Selecting Your First Firearm: What Women Should Consider

Choosing your first firearm can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By focusing on your needs, comfort level, and goals, you can make an informed decision. I am sure you have a ton of questions, and I am excited to share with you some things I have learned.

Define the Purpose of Your Firearm

The first thing to figure out is why you are buying a firearm. Are you planning to carry it for self-defense? Is it for home protection? Or maybe you’re just looking for something to take to the range and have fun with? Each purpose has different considerations:

• Concealed Carry: You will want something lightweight, compact, and easy to conceal.
• Home Protection: Consider a larger firearm with reduced recoil and increased capacity.
• Recreational Shooting: Focus on comfort and ease of use to practice fundamentals.

Finding the Right Balance for Concealed Carry

If you plan to carry, striking a balance between size and shootability is crucial. A firearm that is too small may have excessive recoil and reduced control, while a larger firearm could be difficult to conceal or uncomfortable to carry. If you can find a range that lets you rent guns and test different sizes, this will help identify the firearm that is the best fit for you. My first firearm for conceal carry was not the best fit for me. I thought, go small and it will be easier to conceal. But it was so small, it was hard to shoot and be accurate. Just getting a good grip on it is was difficult, which that alone made it harder to be accurate.

Do not Let Someone Else Buy Your Gun

This is an important one: do not let someone else buy your gun for you. The decision should be yours because it is about your comfort and needs. Too often, I have seen spouses or friends recommend something they like, but that does not mean it will be the best fit for you. It is incredibly hard for someone else to pick out your first firearm, only you know what feels right in your hands and what you feel comfortable shooting. Trust your instincts and make the choice for yourself.

Start Small and Build Confidence

Starting with a lower caliber, like a .22, is one of the best tips I can give. When I first started shooting, I went with a .22 because it was less intimidating and made it easier to focus on the basic fundamentals of shooting. Here is why I recommend it:

• Lower Recoil: The light recoil of a .22 allows you to practice fundamentals without intimidation.
• Easier Learning Curve: Smaller calibers help you focus on mastering grip, trigger pull, and aim.
• Skill Transition: Once you have built confidence, transitioning to firearms with larger calibers and more recoil becomes easier.

Try Before You Buy

Do not rush your decision. Visit a local range where you can rent and test different firearms. Feeling the grip, testing the weight, and actually firing the gun will make a huge difference in your decision. If possible, work with an instructor who can guide you and recommend options based on your skill level and needs.

Also, keep in mind that just because a gun feels good in your hand does not mean it’s the perfect fit. You need to shoot it to get the full picture. A good fit means it feels right, you can manage the recoil well, shoot quickly and accurately, and it gives you confidence when using it. It’s the whole package.

Your First Gun Might Not Be Your Forever Gun

Let me tell you, my first gun was not a perfect fit. And that is okay! It is part of the process. Think of your first firearm as a starting point. As you gain experience and confidence, your preferences will most likely change anyway. Mine did.

Considerations for Concealed Carry

When selecting a firearm for concealed carry, focus on the following:

• Size and Caliber: Choose a size you can comfortably carry and a caliber you’re confident shooting.
• Comfort Level: Accuracy matters more than caliber size. You will read a lot of opinions about needing a 9mm or bigger, but I am here to tell you, carry what you can shoot well. I personally carry a .380. It’s compact, easy to conceal, and comfortable to carry. Most importantly, I am fast and very accurate with it, and that is what matters.
• Recoil and Control: Smaller guns often have more kick, which can make them harder to control. Heavier guns reduce recoil but might be less comfortable to carry.

Final Thoughts

Selecting your first firearm is a personal journey. Take your time to explore your options, ask questions, test different models, and do not be afraid to make mistakes. Remember, the goal is to find a firearm that suits your needs, feels comfortable, and gives you confidence, whether it’s for self-defense, recreation, or both. With patience and practice, you will discover what works best for you.