Handgun Buyer's Guide: A Complete Manual to Buying and Owning a Personal Firearm

By Brad Fitzpatrick

The one-stop-shop for prospective handgun buyers.

The market for new handguns is expanding rapidly, and that’s good news for consumers. Each year more and more new models break cover and there has never been a better time to be in the market for a new handgun, whether you’re a recreational shooter, a concealed carry permit holder, a hunter or a serious competitive shooter. Today’s handguns offer superb machining and utilize some of the most technologically-advanced alloys, polymers and finishes to help make the current crop of handguns lightweight, accurate, durable, and affordable.

This increase in product offerings stem from new interest in handguns, primarily as a result of nationwide issuance of concealed carry permits. As laws have been enacted that protect the rights of gun owners and defend our personal liberties, more and more new shooters are showing up on the range. But first-time shooters and new concealed carry permit holders are not the only segment of the handgun market that is seeing growth and interest. Pistol competitions have become more popular and more advanced, evolving from slow-fire matches at local gun clubs to modern IPSC, IDPA and 3-gun competitions.

Handgun Buyer's Guide will help both the bewildered new shooter find their feet and purchase a handgun, find the best accessories, and locate a place to practice on hone their skills. You'll find all you need for owning a handgun in the Handgun Owner's Guide!

Skyhorse Publishing is proud to publish a broad range of books for hunters and firearms enthusiasts. We publish books about shotguns, rifles, handguns, target shooting, gun collecting, self-defense, archery, ammunition, knives, gunsmithing, gun repair, and wilderness survival. We publish books on deer hunting, big game hunting, small game hunting, wing shooting, turkey hunting, deer stands, duck blinds, bowhunting, wing shooting, hunting dogs, and more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Release date: Nov 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781634509664

Brad Fitzpatrick

Brad Fitzpatrick has a Bachelor's Degree in Biological Sciences from Northern Kentucky University and a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts from National University in La Jolla, California. Brad writes biology and conservation-related books and articles for various national publications. He and his wife currently live in Ohio.

Book preview

1 Getting Started

The market for new handguns is expanding rapidly, and that’s good news for consumers. Each year more and more new models break cover, and there has never been a better time to be in the market for a new handgun, whether you’re a recreational shooter, a concealed carry permit holder, a hunter, or a serious competitive shooter. Today’s handguns offer superb machining and utilize some of the most technologically advanced alloys, polymers, and finishes to help make the current crop of handguns lightweight, accurate, durable, and affordable. This increase in product offerings stems from new interest in handguns, primarily as a result of nationwide issuance of concealed carry permits. As laws have been enacted that protect the rights of gun owners and defend our personal liberties, more and more new shooters are showing up on the range. But first-time shooters and new concealed carry permit holders are not the only segment of the handgun market that is seeing growth and interest. Pistol competitions have become more popular and more advanced, evolving from slow-fire matches at local gun clubs to modern IPSC, IDPA, and 3-gun competitions. Today more and more shooters are enjoying these events and are putting themselves to the test mentally and physically, and although not everyone can win these competitions, they are a fantastic way to introduce new shooters to the sport and sharpen skills, the same skills that may one day save your life. In recent years a number of gun companies have introduced new rimfire versions, which may be similar in design and structure to their centerfire guns or totally unique product offerings. The rise in the number of rimfire handguns is a good thing; it shows that there is growing interest in rimfire shooting and it also provides a wide array of options for those looking to purchase a low-recoiling handgun with less muzzle blast.

An increase in CCW permits has created great demand for compact, easy-to-carry defensive firearms like this Taurus revolver. Many handgun companies now offer firearms that are designed specifically for concealed carry, so there are numerous options to fit your individual needs.

Many handguns offer accessory rails for mounting optics, lights, and lasers. This Glock is outfitted with a Crimson Trace laser, a popular and effective sighting option.

While the handgun market has grown over the past several years, a new crop of innovative accessories has also come onto the scene, everything from pleasant-smelling, nontoxic cleaning liquids to biometric safes. One of the largest expansions in the realm of handgun accessories has come in the form of optics. Only a few years ago, handgun optics were a highly specialized items that only a handful of shooters relied on for competitive and recreational shooting, defense, and hunting. Today, however, the market for handgun optics has expanded tremendously, and there is a wide variety of different lasers, red dot sights, holographic sights, and scopes that serve a number of different purposes. As more and more people exercise their right to carry concealed firearms for defense, companies have responded by developing new accessories that are designed to meet the needs of shooters, whether that’s safely storing items in a vehicle or carrying a handgun while performing strenuous activities like jogging or hiking.

Today, most hunters and defensive shooters realize that selecting a bullet that is properly designed and constructed is extremely important, perhaps even more so than caliber selection. Buying the right ammunition or loading the proper bullets makes a big difference, and recent advancements in bullets, powders, reloading equipment, and loaded ammunition make it very easy to find what you need. Recently, Nosler and SIG Sauer both introduced new lines of defensive handgun ammunition, and Winchester, Remington, Hornady, Federal, and other companies are also providing bullets that have been thoroughly tested and evaluated to determine their effectiveness, either as a big game bullet or a defensive bullet. Reloading equipment continues to improve, making the process simpler and safer than ever before.

The FNH FiveseveN is chambered for the high-velocity 5.7x28 cartridge, which works well for target shooting, defense, and small game hunting. Modern handguns range in power from the lighter rimfires to powerful magnums, so consumers have a lot of options.

Another great product that is largely overlooked in the handgun world is educational classes that will help you achieve your goals, whether that is to become an Olympic shooter, to learn to safely defend yourself with a handgun, or anywhere in between. The number of new shooting schools and courses continues to grow, and with so many options there is likely to be a class that meets your needs and will serve to help you advance to the next level. Today’s trainers have a wide variety of background experience; some are former law enforcement or military personnel, others are competitive shooters, and still others simply have a long history of shooting and a proven track record as firearms educators. Finding a reputable school and attending courses will likely improve your shooting.

What’s Important in a Handgun?

The FNH FNS is an example of a striker fire semiauto. The striker fire design has grown in popularity over the last two decades because it is a lightweight, reliable firing system. FNH also offers a compact version of the gun specifically designed for concealed carry.

Part of the reason why the modern handgun market is so diverse is because there are a wide variety of shooters who rely on their guns to perform a variety of tasks. Some guns are slanted more toward serious competition shooters, and in this book we will examine some of the newest models for that discipline. Other guns are designed for self-defense, a huge and growing market that encompasses everything from inexpensive pocket pistols that provide a level of security without breaking the bank all the way to high-end custom guns that are built one at a time on bench to customer specifications. Some are military and law enforcement designs, guns that must be relied upon to provide lifesaving backup in the very worst situations imaginable. Still others are hunting handguns that are built with the intention of taking big or small game. Many guns are simply designed for backyard target practice, and they provide hours of enjoyment and fun. Finding the right gun for you can be tricky, and everyone’s needs and budgets are a little different.

Recently, I conducted a poll of concealed carry weapon (CCW) carriers and asked them what they were looking for in a concealed carry gun. This is perhaps the widest and most diverse of all markets, including shooters of every background and skill set from rank beginners who are purchasing their very first firearm to serious competitors looking for the perfect pocket gun. The results of the test show that different shooters have different concerns when buying a firearm, so understanding your needs and where you fit in this spectrum may help shed some light on which gun is best for you.

No matter whether you are a new shooter or a seasoned competitor, practice is critical. The good news is that there are shooting schools around the country designed to help you improve as a shooter regardless of your skill level.

Of the dozens of shooters polled for this survey, trends began to appear. The individual with the least experience were still planning to obtain a CCW permit and had only recently begun looking at firearms to purchase with very little idea of what they wanted or needed. The most experienced shooter had over fifty years of experience with firearms and had shot several thousand rounds in their life. Obviously, they were far apart in both their practical shooting knowledge and their experience with firearms.

New Shooters versus Experienced Shooters

New shooters, those who had shot fewer than 500 rounds and had their permit less than a year (or didn’t have it at all) reported that what they were looking for in a firearm was price, ease of use, and comfort. They weren’t well-versed in the current trends, they relied heavily on the opinions of experienced shooters to make their decisions, and almost all had a budget. That means that they were looking for a gun they felt was easy to use, inexpensive to purchase, and was comfortable to shoot and carry. These shooters universally had a budget, usually $500 or less, and they weren’t particularly interested in brand name or accuracy tests so long as the gun was reliable and easy to use. Most were open to the idea of attending a shooting school, but very few ever had and didn’t know where to find a good school. Only one of the respondents stated that they had been to a national convention, the annual NRA convention, where they had a chance to see several manufacturers and speak with company representatives first hand. Almost invariably, they planned to use whatever sight came with the firearm, whether that was iron sights or a pre-mounted laser, and over 80 percent stated that they made their choices on ammunition for their defensive firearm based on price. The vast majority did not have a set carry method but either used a holster that was inexpensive and comfortable or were actively looking for a method of carry that suited them. Less than 20 percent stated that they planned to carry their firearm every day. The vast majority of them stated that they relied on an experienced shooter, either a friend or a salesperson in a gun shop, to help guide their decisions. Some new shooters had multiple firearms, but the majority stated that they own or plan to own three guns or less.

The classic single-action revolver is a favorite of reenactors, and today there are a number of companies that are building classic guns using advanced machining. This is an Uberti replica of the 1873 Colt Single Action Army, popular with cowboy action shooters and those who appreciate the look and feel of a historical revolver.

The Kimber Solo is a great choice for concealed carry. It’s compact, reliable, and accurate. These guns are also available with grip lasers, as shown here—a great option for a concealed carry gun.

More experienced shooters, those who had fired over 500 rounds (and many who had fired over 10,000), had a very different set of needs and wants when purchasing a concealed carry handgun. Price was still an important consideration, although most experienced shooters were willing to pay more for a gun they knew or liked very much, and some were even willing to consider paying the extra money to have a custom gun built for them. Brand loyalty was an important consideration, and many responded that they had a favorite gun maker that they trusted and would make their decision based on reputation and brand name. The bulk of experienced shooters owned multiple guns, some as many as forty, and they were almost invariably in the market for a new gun if something that interested them came along. The major difference between experienced shooters and novices, largely a by-product of time spent at the range, is that they had their own opinions on various firearms and were less likely to seek the advice and assistance of someone else in the purchase of a new gun. Over 50 percent said that they kept abreast of the newest designs and products through Internet searches and magazine articles on the subject. Experienced shooters generally carry more often, with about half of the respondents to the survey stating that they carry a firearm every day or most days. Most have tried different carry methods, read up on the subject, and have shopped around, and over half say that they normally attend gun shows or have attended large conventions. They are also more well-versed in the purchase of accessories, and many are familiar with different brands of safes, holsters, lasers, and ammunition. They are also more likely than new shooters to accessorize their guns with aftermarket lights and lasers, though that trend may be changing with the increase in the number of new sighting systems and more widespread availability. Most have never had formal training outside of a military or law enforcement background or CCW training, but the majority were responsive to the idea of attending shooting classes provided that the content was not basic. This survey provided some very important insight into firearms purchasers, what they deem important in purchasing a firearm, and where they go for insight into the world of guns. It’s a very good example of why there are so many different firearms and accessories for different shooters. It’s also important to note that much of the information coming to new shooters is being presented to them from experienced shooters, a term that was used to describe just about anyone who had a reasonable level of experience with guns. Many of the new shooters also said that they based their decisions largely upon the recommendations of the person who taught their CCW class.

Practice is key, but where can you shoot? The NSSF offers a list of available ranges, or, if you have the land, you can build your own range. If you’re relying on a handgun to protect you in a dangerous encounter, plan on shooting it at least weekly. That level of familiarity can save your life.

The Intent of This Book

The above survey results indicate that there is a wide variety of shooters who are in the market for a new handgun. Some simply want a small, inexpensive carry gun, while others may be looking to add to an already extensive collection with the acquisition of a brand-new custom gun that they’ve wanted for years. In short, this book is all about options, and there are many. This book is also intended to help familiarize readers with the latest offerings in shooting accessories like lights, lasers, and holsters, to provide info on different storage options, an overview of ammunition and ballistics, and a comprehensive list of the different firearms currently on the market. It also contains information for hunters and competitive shooters as well as a sampling of some of the different offerings in shooting classes. In recent years there has been an increase in the number of shooting schools, valuable information to add to this text because no matter your skill level, from beginner to world-class competition shooter, there are classes that will offer you an edge and make you a better shooter.

Jeff Steele is a longtime shooter, and he owns and operates a gun shop near Cincinnati, Ohio. Experienced shooters like Jeff can help you make important decisions when purchasing a firearm, and they have a finger on the pulse of the industry so they can make suggestions on new products.

This book is broken down by both gun types and disciplines, including revolvers, semiautos, competition guns, hunting guns, rimfires, concealed carry firearms, and custom guns. There are also chapters that examine storage options, holsters, reloading, ammunition, and aftermarket sighting systems and, as previously stated, a section on shooting schools. There is a section in sample ballistics for different handgun loads to familiarize the reader with the different loads and bullet types being offered, as well as an extensive list of the current handgun offerings available today. I hope that this book offers some insight into the current handgun market and helps the reader make informed decisions when purchasing regardless of skill level or experience. No matter your skill level, this book will provide a comprehensive look at the current handgun and accessory offerings to help you make a better choice when you decide to purchase.

2 Semiautomatics

Semiauto handgun designs have been around for over a hundred years, but it wasn’t until the middle of the twentieth century that the semiauto began to see more widespread acceptance among law enforcement personnel and private owners. Since that time semiautomatic handguns have become commonplace, and today far more law enforcement professionals carry some sort of semiautomatic handgun as their sidearm, displacing the revolvers that were more common in the early to mid-twentieth century.

Semiautomatic designs have been around for over a century, and many of the most popular designs (like the Colt 1911 replica from Citadel) are over a hundred years old.

Kimber offers a variety of 1911s for numerous applications, from carry guns for self-defense to competition guns that are designed for extreme accuracy.

With that type of widespread appeal, it’s no wonder that semiauto handguns have seen a surge in popularity and are now the most common type of concealed carry handgun. Semiautos certainly have their advantages; for one thing, they are very light and easy to conceal, and they ride comfortably when holstered close to the body. Semiautos typically have a higher capacity than revolvers. In addition, there are a number of excellent cartridges available that are primarily used in semiautomatic handguns, from the .22 rimfires to the popular .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, and .40 S&W all the way up to the powerful 10mm Auto and the .50 AE, which drives a 300 grain, .500-inch bullet down the barrel at around 1,500 feet per second. That kind of power isn’t called for under most circumstances, but truth is that if you’re in the market for a handgun for self-defense, training, duty, hunting, competition, or recreational backyard shooting, then you’ll find that there are plenty of options.

Types of Semiautomatic Handgun

Semiautomatics are available in a variety of different configurations, but the three most basic varieties are single action, double action, and striker fired. Single and double actions refer to the function of the trigger; in a single action semiauto, the trigger releases the hammer, which strikes the firing pin and fires the cartridge. But the trigger can only perform that one (single) function. The shooter is responsible for cocking the gun initially, either by pulling back the slide or cocking the hammer. After the first shot is fired, the rearward action of the slide cocks the hammer for subsequent shots, so the gun operates in semiautomatic mode without the need to recock with every subsequent shot. The Colt 1911 and its clones are examples of single action semiautos, and even though the gun was designed over a century ago it is still one of the most popular and functional semiauto designs on the market, and it is still used in competition and by law enforcement and military professionals who appreciate its robust design and the available power of the .45 ACP cartridge (though the 1911 can be chambered for a variety of different cartridges, including the powerful 10mm auto and the .38 Super). For more information about this John Browning designed semiautomatic, see the section titled The Classic 1911 later in the chapter.

Learning to properly reload a semiauto is important, and this is a skill that you need to practice on the range. Double-stack semiautos like this CZ P-07 offer high capacity magazines, which offers considerable peace of mind in dangerous situations.

Double action semiautomatics have triggers that perform two functions: they can both cock and fire the gun by pulling the trigger. Sometimes referred to as double action-only guns (to avoid confusion with firearms that can perform in both double action and single action operation), these guns generally have very different trigger pulls for the first (cocking) shot and subsequent shots, which are usually much lighter. Typical double action trigger pulls are nine pounds or more while single action trigger pulls are much lighter, say half of the double action weight. That means that the first shot has a heavy trigger pull and subsequent shots with lighter trigger pulls can be fired quickly and with less strain on the shooter. The initial heavy trigger pull required to fire the first shot is, at least theoretically, less prone to being accidently pulled than a lighter trigger. The SIG Sauer P226, a popular gun with law enforcement professionals, is an example of a double action semiautomatic.

Striker fire guns like the Glock family of pistols are truly neither single actions nor double actions, and in fact Glock labels their pistols as Safe Action designs. In reality, the Glocks do not have a variance in trigger pull between the first and subsequent shots, but the initial trigger pull sets the striker, so it is neither a single nor double action semiauto, technically speaking. Regardless of the name for the design, striker fired guns rely on a striker instead of a hammer, and they have become more popular in recent years, with several companies offering striker fired pistols. Because they lack an external hammer, striker fired guns are a popular choice for personal carry.

When Glock designed the first polymer-framed pistol the design met with mixed reviews. Many liked the light weight and economical frame design, but others still wanted a steel frame. Today, however, polymer frames have proven reliable and cost-effective while also reducing weight, and many companies—including Ruger, Walther, Smith and Wesson, Colt, Springfield Armory, and others—are selling polymer frame guns. Some prefer the look and feel of steel, but these guns typically cost more (one reason that production of polymer frame semiautos has increased) and weigh more.

The Colt Mustang XSP features a lightweight polymer receiver and is chambered in the popular .380 ACP. The return of the Mustang was well-timed by Colt, as these are very popular with shooters looking for a concealed carry firearm.

Today’s best semiautomatic handguns are built to very tight tolerances thanks to advances in machining. These tighter tolerances create a better fit and make interchanging parts simpler. Modern CNC machines are used to create slides and frames that are extremely precise, and the process is faster now than ever before so more guns can be produced more quickly.

Modern machining processes like CNC help keep tight tolerances, something that was very difficult to do with older guns. Today’s production guns like this Colt 1911 are more affordable than ever thanks to improvements in machining technology.

Adding a laser is easier now than ever before. These Crimson Trace Lasergrips don’t require a special holster and they make shooting in low-light much easier.

Today’s semiauto handguns are also more likely to have some nontraditional sighting system than previous guns, and there is a burgeoning market for iron sights, lasers, red dot, and reflex sights. Today there are a variety of options with regard to optics on your firearm, and mounting these optics is easier than ever thanks in part to the addition of an accessory rail to virtually every semiautomatic handgun. New sights, optics, lasers, lights, and a variety of other accessories are discussed later in this book.

Choosing a Semiauto

Before you purchase a gun it’s a good idea to understand the intended use of the firearm. There are a number of different semiautos that are built for a variety of different customers, and these different disciplines will be discussed at length later in the book. Beforehand, it’s a good idea to have some consideration of what type of handgun you’ll be buying and start deciding what type of gun you really want.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans looking for a defensive pistol, then you’re in luck too since there are more options for concealed carry handguns than ever before. Gun companies are battling to produce smaller, lighter, accurate, durable guns that appeal to