January 13th, 2023
6:08 runtime
What is the best semi-auto handgun to buy as your first handgun?
That is a loaded question.
However, we can dive in and narrow the search down.
How do you select your first semi-automatic handgun? The author offers some considerations and recommendations.
When picking your first semi-auto handgun, there are a couple of things to consider.
Some of the most important things to consider are purpose and cost.
Purpose
The first consideration is Purpose.
These two pistols are excellent defensive tools (XD-M Elite Tactical OSP 9mm, rear; Hellcat Pro 9mm, front), but each offers its own unique advantages.
What is your intended use for this handgun?
Do you intend to conceal this handgun for self-defense?
Do you want something that you’ve got the option to just bring to a range and enjoy?
For more than 100 years, the 1911-style pistol has been an exceptional combat arm. It still holds a place in the 21st century.
Do you want something for home defense?
Do you want to start training for competition?
A firearm is a tool, and tools are designed for specific purposes.
The XD-M Elite Tactical OSP 9mm is a great choice for home defense, and even for CCW if you can conceal it.
Finding that purpose will help you narrow down the search.
In this article, I selected several different semi-auto handguns to take a closer look at.
Cost Factor
The second consideration is cost.
Chambered in 9mm, the Springfield Armory Garrison offers the great ergonomics of a 1911 with the soft recoil of a 9mm.
Ammo is expensive, and practice is essential.
Less practice time could compromise your level of proficiency.
Firearms to Consider
I have put together a list of four semi-auto handguns.
Modern pistols like this XD-M Elite 3.8″ OSP combine excellent accuracy, superior ergonomics and unquestionable reliabilityfor self-defense.
Each of these guns have unique traits that serve a purpose.
XD-M Elite Tactical OSP 9mm:This gun ispackedwith features.
The relative drawback of this gun is the large size.
Garrison 9mm 1911:I am a sucker for 1911s.
They are classy, elegant, and have a design that dates back over a century.
1911 firearms have incredibly smooth triggers and are typically constructed of all-metal components.
The Garrison, chambered in 9mm, makes this 1911 a very soft shooter.
This can lead to more practice time due to the level of comfort it brings.
The downside to any 1911 (in my humble opinion) is the limited capacity.
The Garrison 9mm 1911 has a 9+1 round capacity, which is limited when compared to modern double-stack options.
Of course, this can be used for any self-defense situation.
Though this firearm performs well, it might not be the best option for your first.
But if you want something for bear country, then have at it!
Hellcat Pro 9mm:Springfield has been making the Hellcat for several years now.
It is a tried-and-true model.
For a concealed carry option, the Hellcat Pro really excels in that category.
The major drawback of any compact pistol is the recoil.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, consumers have some great options out there.
However, before you buy you gotta remember a firearm is a tool.
Defining the purpose of that tool is a critical step when deciding what your first handgun should be.
Dont get me wrong, shooting is very enjoyable and one of my passions in life.
Just because a firearm is a tool does not mean that tool cant be enjoyable.
Something that is often not taken into consideration is the likelihood of practice time.
A firearm is useless if you are not willing to practice for become proficient.
Pick what best suits your needs, and see to it youwantto practice with it.
