Best first gun selection is a crucial decision for anyone entering the world of firearms ownership. Whether you’re seeking a firearm for self-defense, hunting, or sport shooting, choosing the right one can be daunting. This guide aims to provide you with the information and considerations necessary to make an informed decision, ensuring you select a firearm that suits your needs, experience level, and preferences.
The ideal first gun is often a balance of factors like caliber, size, ease of use, and cost. It’s important to find a firearm that you are comfortable handling, operating safely, and can accurately shoot. We’ll explore various popular options for first-time gun owners, including handguns, shotguns, and rifles, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. By understanding the different types of firearms and their intended uses, you can narrow down your choices and begin your journey into gun ownership with confidence.
Contents
- 1 Best First Gun: A Guide for New Gun Owners
- 1.1 1 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II: A Reliable and Affordable Choice for First-Time AR-15 Owners
- 1.2 2 Remington 870 Fieldmaster: A Solid and Affordable Choice for a First Shotgun
- 1.3 3 Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ M2.0 Thumb Safety 9mm Pistol: An Easy-to-Use and Reliable Choice for First-Time Gun Owners
- 2 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Gun
- 3 Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Best First Gun: A Guide for New Gun Owners
1 Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II: A Reliable and Affordable Choice for First-Time AR-15 Owners
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is a popular and widely-respected AR-15 platform rifle that offers an excellent blend of affordability, reliability, and performance. This semi-automatic rifle is a great option for new gun owners looking to enter the world of AR-15s, providing a solid foundation for recreational shooting, home defense, or even competitive shooting.
Notable Features:
- Direct Impingement Gas System: A proven and reliable operating system that is easy to maintain and offers smooth cycling.
- 16-inch Barrel: Provides a good balance between maneuverability and accuracy, suitable for a variety of shooting applications.
- 1:9 Twist Rate: Stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, offering versatility for different types of ammunition.
- 6-Position Adjustable Stock: Allows shooters to customize the length of pull for a comfortable and ergonomic fit.
- Forward Assist and Dust Cover: Enhance reliability in adverse conditions, ensuring the rifle functions properly even in dusty or dirty environments.
- Picatinny Rail System: Offers ample space for mounting optics, lights, lasers, and other accessories to customize the rifle to your needs.
- Chambered in 5.56 NATO: A widely available and versatile cartridge suitable for a range of shooting activities.
Pros
- Affordability: The M&P15 Sport II is one of the most budget-friendly AR-15s on the market, making it an accessible option for first-time buyers.
- Reliability: Smith & Wesson is known for producing quality firearms, and the M&P15 Sport II is no exception. It has a reputation for being dependable and functioning flawlessly.
- Accuracy: The rifle delivers good accuracy out of the box, suitable for recreational shooting and even some competitive disciplines.
- Versatility: The AR-15 platform is highly modular, allowing for easy customization with a wide range of aftermarket accessories.
- Ease of Use: The controls are simple and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to learn and operate the rifle safely.
Cons
- Basic Features: The M&P15 Sport II comes with basic features and lacks some upgrades found on more expensive models, such as a free-floating handguard or enhanced trigger.
- Front Sight Post: Some users may prefer a different sighting system, such as a flip-up sight or a red dot optic, requiring additional purchases.
- Trigger: The standard trigger is functional but not particularly refined. Some users may choose to upgrade it for a smoother and lighter trigger pull.
The Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II is an excellent choice for a first AR-15. It provides a solid foundation for learning the platform and enjoying the sport of shooting. While it may lack some of the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its affordability, reliability, and accuracy make it a compelling option for new gun owners. With a little customization, the M&P15 Sport II can be tailored to meet your specific needs and preferences, providing years of enjoyable shooting experiences.
2 Remington 870 Fieldmaster: A Solid and Affordable Choice for a First Shotgun
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster is a pump-action shotgun that has earned a reputation for reliability, affordability, and versatility. It’s a popular choice for both beginners and experienced shooters, making it a strong contender for the title of “”Best First Gun,”” especially for those interested in hunting or sport shooting.
Notable Features:
- Pump-Action Reliability: The 870 Fieldmaster’s pump-action mechanism is known for its smooth and dependable operation, even under challenging conditions. This makes it a great choice for beginners who are still learning the ropes of shotgun handling.
- Versatile 12 or 20 Gauge Options: Available in both 12 and 20 gauge, the Fieldmaster allows you to choose the gauge that best suits your needs and recoil preferences. 12 gauge is a popular choice for its power and versatility, while 20 gauge offers a lighter recoil option, suitable for smaller-framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
- Durable Construction: The Fieldmaster’s receiver is milled from a solid billet of steel, ensuring strength and longevity. Its satin black metalwork and walnut stock contribute to its classic and robust appearance.
- Multiple Barrel Length and Choke Options: The Fieldmaster comes in various barrel lengths, from 18 ¾”” to 28″”, allowing you to customize it for different shooting applications. It also includes a set of Rem™ Chokes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full), providing versatility for hunting various game or engaging in clay target shooting.
- Drilled and Tapped for Optics: The receiver is drilled and tapped for scope mounts, allowing you to easily add a scope or red dot sight for improved accuracy, particularly in hunting scenarios.
- Affordable Price Point: The Remington 870 Fieldmaster offers excellent value for its price, making it an accessible option for first-time gun buyers who want a quality shotgun without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Reliable and Dependable Action: The Fieldmaster’s pump-action is known for its smooth and consistent operation, making it a great choice for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
- Versatility for Different Applications: With various gauge, barrel length, and choke options, the Fieldmaster can be adapted for hunting a variety of game, sport shooting, or home defense.
- Durable and Built to Last: The steel receiver and quality construction ensure that the Fieldmaster can withstand years of use and abuse.
- Easy to Maintain and Clean: The 870’s design allows for easy disassembly and cleaning, making maintenance straightforward.
- Affordable and Accessible: The Fieldmaster’s price point makes it a great value option for a first-time shotgun buyer.
Cons
- Weight: Compared to some semi-automatic shotguns, the Fieldmaster can be a bit heavier, which might be a consideration for hunters who carry their shotguns for extended periods.
- Recoil: Particularly in 12 gauge, the Fieldmaster can produce noticeable recoil, which might be a concern for new shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
- Limited Capacity: The Fieldmaster’s standard magazine capacity is typically 4+1, which might be less than some semi-automatic shotguns.
The Remington 870 Fieldmaster is a solid and reliable choice for a first shotgun, particularly for those seeking a versatile and affordable option for hunting or sport shooting. Its pump-action mechanism is easy to learn and dependable, and its durable construction ensures it will be a long-lasting firearm. While its weight and recoil might be factors to consider, the Fieldmaster’s overall performance and value make it a strong contender for the “”Best First Gun”” title.
3 Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ M2.0 Thumb Safety 9mm Pistol: An Easy-to-Use and Reliable Choice for First-Time Gun Owners
The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ M2.0 Thumb Safety 9mm Pistol is a fantastic option for individuals seeking their first firearm, particularly those who prioritize ease of use and safety. This pistol is designed with features that make it simple to operate, comfortable to shoot, and reliable for self-defense.
Notable Features:
- Easy-to-Rack Slide: The Shield EZ’s slide requires minimal effort to manipulate, making it ideal for individuals with limited hand strength or dexterity.
- Crisp, Light Trigger: The trigger is designed to be smooth and consistent, promoting accuracy and confidence while shooting.
- Easy-to-Load Magazines: The magazines feature load assist tabs, simplifying the process of loading ammunition.
- Grip Safety: An integrated grip safety prevents the pistol from firing unless it is held with a proper grip.
- Manual Thumb Safety: The ambidextrous thumb safety provides an additional layer of security for those who prefer a manual safety feature.
- Optimal 18-Degree Grip Angle: This grip angle promotes a natural point of aim, enhancing accuracy and comfort.
- White-Dot Sights: The three-dot sight system provides a clear and easy-to-acquire sight picture.
- Armornite Finish: The durable Armornite finish protects the pistol from corrosion and wear.
- Picatinny-Style Rail: The integrated rail allows for the attachment of accessories such as lights or lasers.
Pros
- User-Friendly Design: The Shield EZ lives up to its name by being exceptionally easy to rack, load, and shoot, making it perfect for beginners.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The combination of grip safety and manual thumb safety provides multiple layers of protection against accidental discharge.
- Reliable Performance: The Shield EZ is built with Smith & Wesson’s renowned quality and reliability, ensuring consistent performance.
- Comfortable Grip: The 18-degree grip angle and textured grip provide a secure and comfortable hold.
- Versatile for Concealed Carry: The compact size and lightweight design make it suitable for concealed carry.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: The single-stack magazine holds only 8 rounds, which is less than some other compact 9mm pistols.
- Basic Sights: While functional, the white-dot sights are not as advanced as night sights or fiber optic sights.
- Potential for Grip Safety Issues: Some users have reported that the grip safety can be overly sensitive or difficult to disengage consistently.
The Smith & Wesson M&P 9 Shield EZ M2.0 Thumb Safety 9mm Pistol is an excellent choice for first-time gun owners who prioritize ease of use, safety, and reliability. Its user-friendly design and features make it a great option for self-defense and recreational shooting. While the limited capacity and basic sights might be drawbacks for some, the Shield EZ’s strengths make it a compelling option for those new to firearms.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your First Gun
1. Intended Use:
Before you even start looking at specific models, determine the primary purpose of your firearm. Will it be primarily for:
- Self-Defense: If so, consider factors like concealability, ease of use under stress, and stopping power. Handguns are often preferred for self-defense.
- Hunting: The type of game you intend to hunt will dictate the appropriate firearm and caliber. Shotguns are versatile for small game and birds, while rifles are better suited for larger game.
- Sport Shooting/Target Practice: Accuracy, ergonomics, and customization options become more important here. Rifles and handguns are popular choices for target shooting.
2. Caliber:
Caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet. Choosing the right caliber is essential for both effectiveness and comfort. Consider the following:
- Recoil: Larger calibers generally produce more recoil, which can be uncomfortable for new shooters. Start with a manageable caliber and work your way up as your experience grows.
- Availability and Cost of Ammunition: Common calibers like 9mm (handgun) and .223 Remington/5.56 NATO (rifle) are widely available and relatively affordable.
- Intended Use: Different calibers are suited for different purposes. For example, a .22 LR is great for target practice, while a .308 Winchester is better for hunting larger game.
3. Action Type:
The action is the mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges. Common action types include:
- Semi-Automatic: Fires one round with each pull of the trigger and automatically reloads. Popular for self-defense and sport shooting.
- Pump-Action (Shotguns): Requires manually cycling the forend to load and eject shells. Reliable and versatile for hunting and home defense.
- Bolt-Action (Rifles): Requires manually operating a bolt to load and eject cartridges. Known for accuracy and reliability, often used for hunting and target shooting.
- Revolver (Handguns): Holds cartridges in a revolving cylinder. Simple to operate and reliable.
4. Size and Ergonomics:
The firearm should fit your hand comfortably and be easy to manipulate. Consider the following:
- Grip Size and Angle: Ensure the grip feels natural in your hand.
- Weight: A heavier firearm can be more stable but tiring to carry for extended periods.
- Length of Pull: The distance from the trigger to the buttstock (on rifles and shotguns) should be appropriate for your arm length.
5. Budget:
Firearms come in a wide range of prices. Set a budget that you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Remember to factor in the cost of ammunition, accessories (like holsters, cases, and cleaning supplies), and potentially training courses.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice
Choosing your first gun is a significant step, and it’s essential to make a decision that aligns with your individual needs and goals. Consider factors like your intended use, comfort level, and budget. Thoroughly research different models, handle them if possible, and seek advice from experienced gun owners or instructors.
For a versatile and reliable first firearm, we recommend the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport II Semi Auto Rifle. Its user-friendly design, accuracy, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for various shooting disciplines. However, remember that responsible gun ownership extends beyond the purchase. Invest in proper training, safe storage, and ongoing education to ensure you handle your firearm safely and confidently. With careful consideration and a commitment to responsible practices, you can enjoy the benefits of gun ownership for years to come.
