Whether you’re buying your first firearm for home defense, concealed carry, or just to get into shooting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by choices and opinions. The gun world is full of loud voices, flashy gear, and strong opinions, but we’re here to keep it simple, honest, and focused on what works.
Define Your Purpose
Before you even look at makes or models, ask yourself: What do I need this gun for?
Home defense? A full-size handgun or pump-action shotgun is a solid choice.
Concealed carry? You’ll want something compact, reliable, and easy to carry.
Range use or learning fundamentals? A .22 LR pistol or rifle is a smart, affordable way to get started.
All-purpose? A quality 9mm semi-auto pistol like the Glock 19 or Sig P320 offers a balance of power, size, and reliability.
Caliber Considerations
For beginners, 9mm is usually the best place to start:
It’s affordable, available, and effective
Offers manageable recoil for most shooters
Common in both full-size and compact handguns
For rifles, the .22 LR is king for learning fundamentals, while the AR-15 in 5.56 NATO is one of the most versatile rifles for defense, sport shooting, and training.
Reliability Over Looks
Avoid buying a gun because it “looks cool” or a YouTuber hyped it up. You want something proven, tested, and trusted.
Some beginner-friendly and reliable brands include:
Glock
Smith & Wesson (M&P series)
Sig Sauer
Ruger
FN
CZ
Don’t Ignore Ergonomics
What fits in your hand matters. Grip angle, reach to the trigger, and comfort all affect your shooting performance. If possible, head to a range that offers rentals and test fire a few models before buying.
Budget Realistically
Don’t blow your entire budget on the gun itself. You’ll also need:
A good holster
Training ammo and defensive ammo
Cleaning gear
Range time or instruction
Maybe a safe or lockbox for storage
Final Thoughts
The best firearm is the one that fits your needs, runs reliably, and gets you out on the range training. Skip the trends, avoid the junk, and focus on quality tools that work when it counts.
This is about more than buying a gun; it’s about building skill, confidence, and responsibility. At RedStateRange, we’re here to help you do just that.