Choosing a pistol can be overwhelming due to the amount and variety of guns on the market. For example, there are dozens of types of Glocks on the market, and weapons from the same manufacturer may differ significantly. Therefore, prospective gun owners should consider the pistol’s purpose, how comfortable they are using it, the characteristics they desire and the weapon’s safety. In addition, buyers should test multiple weapons before their purchase and train regularly after their purchase.

Purpose

Competition pistols may have trigger, optics, grip and spring modifications that make them unfit for defensive weapons. In addition, a home defense gun’s size and trigger sensitivity may differ from a concealed carry firearm. For example, concealed weapons are typically smaller, thinner, lighter and more sensitive because they must be carried constantly and easy to use in uncertain circumstances.

Comfort

Gun selection may be further narrowed based on the gun owner’s comfort level. For example, gun owners should be able to comfortably and confidently hold, fire, load, unload and support their weapons without affecting their operation and aiming capability.

Gun Characteristics

Larger bullets typically have greater recoil, but larger pistols are able to reduce recoil. In addition, concealed weapons may have much smaller magazine sizes, but users of these weapons may carry multiple magazines. Price and attractiveness should be the very last considerations and should hold very little weight in weapon choice.

Safety

Safety is a top priority, so a household with children may choose a gun with additional safety features. In addition, those intended for conceal carry must be worn at all times, so they should not shift in their holsters and their triggers should be covered to prevent misfiring.

Testing and Training

Finally, several dozen rounds should be fired from each prospective gun, and the gun that produces several rounds at center mass with a small dispersion pattern should be chosen. Many gun dealers have on-site firing ranges and weapon rentals that allow prospective owners to test a variety of weapons. In addition, gun ranges typically offer pistol rentals. After the brand and model are chosen, before- or after-market customizations, such as optics and grip characteristics, may be chosen.

Gun owners should take basic gun use and safety courses. In addition, they should regularly practice with each weapon they own.

When you choose a gun, avoid placing too much importance on gun aesthetics and price. Instead, focus on comfort level, purpose and safety considerations. Test prospective weapons, and train regularly.