Choosing your first handgun for home defense can be challenging. Drawing from our team's extensive background in military, competitive shooting and experience in gun shops, we have compiled critical factors that every beginner should evaluate. While we don't test every model ourselves, our recommendations are grounded in comprehensive analysis and thorough research from reliable sources.

I'll guide you through essential criteria such as caliber, ammo type, ergonomic design, cost and safety features. Understanding these elements is crucial in selecting a handgun that not only fits your budget but is also comfortable to handle and operates safely under various conditions.

Finally, I'll share my recommendations for some of my favorite handguns for home defense and new shooters. These are based on rigorous analysis and standout reviews and come highly recommended for anyone starting out or looking to enhance their home defense arsenal.

Our Testing Process for the Top Handguns for Beginners and Home Defense

Let me break down how we test handguns here. It's all about hands-on experience. Over the years, we've handled hundreds of handguns and fired tens of thousands of rounds. This isn't just about shooting; it's about understanding what works and what doesn't for different users.

When we pick a handgun for beginners or home defense, we stick to specific criteria, which I'll go into detail about in the "Choosing Your Handgun" section. Here's a brief overview of the key factors we consider:Here’s a quick preview of what we look for:

Caliber: We prefer the 9mm for its balance between power and manageability; however, it is not the only answer, as many women also shoot a .380 ACP.

Size: Either full or compact works best, giving you enough gun to handle easily without being too bulky.

Action: Striker-fired pistols tend to be simpler for beginners to use.

Price: We aim for around $500-$700, making sure it's affordable without compromising quality.

Top Beginner Home Defense Handguns

Top Overall Choice 9mm Handgun: Glock 19, Gen 5

Pros:

• Super reliable and trusted.
• Ideal size for handling.
• Solid capacity for its size.
• Plenty of customization options.

Cons:

• Basic plastic sights.
• The trigger could use some improvement.
• Grip might not suit everyone.

Glock is very much a household name, right? The Glock 19 is often seen as a go-to choice for those seeking reliability. It’s straightforward in design—a polymer frame that might seem a bit plain, but it’s known for its dependability.

If I were in a pinch and could only grab one pistol, the Glock 19 would be my pick. And I'm not the only one who thinks this way. With its compact size and versatility, the Glock 19 remains one of their most popular 9mm options.

The latest Generation 5 models, including the growing-in-popularity MOS (Modular Optic System) variants, are now available.

For those of you in states with strict handgun laws like California, the Gen 3 models will do just fine.

Now, if you're not planning on carrying concealed, I'd suggest going for the Glock 17 full-size. We've put over 10,000 rounds through ours with no issues.

However, if you’re considering a concealed carry weapon (CCW) or prefer something a bit more compact, the Glock 19 is worth trying.

If I had to recommend just one handgun for a beginner, especially for both range shooting and home defense, it would definitely be the Glock 19. It’s versatile enough for the shooting range, it holds enough rounds for home defense and compact enough for concealed carry.

Top Handgun for Trigger Quality: Walther PDP

Pros:

• Outstanding trigger for the price.
• Highly reliable.
• Excellent ergonomics.

Cons:

• None

The Walther PDP has quickly become our top pick for a striker-fired 9mm handgun, thanks to its superb trigger, comfortable grip, and dependable performance.

You'll just have to trust me on the trigger—it's the best striker-fired trigger straight out of the box that I've ever experienced.

Regarding ergonomics, Walther really nailed it. They've designed it with a very grippy texture and a shape that fits a wide range of hand sizes.

It is also optics ready, for that red dot you might want to throw on!t.

And let’s talk about those slide serrations—they're big and effective. If you’re having trouble racking this slide, it’s definitely not because of the serrations.

We tested a couple of the most popular configurations, including the full-size version with a 4.5-inch barrel and the compact version with a 4-inch barrel. Walther also offers a unique hybrid model that pairs the compact 4-inch barrel with a full-size slide capacity. .

In terms of reliability, this pistol is a champ. We've fired thousands of rounds without a hitch. Many state police departments have chosen this pistol for their duty carry option.

Just a heads-up for those with larger hands—your fingers may sometimes interfere with the slide lock and therefore prevent it from engaging when the magazine is empty. However, this issue can be corrected with the use of interchangeable back straps. It allows for a more personalized fit that enhances both comfort and functionality.

Walther has recently introduced threaded barrels and we've been impressed with the performance of the suppressed compact model so far.

Second-Best Beginner Handgun: Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0

Pros:

• Highly reliable and time-tested.
• Comfortable ergonomics.

Let me fill you in on the Smith & Wesson M&P9 2.0, which almost always lands in the top three when you talk about the best 9mm handguns. it stands right up there with a Glock 17.

The original M&P was a beast in terms of durability but kind of dropped the ball with the trigger quality.

The 2.0 model has completely revamped that. Not only did they improve the trigger but they also added more aggressive texturing on the grip which really enhances the handling. Plus, you can swap out the back straps to get just the right fit for your hand.

It feels great to hold and though my version has a manual safety, it’s straightforward to remove if you prefer—it’s just a matter of taking out and replacing some inserts to make it mirror the non-safety variant.

It’s a solid option to check out, especially if you're on the fence about gun safeties because you can go either way with this model.

I rank it as my second favorite for beginners because it’s incredibly dependable and really fun to shoot. It only slightly falls behind the Glock, mainly due to the Glock’s arguably stronger reputation.

Easiest Handgun for Racking and Loading: Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ

Pros:

• Ideal for those with less grip strength.
• Available in the gentler .380 ACP caliber.

Cons:

• Limited magazine capacity.
• Some ladies have a big issue with this gun because of the back-strap safety. Their hands may struggle to depress the safety due to smaller hand sizes and grip strength.

Struggling to rack the slide on most handguns? You might want to consider the M&P Shield EZ series—where "EZ" literally means it’s easy to rack and load.

The 9mm model is compact enough for concealed carry and still delivers a solid performance with a popular caliber.

However, if you’re looking for the smoothest experience in racking and shooting, the .380 ACP caliber version could be your best bet. It’s designed to be even easier to handle, making it a top choice for those who prioritize ease over everything else.

One downside to the EZ series, though, is its limited capacity. It holds an 8+1 setup, which is quite a bit less than the 15+1 capacity you get with something like the Glock 19.

Top Premium Beginner Handgun: HK VP9

The HK VP9 makes a great choice if you want a polymer pistol but don't like the typical Glock style or feel. Or maybe you want something a bit more high-end without overspending. The VP9 used to cost a lot more but now has pricing just above Glock, making it an affordable upscale option.

This 9mm pistol uses a striker-fired system. It measures 7.34 inches long overall with a 4.09 inch barrel and weighs about 25 ounces. So it's a good sized yet manageable firearm.

One standout VP9 feature is its flexibility. It comes with various backstraps and swappable side panels. This makes customizing the grip to fit your hand perfectly quite easy, regardless of your unique hand proportions or shape.

When it comes to reliability, this handgun stands out in its class. Its performance and durability are well-known among gun enthusiasts. After extensive use, it has earned a permanent spot in my quick-access safe at home.

A quick note on its design: the standard model includes a magazine release positioned just beneath the trigger.If you prefer a more traditional setup, opt for the VP9 B model, which has the magazine release in a more standard position.

Choosing a Beginner Handgun

Why 9mm is Ideal

When you start looking for a beginner handgun, you’ll bump into several popular calibers like the 9mm and the larger .45 ACP. Both are common recommendations for new shooters.

So, why do I recommend 9mm for your first handgun? Here’s the thing:

First off, 9mm ammo is easier to find and more affordable than many other types of ammunition. This makes it great for regular practice without breaking the bank.

The 9mm rounds are also smaller, which generally means they have less recoil and allow for higher capacity magazines—often holding 15 or more rounds .

Another point in favor of the 9mm is its widespread use among law enforcement.The 9mm is popular among police officers across America. Most law enforcement use 9mm pistols. Even the FBI went back to 9mm after trying .40 caliber. They found that .40 wore down their guns faster and was harder for some agents to shoot well because of the recoil.

In short, the 9mm strikes a good balance. It's easy to handle, affordable and easy to find. This makes it a top choice if you're buying your first handgun.

Choosing Hollow Point Ammo for Self-Defense

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For those looking into home defense options, hollow point bullets are a top pick due to their stopping power. They are specifically designed to minimize over-penetration, which is the bullet's ability to pass through a target and potentially harm others. Some of the top choices in the market are the Hornady Critical Duty line of ammo in 135gr. or heavier. They offer top-notch performance for such situations.

Handgun Safety Features for Beginners

When it comes to safety mechanisms on handguns, I actually recommend opting for models without an external safety switch.

Why, you ask?

Well, in high-stress situations, like self-defense scenarios, there’s a chance you might forget to disengage an external safety. That’s why relying on your own awareness and handling discipline—your mind, essentially—can often be the most effective form of safety. This approach excludes some options, like the iconic 1911 model, which might be a little too intricate and delicate for beginners.

Choosing the Right Sights for Self-Defense

When it comes to sights, it’s a straightforward choice: go for tritium night sights. Most self-defense situations happen in low-light conditions so having sights that you can see in the dark can make a big difference.

Most of the pistols we recommend have models available with night sights that function as regular white dot sights in daylight.

If your preferred handgun doesn’t come with these sights pre-installed, no worries—you can always buy night sights for your specific model and either install them yourself with a sight tool, or have the local gun shop do it. It is that easy. This small upgrade can significantly enhance your firearm’s utility in a variety of lighting conditions.

Choosing the Right Action for Your Handgun

For beginners and those interested in home defense, I recommend going with a striker-fired handgun. Why? Because the trigger pull is consistent every single time. This consistency is crucial, especially when you need to react quickly and don't want any surprises.

An easy tip to identify a striker-fired handgun: look at the back of the slide. If it's flat and there’s no visible hammer, it’s likely a striker-fired model.

What about double-action pistols, like the Beretta 92FS? These types often have a heavier first trigger pull because you're actually cocking back the hammer with that initial shot.

And revolvers? Sure, they’re very reliable and straightforward—especially since if there's a misfire, you can just pull the trigger again to rotate to the next round. However, their main drawback is the limited ammo capacity, usually just 5 or 6 rounds and they are difficult to shoot well. That said, I'll mention one of our favorite revolvers that manages to hold seven rounds of either .38 Special or .357 Magnum.

Handgun Pricing Insights

The price tags for most striker-fired pistols hover around the $500 mark. That's a standard starting point and you might even find some deals at your local gun store.

If you're considering adding night sights, expect to pay an additional $50 to $100. These can be a worthwhile investment, especially since they enhance visibility in low-light conditions, boosting your confidence and accuracy when it matters most.

Essential Handgun Accessories

In many self-defense scenarios, you'll find yourself in dimly lit environments where just having night sights might not be enough to confidently identify your target. That’s why considering a standalone flashlight is better, as it allows you to illuminate areas without necessarily drawing your firearm. This method ensures that the perp doesn't just have to shoot at your light to hit you in the chest..

For a rail-mounted light, I highly recommend the Streamlight TLR-1 HL. It offers great value for the money and is sufficiently bright without being overwhelming. It's important to consider that extremely bright lights, especially over 1000 lumens, can be counterproductive in environments with reflective surfaces like white walls, as they may cause blinding reflections. A maximum of 500 lumens is often preferable for indoor use..

While there are cheaper alternatives out there, remember that skimping on a tactical light isn't a wise choice. If you're looking for the absolute top-tier option, consider the Surefire X300—it’s a favorite among those who demand the best.

Another accessory I find very helpful is a good grip enhancement. Talon Grips offers an excellent non-permanent solution that provides extra grip without altering your gun permanently.

And let’s not forget about safety—make sure you have reliable eye and ear protection to use every time you practice or head to the range. These essentials not only protect you but also enhance your shooting experience.

Conclusion

Finding the right handgun can feel really confusing with so many choices out there. We picked out the top options based on important features like reliability, cost and how well they work. Other great pistols could make the list too but these guns combine what we think matters most - they shoot straight, don't cost too much and do the job every time you pull the trigger.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do you recommend 9mm handguns for beginners?

We recommend 9mm handguns for beginners since they have easy-to-control kickback. The ammo is widely available and affordable too. This makes 9mm handguns perfect for new shooters to practice at the range or use in self-defense.

2. What makes striker-fired pistols preferable for beginners?

Striker-fired pistols have consistent trigger pulls, which are easier for beginners to learn. This helps new shooters be more accurate and confident.

3. Can you use a full-size handgun for concealed carry?

Yes, You can conceal carry a full-size handgun but smaller guns hide better. Choosing the right holster and clothes helps conceal bigger firearms.

4. Why are hollow point bullets recommended for home defense?

Hollow points expand on impact to stop threats. This expansion prevents over-penetration risks in homes. It also maximizes stopping power so fewer shots may be needed.

5. What should I look for in handgun ergonomics?

Look for a comfortable gun with controls you can easily reach. It shouldn’t strain your hands while shooting. Proper ergonomics improves shooting mechanics, speed and accuracy.

6. Is it worth investing in night sights for a home defense handgun?

Investing in night sights is worth it. Most self-defense incidents happen in the dark so night sights improve aim in low light.

7. How important is the capacity of a handgun for home defense?

While higher capacity is beneficial, allowing for more rounds before needing to reload, it should be balanced with how well you can handle and control the handgun. A higher capacity may offer a psychological advantage in a defensive scenario, providing you with the confidence of having enough rounds if needed.