Handgun prices range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. So, it’s understandable for any first-time buyer to have questions. So, let me tackle a few of the questions around price to help you make an informed decision. What I won’t do is advocate for any particular price range, manufacturer, or specific models. I’ll tackle all of those topics in other articles.
What’s the difference between a handgun that sells for $300 vs. $1,500?
This is a really good question and one I asked while I was researching my first firearm purchase. I think we all know that to at least some extent, a higher price should coincide with a higher quality product. But, are we talking worlds better or just incrementally better? Is it the kind of ‘better’ that only an experienced shooter will notice or will anyone who picks up a more expensive handgun naturally recognize that it’s higher quality?
When you’re talking about a true entry-level handgun in the $300 range vs. one that retails for $1,500 (or even more), there are going to be noticeable differences in manufacturing quality and shooting performance that any person will notice with a little attention to detail. From my own experience, just picking up each of the guns at a gun shop and handling them, you’re likely to notice that the more expensive option feels more substantial and solid in your hand. This is very subjective, but I think that it’s a fairly common feeling. But, just because the more expensive gun is of higher quality, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should automatically buy that higher priced firearm. The decision still comes down to you, your particular purpose, and your real-world budget.
Should I really spend thousands of dollars on my first handgun?
This really depends on why you’re making this first purchase. Are you planning to do some competitive shooting? (a great way to become a better shooter in a hurry) Or, are you just concerned with having a reliable concealed handgun in your purse or in your waistband? If the answer to the first question is ‘yes’, then you should probably plan to spend $1,000 or more right out of the gate. But, if your situation better fits the second scenario, a $300 option may give you what you need, or just going up to $500 may get you a quality concealed carry option.
Personally, I would try to avoid overspending on your first firearm. Even after doing a ton of research and testing various firearms at the range there is a lot about firearms that you simply won’t know until you buy your first gun and get out and train with it. Essentially, the more you shoot, the more you learn about shooting in general. You would not be the first person who bought a firearm and later decided it wasn’t the right option. So, breaking the bank on your first firearm might lead you to spend a lot of money on a gun you don’t actually like, once you start shooting it.
What’s a reasonable budget to balance quality with an affordable price?
In my opinion, any new gun you find in the $300 range is likely to be very no frills and rely on less than ideal manufacturing quality. I have friends who purchased very cheap first guns and ended up with issues. One I remember well, as pieces of the gun literally fell off at the shooting range. I certainly know other people who have picked up budget firearms and have been totally happy with their decision. So, there are no guarantees. However, as long as your budget allows for it, I think upping your range to $500-600 is going to give you a much wider range of options and will include some well-respected manufacturers. Basically, I think you’re more likely to purchase a more durable and trustworthy firearm at that price range. You haven’t had to go up toward $1,000, but you also aren’t getting a small budget gun.