I regularly get asked questions like, “what are the Best 9mm semi auto pistols for new gun owners?” It is a very common question during most of my concealed carry classes. The question they really want answered is, “what is the best pistol for me?”
It is impossible to know exactly which gun will work best for someone. Because of the questions I’ve been asked I wanted to put together a list of a few recommendations for new gun owners.
There are a lot of things to consider when deciding on a pistol. Everyone has different ideas about the type of gun they like. The way a gun feels in your hands and how accurate you are with it are some major considerations.
I recently made a video where I gave a few of my recommendations for people to consider. This list is of pistols I personally own or have experience with and does not include some popular models currently on the market.
How to choose the Best 9mm semi auto pistols for you
One of the best ways to decide which pistol works for you is to visit a gun range where you can rent various models. The way a gun feels holding it is different when you are shooting it.
The recoil of the pistol might be too much for one shooter or the action of the slide may be to hard to manipulate. It’s impossible to know how a gun will perform until you shoot it yourself.
Taurus G2C or Taurus G3C
The first guns on my list of best 9mm semi auto pistols for new gun owners is the Taurus G2C or G3C. You won’t go wrong with either of them. The Taurus G2c and G3C are both a very reliable pistol, especially for the money.
Taurus has hit a home run with these two models and they have become very popular in the concealed carry market. They are small, lightweight and are very reliable pistols.
My experience with Taurus pistols goes back several years and have written about some of the ones I own. They’ve been great pistols and I still enjoy shooting them.
The Glock 43x
As a fan of Glock, there are a couple of them on this list. The first Glock pistol I would recommend a new shooter consider would be the Glock 43x. This pistol is a single stack 10 round 9mm that shoots much bigger than it is.
I was very interested in the Glock 43 when they first came onto the market but I didn’t like the way it felt in my hands. The grip was too short even with the mag extensions.
When the Glock 43x came to the market I was very interested. The only thing I didn’t like about the 43x was the finish on the slide. I like all black on my Glocks but came very close to getting one of them.
As soon as Glock released the all black version of the 43x I got one. The Glock 43x paired with the Shield Arms 15 round magazine is a very good concealed carry option. Another good option for new gun owners is the big brother to the 43x, the Glock 19.
Glock 19 is the most popular pistol
Glock has several 9mm pistols in their catalog. However, the Glock 19 is possibly the most popular pistol in the world. It is used by many police and military agencies around the world and is very popular among the concealed carry community.
I own a couple Glock 19’s and have put thousands of rounds through my Gen 4. I’ve used it in countless classes and the only malfunction it has had was ammo related.
There is a limitless amount of aftermarket parts available for Glock pistols that will allow you to customize it to fit you better. The only thing I’ve changed on mine is the sights.
Sig Sauer P320
The Sig P320 was initially called the Glock 19 killer when it was introduced. The gun feels great in the hands of most shooters and the modular design gives you the ability to customize the grip.
Owners of Sig P320’s as well as the military noticed a drop safety issue that lead Sig to create a voluntary upgrade program that replaced the trigger and made other changes. I wrote another article detailing why I believe the gun to be safe to carry.
The Sig P320 compact is close to the same size as the Glock 19. The Sig I own was made after the upgrade program had begun and has all of the changes already made. It has been 100% reliable since the day I got it.
Smith & Wesson M & P Shield 9mm EZ
Smith & Wesson EZ 9mm is one of the best 9mm semi auto pistols on the market and is very similar in size as the Glock 43x. It has a lower capacity but is still a very effective firearm.
The Smith and Wesson 9mm EZ Shield is a great pistol for anyone who has difficulty manipulating the slide of a semiautomatic pistol.
Smith & Wesson originally released the EZ in 380acp but demand from the market let them to produce the M & P 9mm EZ.
Canik Firearms
The Canik series of pistols has gotten a lot of attention within the last couple of years. These pistols are quickly proving that reliability and comfort doesn’t have to break the bank.
The company offers several different models and sizes. Each of these pistols comes out of the box loaded with a lot of great features and accessories.
I’ve had my hands on a couple different models of these guns and I’m greatly impressed by how they feel and how they perform.
After choosing your pistol
No matter which pistol you choose, it is important to get proper training. It is also important to become proficient with your firearm.
Owning a gun is a right that comes with a lot of responsibility. It is an enjoyable hobby and a reliable firearm is a good tool to protect yourself and your family from a criminal.