• Will this gun be used for security purposes? If so, make sure you get a pistol with a reputation for reliability and ensure proper function regularly.
• Is this pistol for concealed carry? Consider size and weight.
• Will you be competing with your pistol in a sport like USPSA or IDPA? Make sure your new pistol will conform to the rules of the division you want to compete in.

Size: The size of the pistol will meaningfully affect the way it shoots.

• If concealed carry is a primary objective, prioritize size and weight.
• Bigger guns are better to shoot but smaller guns are better to carry. I try to carry as big a gun as I can conceal comfortably.
• Big pistols almost always perform better. Go big unless you have a specific reason why you want the gun to be small.

Cartridge Selection: Choose a caliber suitable for your purpose. This will affect the power of your pistol and the amount of recoil you will feel.

• Common options: 9mm (versatile, low recoil), 10mm (powerful and high penetration), or .22 LR (low impact for practice or for beginners).
• Consider ammo cost, availability, and your tolerance for recoil.

Ergonomics: How the gun fits in your hands will be important.

• Make sure you have a proper reach to the trigger.
• Verify that you can manipulate the controls in the proper manner according to the type of pistol (safeties, slide catch, magazine release).
• Does it feel natural with a proper grip to raise and aim the gun?
• Many modern pistols will have modular grip systems that can adapt to the size of your hand.

Aiming Systems: The way you will aim the pistol is one of the most important factors when shooting.

• Do you like the sights that come on the pistol?
• Is the pistol “optics-ready” and able to accept a modern red dot sight?
• If you do not like the sights on the gun, is it worth the hassle to change them?

Reputation: You will be able to find lots of online intelligence about the major brands.

• Research the reputation of the brands and models you are considering.
• Read and watch reviews to see what models will best fit your needs.
• Exercise skepticism when listening to online influencers but make note of common trends amongst reviewers.

Capacity and Magazine Availability: Some magazine types are more available and/or affordable than others.

• Confirm the magazine capacity meets your needs (e.g., higher for competition, balanced for concealed carry).
• Check the price of spare magazines. You can never have too many!

Ease of Maintenance: It’s important to know how to properly maintain your pistol.

• Consider how easy the pistol is to field strip, clean, and reassemble.
• Research if replacement parts are readily available.

Budget Considerations: Avoid compromising on quality for a lower price—reliability and performance are worth the investment.

• You shouldn’t spend your whole budget on the pistol itself. Factor in the cost of holsters, flashlights, optics, cleaning supplies, and most importantly, ammo.
• In general, try to avoid buying accessories and trinkets that are not necessary to the function of the pistol. Buy as much ammo as you can!

By keeping these 9 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Pistol in mind, you’ll be better prepared to choose a pistol that fits your needs and enhances your shooting experience. Happy shopping!