I often get questions about what is the best firearm for beginners. While your choice of pistol is very personal, there are some things to think about if you have limited hand strength. If you are new to shooting and you’ve had bad experiences firing pistols that had too much power, weren’t the right fit, or caused you physical pain it is going to impact your confidence and shooting skills – which can lead to safety issues. We have pistols available that minimize this problem. You don’t want to start out with a pistol that you cannot adequately control.
Considerations for each Pistol: Shooting a firearm of any caliber will come with some level of recoil. However, there are key considerations in what you want to look for if you have issues with joint pain, arthritis, or other muscular grip concerns.
- Manageable Recoil: Choosing a pistol with lower recoil will help reduce any physical strain on your hands, wrists, and forearms. It will also help with better recoil control during shooting, making it more suitable if you have pre-existing hand strength issues.
- Ergonomic Grip Design: Go for a pistol with an ergonomic grip that accommodates your hand size. If you have smaller hands, you want to make sure you can grip the pistol securely with both hands without sacrificing form. Features like adjustable grip panels or smaller circumference grips enhance comfort and give you a more secure hold.
- Lighter Trigger Pull: Consider firearms with a lighter trigger pull which will require less effort to engage the trigger. Some pistols offer customizable trigger options or aftermarket modifications, allowing you to tailor the trigger to your strength and dexterity.
Exploring these factors will help you find the right pistol to fit your needs and still let you prioritize comfort, control, and accessibility. We can help you test different pistol options and give you professional advice on what we’d recommend based on your budget and preferences.
In general the .380 or 9mm is a good way to start out. I have had good luck recommending the Smith and Wesson M&P Shield EZ M2.0 Series 9mm or .380. I keep the 9mm on hand for my students to test fire. Here is a link to a review of the gun, and there are many other reviews out there. The pistol is available through multiple retail and other sources at much less than the listed price on the Smith and Wesson site.
