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How to Choose Your First Handgun: Try Before You Buy in Tallahassee

By the instructors at Armor Firearms & Training, Tallahassee, FL

Start with the "why"

• Home defense: size matters less, and a full-size or compact gun is often easier to shoot well.
• Concealed carry: you need something small enough to carry every day, but not so small it's hard to control.
• Learning and target shooting: a .22 is inexpensive to shoot and has very light recoil.

Many people want one gun that does it all, and a compact 9mm is a popular middle ground. Popular doesn't automatically mean right for you, though.

Five things that matter most

1. Fit and grip

You should be able to wrap your hand around the grip with the pad of your index finger resting naturally on the trigger. Hand size and grip strength vary a lot from person to person.

2. Recoil you can control

Smaller, lighter guns generally kick more. A very small pistol can be harder for a beginner to shoot than a mid-size one, and if every shot is uncomfortable, you won't practice.

3. Caliber

• .22 LR: very light recoil and inexpensive ammo. Great for learning.
• .380 ACP: common in small guns, with moderate recoil.
• 9mm: the most common choice, with manageable recoil and wide ammo availability.
• .40 S&W and .45 ACP: more recoil. Many shooters move to them once they have more experience.

4. A slide you can rack

Some people find it hard to pull back the slide on a semi-automatic. Try it before you buy. Good technique helps, and some models are easier than others.

5. Controls and simplicity

Semi-automatics typically hold more rounds and reload faster. Revolvers are simple to operate, but their heavier triggers can be harder to shoot accurately. Your instructor can walk you through the trade-offs.

Why "try before you buy" saves money

A common mistake is buying a gun because of a review or a friend's advice, then finding out it's wrong for you. That's why our private lessons include the guns. In a 1-hour private lesson ($95 per person), you can handle and shoot a variety of guns with an instructor beside you. Gun, ammo, targets, and eye and ear protection are included.

Want more range time plus the concealed carry training certificate? Book the 2-hour private lesson ($145 per person), which is also all-inclusive. Private means private: once you book a slot, no one else can join. Couples and families can book together (up to 10 people).

Free advice when you buy

Our instructors will help you pick a firearm that fits your hands and your goals, and that advice is free. Browse our handguns and full gun inventory, then ask us anything. There's no Florida sales tax on firearms through Dec 31, 2026.

Found one online instead? We handle FFL transfers at 4216 Kingswood Drive, Tallahassee. Dealer and online purchases are $30 for the first gun and $15 for each additional gun transferred the same day, plus a $5 FDLE background check fee.

Florida's 3-day waiting period (excluding weekends and legal holidays) applies to firearm purchases, except for concealed weapon license holders and trade-ins (F.S. 790.0655).

Don't forget the gear

• A good holster that covers the trigger guard and holds the gun firmly (see accessories)
• Secure storage, like a quick-access safe or lockbox, especially with kids or guests in the home
• Eye and ear protection for practice
• Practice ammo and a spare magazine or two

Then learn to use it safely

1. Learn to Shoot ($75): our 2-hour beginner group class (Sat Nov 7, Nov 28, Dec 5). Bring your new gun and 50 to 100 rounds.
2. Armor Practice Club (from $49/mo): monthly 2-hour coached practice.
3. Practice at home with our 30-Day Dry-Fire Practice Plan ($12).

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