5 Key Questions for New Handgun Buyers

Buying a firearm is a very personal choice, especially when it comes to purchasing a handgun.

You might hear opinionated gun enthusiasts talk a blue streak on YouTube about which caliber and gun type they think is the best. But odds are they won’t be there defending you and your loved ones during a dangerous situation.

It’s going to be you.

And if that day ever comes, you’ll want to be holding the firearm that you chose for yourself because it met some commonsense criteria.

Finding the “Right” Firearm

Over the past 70-plus years, Green Top has grown a reputation of helping thousands of people find the right firearm for at least two reasons:

We firmly believe there’s no such thing as an ideal, one-size-fits-all firearm. It simply doesn’t exist.
We don’t pay commissions to our salespeople (although we make sure they are well taken care of).
On the basis of these two factors, Green Top customers can rest assured in the fact that we’re here to help you find the firearm that best serves you. That’s our legacy.

It’s completely normal to feel a little intimidated when venturing out to buy your first handgun, especially with so many makes and models available in today’s market. So, with that in view, here are some commonsense principles to consider as you begin the journey towards being a gun owner.

First, let’s cover 5 simple questions to help you discover what’s most important to you in terms of your handgun needs. With each answer, the confusion and overwhelming number of options will subside until the right gun choice finally emerges.

Question #1

What do you feel the main use of the firearm is going to be? (personal defense/concealed carry, recreational target shooting, home defense, hunting, competition shooting, etc.)

Question #2

What, if any, experience do you have with firearms?

Question #3

During the first month of ownership, how much time will you be able to spend learning how your firearm works?

Question #4

Realistically, how much time will you spend practicing with your firearm each month?

Question #5

What’s your price range?

Taking your 5 answers into account, a Green Top firearms pro will be able to recommend several options that fit you. With years of experience and in-depth product knowledge, they’ll shed light on each pistol’s build quality, features, recoil, pros, and cons, as well as key insight on the general cost and availability of ammunition for each handgun.

Next, narrow down your options to two handguns and hold each gun (if possible). Notice how each feels in your hands. Does it feel too large, too small, or just right? Find out how easy it is to load each gun. Try dry-firing them side by side. How heavy or light does the trigger feel to you?

Sometimes, when there isn’t a significant enough difference between the top two choices that you’ve narrowed down, it’s not a bad idea to go with the one you simply like best. You’ll be the one practicing with it, carrying it, and using it. So, get the one you’ll enjoy most.

In the end, whatever feels right to you and checks the most boxes in terms of budget, end use, and design simplicity is the right handgun for you.

Covering every aspect of gun buying in an article this brief would be next to impossible. Honestly, you could write a book on tips for the first-time handgun buyer.

Hopefully, by now you’ve at least become convinced to never let a self-proclaimed expert talk you into spending your money on what they think is best.

When it comes to choosing the gun that’s right for you, your opinion is the one that matters most. 

*For more information about purchasing a firearm at Green Top, please see our Firearms and Restricted Items Purchase Policy here.