ergonomics in mind so that it fits securely in your hand while still allowing you access to all of the controls with ease – including the slide lock/release button located on the side of the frame just above where your thumb rests when gripping the gun. Additionally, this compact pistol measures 6 inches long with a 4 inch barrel – making it small enough to conceal but large enough to get accurate shots off quickly if needed.
What Facts to Consider Before Buying The Best Handgun For A Beginner?
Revolver vs Semi-auto
When choosing a handgun as a beginner shooter, one of the first decisions should be whether to purchase a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol. A revolver is simpler in terms of operation and requires less maintenance than a semi-automatic pistol. However, revolvers can only hold 6 rounds whereas semi-automatics can typically hold more than that. It is important to note that both types of guns are reliable and will get the job done when needed.
Caliber
The next thing to consider is the caliber of your desired handgun. Common calibers for handguns include .22LR, 9mm Luger (also known as 9x19mm), .45 ACP (also known as 45 Auto), and .380 ACP (also known as 9mm Short). While most handguns come in multiple calibers depending on size and design, it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and experience level best. For example, if you are new to handguns then starting with something like a .22LR might be best; however if you have experience with larger calibers such as .45 ACP then those might be better suited for your needs (if you have to have a deal with something well-protected).
Based on my opinion, Luger 9x19mm is the best caliber for the handguns, both for home/self-defense or tactical purposes:
- Outstanding penetration power even on the long distances (over 50m/165 ft);
- Decent stopping power for the most cases (of course, if you wouldn’t try to shoot at an elephant or rhino);
- Higher magazine capacity;
- Inexpensive.
You think that 9mm has small penetration depth? Just look at the next chart – it’s easily competing with .45 ACP:

Or this one:

Yes, .45 ACP or other calibers alike (.44 Magnum, 10mm, .357 Magnum, etc.) have outstanding stopping power and energy, but… Do you really need larger calibers, when a 9mm is doing almost the same things?
Sights
When choosing a handgun it is also important to consider what kind of sights you prefer. Many handguns come with adjustable sights so that they can be set up according to your preference; however not all do so make sure that whatever gun you buy has sights that fit your needs and desires best. Additionally, there are many aftermarket sight options available so even if the gun doesn’t come with adjustable sights it doesn’t mean you won’t be able to customize them later on down the line.
Weight
The weight of the gun is one of the most important aspects to consider when selecting the best handgun for beginners. Generally speaking, heavier guns are more accurate because they cause less recoil and provide stability during shooting. On the other hand, lighter guns may be easier to carry but can be harder to shoot accurately due to their greater recoil. As a beginner, it is best to select a gun that is lightweight yet still provides accuracy and stability while shooting.
Size
The size of your pistol should also be taken into consideration when selecting the right gun for you as a beginner. Smaller firearms have less recoil, making them easier to control and aim during shooting; however, they can also be difficult to handle in certain situations due to their small size. Larger guns tend to require more time and effort in terms of aiming and controlling recoil; however, they are typically more reliable and have larger magazines than smaller firearms—making them ideal for home defense or extended range shooting sessions. As such, it is important for beginners to strike a balance between size and accuracy when selecting their first firearm.
Conclusion
Purchasing your first handgun can seem daunting but with these tips in mind it should make the process easier! Remember – think about whether you want a revolver or semi-automatic pistol; determine which caliber works best for you; and decide which type of sights fit your preferences best before making any purchases! With these considerations in mind we hope this guide helps you find the perfect beginner handgun! Good luck!