Choosing a new handgun?

[CampingJosh]

Every person has different criteria for determining which firearms "fit," and no two people are just alike. However, the decision to purchase a new handgun will almost always come down to five main factors:

1) Feel in your hand (ergonomics)
2) Size/weight/appearance (physical characteristics)
3) Price & value
4) Reviews/referrals/company reputation
5) Style (revolver vs. auto) & cartridge

In a perfect world, the price wouldn't matter, and we would all be able to purchase exactly the handgun we wanted the first time, every time. For this reason, "price & value" was omitted from the poll. (I had to drop one of them. )

However, in order to get a real feel for how everyone else makes their purchase decisions, I'd really like to hear how you guys rank these five factors in order of importance to you (and also include anything else that weighs into your decisions).

[ALR]

51243

[CampingJosh]

Here's how I decide:

1) Ergonomics. If it doesn't fit me, nothing else can ever make me like it (except maybe a price tag that reads "free" ).
2) Price & value. I wish I were able to purchase just whatever I want, but I'm not there yet. Working really hard to be able to retire that way, though.
3) Reviews/referrals/company reputation. I take magazine reviews with a grain of salt (I've never read a negative one), but I tend to listen to friends, both in person and on here.
4) Size/weight/appearance. This one only matters to me when I'm looking fill a specific "job opening." My "everyday pocket carry gun" can't really be full-size SIG, even though I would really like to have a P226.
5) Style & cartridge. This is generally the least important to me. I like both revolvers and autos. Many guns are available in multiple calibers, so this is usually the easiest to fix, too.

But that's just me. I want to know how you guys make decisions.

[huston_farms]

For me, ergonomics and feel are huge. If it doesnt fit then its not going to be accurate in my hands. creating muscle memory for safeties or controls can be accomplished, but ive found that if it doesnt "feel right" im not going to be able to fire with any reproducable accuracy. My second biggest factor is the materials that make up the weapon. I like certain parts to be made out of certain materials that are strong and fitted well. As far as price is concerned it seems that you get what you pay for. cheap firearms and accessories tend to be cheap in other ways as well.

[Inthewind1976]

I would suppose, in my case, the primary concerns are weight, caliber, fit, and price, in that order. The more I experience light weight handguns the more I like em. In my 20's my back up handgun when big game hunting was a 6" carbon steel .357 but these days its a Charter Bulldog (original) 3" 44spec. Of course in my 20's my deer rifle was a sporterized 03A3 with a 24" bbl, MonteCarlo stock, and 3-9x40, and today its usually a 6.5 Sweede that I built with size and weight specifically in mind. It has a 17" bbl, is set in a blind magazine Choate stock, and wears a 3-9x32 in alum rings and bases, and weighs in @ 6.2 lb with full mag and sling.

[oscarmayer]

i've been burned so many times because i went with looks and feel rather than a good solid review. i now count on reviews 1st and then go with feel. one example comes to mind. the amt back up in 9mm looked good felt good performed poorly, s&w sigma felt good in the hand looked good and performance was less than acceptable

[hogger129]

I'd say they're all important, but someone else's review or referral of a handgun makes a big difference. Especially when it's other shooters like you guys on here that have used the product firsthand. After that I'd go by ergonomics. If I don't feel comfortable shooting it, I will hate it.

[Jay]

12435....... just because Billy-Bob likes it is no sign that I will. If it doesn't feel "right", I"ll never shoot it enough to become proficient with it... in which case I'll pass.......... I don't even wear shoes that are not comfortable.

[carver]

IMHO, all 5 choices are important. I on the other hand I choose a caliber first. I don't like much out there that doesn't start with a 4. I like the .44's, and .45's, so once I decide which caliber I want I then decide if I want a wheel gun, or a simi-auto. Once I've got that far, then your 5 choices come into play.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by CampingJosh

Here's how I decide:

1) Ergonomics. If it doesn't fit me, nothing else can ever make me like it (except maybe a price tag that reads "free" ).
2) Price & value. I wish I were able to purchase just whatever I want, but I'm not there yet. Working really hard to be able to retire that way, though.
3) Reviews/referrals/company reputation. I take magazine reviews with a grain of salt (I've never read a negative one), but I tend to listen to friends, both in person and on here.
4) Size/weight/appearance. This one only matters to me when I'm looking fill a specific "job opening." My "everyday pocket carry gun" can't really be full-size SIG, even though I would really like to have a P226.
5) Style & cartridge. This is generally the least important to me. I like both revolvers and autos. Many guns are available in multiple calibers, so this is usually the easiest to fix, too.

But that's just me. I want to know how you guys make decisions.

Thanks for saving me some typing CJ.

I choose my guns pretty much the same way. Though, my next HG purchase will most likely be a 9mm or a little 22lr plinker. (Caliber 1st)

[johnlives4christ]

reputation and style are the main factors for me. gun has to look good to the eye and not be known as junk

the only gun i know that doesnt feel right in my hand is glock 19/23. desert eagles dont feel great but not bad.

[Zane71464]

I would have to say all 4 have to go hand in hand with me. If the "feel" isnt there for me, It wont work and I cant be "at one" with it and my intrest isnt going to be there.
The reviews is a good plus as to it's already been around the block a time or two.
The cartridge has a lot to do with it as well, bullet caliber-barrel ratio goes into play big time as well.

[johnlives4christ]

i really dont care much about caliber. the gun has to be reliable though

[blackspyder]

Ergonomics, Size, Cal., Reviews/Personal experience, in that order. I don't want to own guns that are too big or small for my hands, I'm not CC'ing a Desert Eagle or attempting to hit bulls eyes at 50 yrds w/ a 2 inch barrel, and I prefer to get most guns in calibers I already have (good selection to choose from). Reviews rarely play a part in the decsion making process but if the gun feels cheaply made I wont buy it.

[MoreGuns]

Well, I guess I'll be the contrarian here (no flames please). The first criteria in choosing a handgun is the purpose that it will serve. Is it a self-defense gun? A concealed carry gun? A special purpose target gun? A plinker? An interesting addition to your collection?

Once you've made the decision on the purpose (or purposes) of the gun, then you can start to think over the other factors. For example, if the primary purpose is self-defense and the user has relatively little handgun experience, I'd probably recommend a revolver over a auto. Likewise, this situation demands a caliber that will effectively do the job, so a .22, although better than nothing, would not be my first choice.

So, in terms of the factors listed, my rating of the factor might change depending on the ultimate use of the gun.

[tcox4freedom]

Originally Posted by MoreGuns

Well, I guess I'll be the contrarian here (no flames please). The first criteria in choosing a handgun is the purpose that it will serve. Is it a self-defense gun? A concealed carry gun? A special purpose target gun? A plinker? An interesting addition to your collection?

Once you've made the decision on the purpose (or purposes) of the gun, then you can start to think over the other factors. For example, if the primary purpose is self-defense and the user has relatively little handgun experience, I'd probably recommend a revolver over a auto. Likewise, this situation demands a caliber that will effectively do the job, so a .22, although better than nothing, would not be my first choice.

So, in terms of the factors listed, my rating of the factor might change depending on the ultimate use of the gun.

No Flames from me.
I agree 100%!

But, I didn't see "purpose" as a choice.

[rentalguy1]

I approach it this way:

1. Style - While I like revolvers well enough, they are relegated to range fun and display duty in my arsenal. I will only carry a auto, because of the design and capacity.

2. Company reputation/reviews - I have my favorite manufacturers; Taurus, Beretta, and Springfield Armory, but that doesn't mean that I would not own a Hi-Point if the personal reviews were stellar. I try to avoid publicized reviews, as advertising money does count as a factor. I was a writer and editorial assistant at a business magazine, and know how that stuff works.

3. Size and Appearance - I prefer full frame guns over sub and compact models. I will own the latter, but it is rare.

4. Ergonomics - If I can get past numbers 2 and 3 on my list, then I will fondle one for a bit. I don't follow the rule about it either feeling right or not. Uncle Sam handed me a M9 in 1990 and said deal with it. Many hate this platform, but it is my hands down favorite. I am adaptable in this category.

5. Price and value - I don't typically buy a gun on a whim. I study the criteria for a while (months, at least), and save some money in the mean time. I pretty much refuse to spend in excess of a grand on a hand gun. This typically works in my favor, since Taurus makes several models that mirror more expensive guns (1911, 92, and Cougars). I have bet my life on Barettas, so why wouldn't I do the same on a gun that was made on the same exact machinery, to the same exact specs, at a lower cost?

[dons2346]

If the glove don't fit...you must acquit. No wait, that is something different.

Anyway, if I can't hold the piece comfortably, it doesn't make any difference how good it looks.

[carver]

Originally Posted by MoreGuns

Well, I guess I'll be the contrarian here (no flames please). The first criteria in choosing a handgun is the purpose that it will serve. Is it a self-defense gun? A concealed carry gun? A special purpose target gun? A plinker? An interesting addition to your collection?

Once you've made the decision on the purpose (or purposes) of the gun, then you can start to think over the other factors. For example, if the primary purpose is self-defense and the user has relatively little handgun experience, I'd probably recommend a revolver over a auto. Likewise, this situation demands a caliber that will effectively do the job, so a .22, although better than nothing, would not be my first choice.

So, in terms of the factors listed, my rating of the factor might change depending on the ultimate use of the gun.

First off, welcome to the forum! I suppose that in my post when I stated that caliber was of the most importance to me, really means to what purpose the gun will be used, and caliber dictates that. If it's for SD, caliber is most important to me. If it's for hunting, again, caliber is most important. As the old saying goes, "Bring a gun, and bring enough gun".

[gendoikari87]

1) Feel in your hand (ergonomics)
2) Size/weight/appearance (physical characteristics)
3) Price & value
4) Reviews/referrals/company reputation
5) Style (revolver vs. auto) & cartridge

if you must have those ranked I can't do it, because most of those don't matter to me.

1) Percision and simplicity in design (as few moving parts as possible)
2) Barrel WELL fixed in place to the frame (perferably barrel, and receiver are ONE piece of metal)
3) semi narrow, long grip, preferably checkered
4) Heavy barrel/gun for accuracy
5) Rimfire... if i'm shooting a handgun, it's for fun, and centerfire is just getting too expensive.

[lucky-gunner]

1) Feel in your hand (ergonomics)
Most important to me. It could be a great pistol but just doesn't work for me (Glock wish they did).

3) Price & value
I have all of the firearm that I need. The only thing left if to find interesting firearms. I normally don't have a list of what I'm looking for but just whatever peaks my interest.

5) Style (revolver vs. auto) & cartridge
Falls back on the fact that I have what I need and now I'm just looking for firearms of interest. Purchasing a lot of older revolvers right now. They are pretty much range toys but I enjoy shooting them.

2) Size/weight/appearance (physical characteristics)
These don't matter much.

4) Reviews/referrals/company reputation
Depends on who the review is from. I have a couple sources that I trust but normally just rely on myself.

[Pro-Gun"Liberal"]

Originally Posted by MoreGuns

For example, if the primary purpose is self-defense and the user has relatively little handgun experience, I'd probably recommend a revolver over a auto.

I read something interesting the other day in Shotgun News. It was an article about how revolvers are "expert's" guns and are a poor choice for beginners. Now, I had always been told the opposite, and believed, as you do, that revolvers are simpler to use, even though I prefer autos. And this article really changed my mind on this. I knew I liked autos better, but I never thought about why. The writer explains in the piece that because of the double action nature of revolvers, and the tendency to "milk" them, a locked and loaded auto is going to prove to be much easier for the average person to keep on target in stressful situations. This makes perfect sense. And it highlights why I don't like revolvers as much as autos... or any DA-only weapon, for that matter. If you have an auto with the safety engaged and one in the spout, it takes only a little practice to draw the weapon, disengage the safety, and start putting down fairly accurate fire. A revolver may be a simpler tool, but the actual function takes a higher degree of precision in trigger pull to create accurate fire, particularly under stress.

[Gun Gal 53]

Ergonomics.....if it doesn't feel good, you will not want to shoot it and to me even though I am a girl...weight. I hate the little hand stingers. I have a Springfield 9mm and being older I do not have the stregth to hold my arm firm after the shot. I do not want to be ending up with my hand moving 3 feet north each time I fire. The weight of the gun is nice to rip off several rounds quickly. So that kinda leads to caleber too....357, 40 or so .... is nice. I rather wait to purchase the guns I want if I can not get it today. I have a few and can wait for my next on because it will be one I will like shooting.

[1911 man]

1,5,2,4,3