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Choosing Your First Firearm: What Actually Matters

Whether you’re choosing your first firearm for home defense, concealed carry, or just getting into shooting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The gun world is full of loud voices, flashy gear, and strong opinions, many of which completely contradict each other.

Some people will swear by one brand while others insist it’s junk. One group will tell you to start with a revolver, while another says you’re wasting your time unless it’s a striker-fired semi-auto. Add in endless YouTube reviews, Reddit threads, and forum arguments, and it’s no surprise that beginners often don’t know where to start.

At RedStateRange, we’re here to keep things simple, practical, and focused on what actually works. We’re not chasing trends or promoting hype. Our goal is to help you find a firearm that suits your purpose, fits your hand, and works when it counts.

Before we dive in, just a quick note: some of the links in this article are affiliate links. That means if you decide to buy something through one of them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps support the site and keeps the content free and honest.

With that out of the way, let’s take a look at what really matters when choosing your first firearm.

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.

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