Avoiding Bad Advice When Buying Your First Firearm

If you’re exploring your options for a first firearm, you've probably heard me recommend the Glock 19 as a straightforward, reliable choice. But as you talk to friends, family, or salespeople, you’re likely to encounter a flood of conflicting advice. Be cautious—many opinions on this topic are confidently given yet lack a solid understanding of what makes a good first gun.

Here’s some of the most common misguided advice to watch out for:

• “Buy a revolver; they never jam.” Revolvers are fantastic in many respects, but they aren’t necessarily ideal for beginners. Mastering the heavy double-action trigger requires an extra level of skill. Plus, regular practice is essential to get proficient, and revolvers, like any firearm, need maintenance—despite the myth of being “maintenance-free.” If you want to become a confident shooter, a semi-automatic, like the Glock 19, offers a more straightforward path.

• “If you’re a smaller person, you need a smaller gun.” This sounds logical, but in practice, a smaller gun can be harder to shoot. With less weight to counter recoil and less grip material to hold onto, small guns can be much harder to control, especially for beginners. Smaller people—including women—absolutely can handle large calibers and small guns, but it’s often wise to start with a medium-sized semi-auto in 9mm. Master the basics with a manageable gun before making future choices based on your own experience.

• “Handle guns at the store to see what fits you best.” While comfort is important, there’s more to a good gun fit than how it feels in hand. For example, a small revolver might feel comfortable, but could prove challenging to shoot accurately with a heavy double-action trigger. Additionally, although some gun store employees are highly knowledgeable, many are not and may push whatever is in stock or favor their personal preferences over practicality. Remember, it’s a retail environment, and expertise varies widely.