One of the most common questions I hear in firearms and concealed carry classes is:
“Which gun should I buy?”
People expect a simple answer – a specific make and model they can walk into a gun store and purchase with confidence. Unfortunately, there isn’t one. In fact, that’s a little like asking, “What shoes should I buy?” The answer depends on who you are, what you need them for, and how you’ll use them. Firearms are no different.
There Is No “Best Gun”
The internet is full of videos proclaiming that one handgun is “the best,” one shotgun is “the ultimate home defense weapon,” or one rifle is “the only gun you’ll ever need.” Those videos make great headlines. They just don’t tell the whole story. The best firearm for one person may be a terrible choice for someone else.
Before anyone recommends a firearm, they should know:
- How much shooting experience you have.
- Whether you’re buying it for home defense, concealed carry, or recreation.
- Your physical strength and hand size.
- How much recoil you’re comfortable with.
- Whether you’re actually willing to practice with it.
Those factors matter far more than the logo stamped on the slide or receiver, or the opinion of some random gun store employee.
Most Gun Owners Aren’t Gun Enthusiasts
This is something many experienced shooters forget. Most people who buy a firearm are not hobbyists. They’re not competitive shooters. They’re not spending every Saturday at the range. They simply want a firearm available should they ever need to defend themselves or their family. There’s nothing wrong with that. The Second Amendment protects the rights of all law-abiding citizens, not just those who collect firearms or enjoy shooting sports. Because of that, the “best gun” often isn’t the one enthusiasts recommend.
Small Guns Aren’t Always Better
One of the most common recommendations made to new shooters is a lightweight revolver or a tiny semi-automatic pistol. That advice isn’t always wrong, but it isn’t always right, either.
Small handguns are:
- Easier to conceal
- Lighter to carry
- Harder to shoot well
- Often noticeably snappier under recoil
Many first-time gun owners purchase lightweight revolvers because someone told them they were “simple.” Then they fire one round, discover that the recoil hurts, and they never want to fire it again. A defensive firearm only works if you’re willing to practice with it.
Full-Size Pistols Often Make More Sense
If the firearm is intended primarily for home defense, a full-size handgun may actually be the better choice.
Larger pistols typically offer:
- More comfortable grips
- Reduced felt recoil
- Longer sight radius
- Easier manipulation
- Better overall shootability
Many modern pistols even include interchangeable backstraps so they can be fitted to different hand sizes. That doesn’t automatically make them the right answer, but it’s something worth considering.
Revolver or Semi-Automatic?
Both have advantages. A revolver is mechanically simple and easy to understand. A semi-automatic typically offers:
- Higher ammunition capacity
- Faster reloads
- Better ergonomics
- Softer recoil in comparable calibers
On the other hand, semi-automatics require more training. There are magazines, slides, safeties (on some models), malfunction clearing procedures, and other controls that require practice. Neither platform is universally better. The better choice is the one you can operate safely and confidently.
What About Shotguns?
Some people recommend shotguns for home defense. Yes, they can be effective. They’re also heavier, produce significant recoil, and require training to operate efficiently. My home-defense long gun is a pump shotgun, but I’m an NRA law enforcement patrol shotgun instructor who loves shooting trap and sporting clays and regularly hunts ducks and upland game. I have a lot of experience and training with shotguns. They are excellent firearms, but they are not for everybody.
With the above in mind, I’ve heard people claim that the sound of racking a pump shotgun will scare criminals away. Personally, I wouldn’t count on that. Your defensive firearm should be something you know how to use, not something you’re hoping will intimidate an attacker.
Don’t Overlook the Modern Carbine
For some folks, especially those who don’t enjoy shooting handguns, a pistol-caliber carbine deserves serious consideration.
A quality 9mm or 40 caliber carbine offers several advantages:
- Four points of contact with your body
- Better stability
- Easier aiming
- Reduced felt recoil
- Familiar controls
- Higher magazine capacity in many states
Many newer carbines also accept magazines from popular handgun platforms, simplifying ammunition and magazine management. For the average homeowner who simply wants a reliable defensive firearm, a quality pistol-caliber carbine may actually be easier to shoot accurately than either a handgun or a shotgun.
I have a Ruger PC Carbine that shoots much like a semi-automatic .22 rifle. Its controls are very similar to those of a Ruger 10/22. For shooters who are already familiar and comfortable with .22 rifles, something like the Ruger PC Carbine may be well worth considering.
Home Defense and Concealed Carry Are Different Jobs
If you carry concealed, you’ll probably choose a compact handgun that’s comfortable to wear throughout the day. That same handgun may not be the firearm you enjoy shooting most at the range, nor may it be the ideal firearm for defending your home. A lot of experienced shooters own:
- A compact pistol for concealed carry
- A full-size handgun for training and home defense
- Perhaps a defensive carbine kept securely at home
Different tools exist for different purposes. Think about it the same way you would think about a toolbox: You don’t grab a screwdriver when you need a wrench.
The Best Gun Is the One You Can Use Well
If there’s one takeaway from this discussion, it’s this:
Don’t buy someone else’s favorite gun. Buy the firearm that’s right for you.
That means selecting something you can:
- Operate safely
- Shoot accurately
- Practice with regularly
- Maintain confidently
- Trust when it matters most
The logo on the side of the gun is far less important than your ability to use it effectively.
Get Training Before You Buy
The smartest purchase you can make isn’t necessarily another firearm, it’s quality training. You may discover after taking a class that the firearm you thought you wanted isn’t the one that actually fits your needs. Hands-on instruction allows you to handle different firearms, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and make an informed decision before spending your money.
At Practical Defense Systems, we believe education should come before equipment. Our instructors help students evaluate firearms based on their individual needs rather than marketing hype or internet opinions. We offer certified firearms instruction, home defense training, and California CCW courses designed to build confidence through practical, real-world training.
Interested in learning more?
Whether you’re buying your first firearm or preparing for a California CCW permit, Practical Defense Systems offers professional, hands-on training designed to help you make informed decisions and develop the skills to use your firearm safely and responsibly. Explore our available courses and training options today.
