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Shooting is a skill just like any other, and different firearms require different levels of experience to use effectively. Thus, not all guns are particularly well suited for beginners - so which handguns and long guns are the best for first-time gun owners in 2023?
Because there is no margin for error when handling firearms, safety and simplicity are paramount when selecting your first pistol or rifle. Developing solid fundamentals with a gun you are comfortable using can provide the foundation for growing your skillset and learning to enjoy the shooting sports while minimizing risk of accidental injury.
The Classic Firearms team recommends selecting a firearm that has redundant internal safeties (including features that prevent the gun from discharging if it is dropped) and is designed for ease of use, with intuitive controls and manageable recoil.
This means there are certain types of firearms you won't find on our list and that are less than ideal when choosing your first gun, including:
Many individuals can and have learned to shoot with the above excluded firearms, but they are much more difficult for inexperienced shooters to operate due to recoil or because they have complex controls (multiple external levers, more than one trigger pull to master, etc.)
With the above criteria in mind, we've compiled our top picks for the best pistols and rifles for first-time gun owners in 2023. Any of the following options will make a solid choice for your first firearms purchase.
You can't beat a classic, and the Ruger 10/22 carbine is about as classic as they come. Chambered in .22 LR, this lightweight rifle is perfect for beginners since it has a light, crisp trigger pull and strikes a great balance between control and maneuverability.
Renowned for its rugged reliability, the Glock 19 is one of the safest and most dependable striker-fired pistols on the market. The MOS variant is optics-compatible so new shooters can learn with iron sights or with the red dot optic of their choice, plus it's ready for concealed carry or home defense duty.
The AR-15 is an accurate, incredibly shootable semi-auto rifle chambered in .223 / 5.56 NATO. Plus, it is also extremely customizable so you can try different stocks, forends, and attachments as you develop your skillset.The Del-Ton model below ships with a Fab Defense rear sight included from the factory, so it is ready for a range session right out of the box.
For smaller shooters or individuals with weaker hands, the Sig Sauer P365 Rose chambered in .380 ACP is a lightweight and easy-to-rack option with a tactile thumb safety. This pistol is great for introducing new shooters to handguns and with training, it is a solid choice for concealed carry as well.
Not only is the Canik Mete MC9 an amazing micro-compact pistol, but it also comes with many extra accessories to provide supreme value to first-time gun owners. It features an optics-ready slide and includes a holster, backstraps, tools, a cleaning kit, and two magazines (one 12-round flush fit mag and one 15-round extended mag).
Once you select your first firearm, it is imperative that you seek proper training from a qualified instructor. Many ranges offer classes, and there are tons of online resources to help you learn about safe and effective shooting techniques. To get started, watch our videos on how to train with your AR-15 and sidearm below!
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