Where to Start

Buying a pistol is easy once you take it one step at a time: decide what the gun is for, pick a size that fits that job, choose an action and a caliber, then buy smart and gear up. Work through these steps and you will walk into the gun shop knowing exactly what to ask for.

Step 1: Decide what it is for

• Home defense: a full-size or compact pistol is easier to shoot well, and size does not matter much when the gun stays home.
• Concealed carry: a compact or subcompact you will actually carry every day.
• Range and competition: a full-size pistol with a longer sight radius and softer recoil.
• Training and plinking: a .22 LR pistol is cheap to shoot and a great way to build skills.

• New to pistols? Common questions are answered in the Pistol F.A.Q.

Step 2: Pick a size

Bigger pistols are easier to shoot and hold more rounds. Smaller pistols are easier to carry and hide. Most shooters land on a compact as the best of both worlds.

• Compare the sizes side by side in Pistol Sizes.
• Browse Full Size Pistols, Compact Pistols and Sub-Compact Pistols.

Step 3: Choose an action

The action is how the trigger works. All three types below are proven and safe when handled correctly. The right one is the one you train with.

• Striker-fired: the same trigger pull every shot and no external hammer. Simple to learn and the most popular choice today.
• Double action / single action (DA/SA): a long, heavier first pull, then a short, light pull for every shot after. Most have a decocker.
• Single action only: a short, crisp pull every shot. Carried with the hammer back and a manual safety on, like the classic 1911.

Step 4: Pick a caliber

If you are not sure, start with 9mm. It is affordable, easy to find, manageable to shoot and comes in every size of pistol.

Caliber	Recoil	Ammo cost	Good for
.22 LR	Very light	Lowest	Training, plinking
.380 ACP	Light	Moderate	Pocket pistols
9mm Luger	Moderate	Lowest centerfire	Carry, home defense, range
.40 S&W	Snappy	Moderate	Duty, defense
10mm Auto	Stiff	Higher	Woods carry, hunting
.45 ACP	Firm push	Higher	Home defense, 1911 fans

• See the rounds side by side in Pistol Calibers.
• Shopping for rounds? Visit Pistol Ammo on Ammo Buyers Guide.com.

Step 5: Buy smart

• Hold it before you buy it. The grip, trigger reach and controls should fit your hand.
• Rent before you buy. Many ranges rent pistols, so you can shoot a few models first.
• Budget for more than the gun: a holster, extra magazines, ammo, a safe and a training class.
• Stick with proven makers. See Pistol Brands.
• Know the rules. A licensed dealer will run a background check, and federal law does not allow dealers to sell handguns to anyone under 21. State and local laws vary, so check yours.

Step 6: Gear up and train

• A quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard. See Holster Buyers Guide.com.
• Two or three extra magazines. See Magazine Buyers Guide.net.
• A weapon light if the pistol is for home defense.
• A safe or lockbox to keep it away from kids and thieves. See Gun Safe Buyers Guide.com.
• A cleaning kit, a basic pistol class and regular range time.

Not legal advice. Always check your state and local laws before buying, carrying or traveling with a handgun.