Handguns are the most popular type of firearm in the US. Experienced gun owners and novices alike are likely to own at least one handgun. They are easy to use, easy to store, and invaluable in a self-defense situation, where larger firearms would be impractical. For new gun owners, choosing a handgun to buy can be a challenge, with so much variety on the market. But choosing between the different types of ammo for your handgun might be even more difficult, thanks to a wide range of calibers, sizes, and shapes.

If you’re new to firearms, you need to understand the basics regarding different types of ammo, to ensure personal safety and proper functionality of your gun. Keep reading below to learn all about hand guns now.

Bullet Caliber

Bullets are actually made of three main sections. The outer shell is called a case. Inside, you have two components: the propellent and the bullet. Altogether, you can refer to individual ammunition units as “cartridges” or “rounds.”

Many people mistakingly called these bullets, not realizing that the bullet is actually the small projectile within the cartridge. Only the bullet comes out of the barrel of your gun, while the case ejects out of the side of the firearm.

The most important thing to understand when choosing ammo is your pistol caliber. Caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet, as well as the diameter of your gun’s barrel.

.22 caliber rounds should only be shot out of a .22 caliber barrel, to ensure a perfect fit. Shooting a round that is too large for the barrel of your firearm can be very dangerous.

When buying ammo, make sure you know what caliber your handgun is chambered in. The most popular calibers for handguns are .22 LR, 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .357 Magnum.

If buying a new handgun, it helps to know that 9mm is the most common ammunition in the US, making it the easiest to find, anywhere you go.

The caliber of your gun should be denoted on the exterior of your gun. Always confirm the caliber of your gun matches the ammunition you are using before you load the firearm.

Bullet Size/Length

Caliber isn’t the only thing to consider when buying ammo for your handgun. In each caliber, bullets will come in different weights, shapes, and sizes, too.

When talking about bullet sizes, people are generally referring to the length of the cartridge.

New shooters who are looking for all-purpose ammunition don’t need to worry so much about length. But it’s helpful to understand.

When looking at a box of ammo on the shelf, the case length will be the second number listed, after the caliber.

The length of the case determines how much propellant can be stored inside. More propellant can mean more power.

Within a particular caliber, you might find rounds that are much longer than others. Therefore, they might not be compatible with every handgun of that caliber.

When selecting a length, make sure it will fit in the chamber/magazine of your gun.

Bullet Weight

Bullet weight, also called grain weight, is important when considering the performance of your shooting.

Heavier bullets (higher grain weight) travel slower, but they provide more penetration and power. Lighter bullets can move faster, but may not penetrate as deeply, which is important to consider for hunting or self-protection.

Case Material

Most handgun ammunition is cased in either brass, steel, or aluminum. Brass is the most common and most preferred by shooters and manufacturers alike.

Because brass isn’t quite as hard as steel (the material of your gun’s barrel), it won’t wear down your gun prematurely. Steel ammunition tends to wear out your gun faster.

Brass is also the most affordable in most cases. If you want to try out aluminum or steel cartridges, ensure that your firearm can handle them by checking your owner’s manual.

Jacket Type

Bullets come in various jacket styles that greatly affect the impact of the bullet.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) or Total Metal Jacket (TMJ) is the most popular for handguns. They are less expensive, making them great for practice and target shooting.

FMJ refers to a copper coating covering the bullet. In a semi-automatic pistol, the coating increases reliability as they feed better.

Another popular bullet type for handguns is the Hollow Point (HP) or Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP).

These bullets are designed to mushroom and expand upon impact. They release their kinetic energy during the initial few inches of impact, doing more damage than an FMJ bullet would.

These are preferred for hunting or self-defense situations. They are unlikely to completely pass through a target, though that’s never guaranteed. Jacketed Hollow Points are coated with copper to make for easier feeding.

+P and +P+

You might also see a +P or a +P+ on the ammunition box at the store. These designations have to do with the propellent in the cartridge and are known to provide more power to your shots.

They are most common with revolver ammo. But you can check the caliber designation on your firearm to see if it’s compatible with these types of cartridges.

Study Your Owners Manual

If you already own a handgun, you just need to find ammunition designed to work with it. The owner’s manual of your firearm will tell you almost everything you need to know.

If you don’t have it in your possession, you can find a digital copy of your exact firearm online.

Also, examine your gun to find the caliber listed on either the barrel or the side of the frame. It’s etched on, so it should never disappear. The magazine of a handgun typically contains this information as well.

You’ll also find the serial number here, which you can use to find the manual for your firearm online.

Try Different Types of Ammo

Once you know what caliber to purchase, and what length of cartridge your gun can accommodate, you can try the various types of ammo that are available.

Each cartridge will perform a bit differently in different handgun models. It’s up to you to try a handful of different cartridges to see what you prefer shooting, and what is the most reliable with your gun.

Where to Buy Handgun Ammo

Need some ammo recommendations? The best way to figure out what types of ammo to try is to talk to the experts at a local gun shop. This is the advantage of buying in-person or online.

Looking for a reputable shop near you? Check our nationwide database here, so you can stock up on ammo today.

Approximately 42% of Americans own a gun or live in a household with someone who does. A majority of these gun owners cite personal and home protection. With numerous firearms on the market, we find that the handgun is convenient to own.

Not only is it easy to carry but also great for self-defense and range shooting. Although you can spend a lot of money on a handgun and get something, not everyone has a huge amount they can spend on a firearm.

Luckily, you can get affordable handguns without compromising on performance. You can get high-quality handguns for under $500. In this article, we will review 7 of the best handguns that fit very well into this price range.

1. SCCY CPX-2

This double-action handgun is a 9mm Luger caliber with a 10+1-round capacity. Built to last, this handgun has a receiver made from superior quality 7075 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum alloy as well as a frame and grip made from Zytel polymer.

With an overall 5.7-inch length, we recommend the SCCY CPX-2 as a good concealable pistol. While we consider the double-action trigger a little heavy, you will get used to it and improve your accuracy. For ultimate gun safety, this handgun has got you covered with features like the hammer firing system, trigger lock, and guard safety.

In terms of disassembly and reassembly, we find that the all-steel, completely compressed recoil system design makes it easy.

2. Bersa Thunder Plus 380ACP 15RD 3.5″ Pistol

Looking for a handgun with good capacity for under $500?

We advise you consider this Thunder Plus handgun from Bersa. Chambered in .380ACP, it has an overall length of 6.6-inches and provides an exceptional capacity of 15+1 rounds. This means less reloading during an emergency or when at the range.

Made with a steel side and strong alloy frame, this handgun couples sturdiness with good balance. It also weighs in at 1.25-lbs (20 ounces) and features a rubber grip that provides a firm hold when you draw or aim the firearm.

In terms of safety mechanisms, we find the Thunder Plus very secure with its manual safety functionality and integral locking system along with the firing pin.

3. M&P Shield 40S&W BLK 3.1

When it comes to popularity, the M&P Shield is right up there with the best less than 500-dollar handguns. It is slim and lightweight, weighing at 1.19-lbs (19.04-ounces).

We recommend this handgun to anyone looking for a compact, durable firearm. The pistol measures at 6.1-inches in length, including the 3.1-inch barrel. It’s also chambered in .40 S&W with a capacity of 6+1 rounds.

It has fixed front and rear sights with a low bore axis as well as an 18-degree grip angle that makes shooting easy.

What we love most about this handgun is that it offers a steady trigger pull and short trigger reset. This helps enhance accuracy and allows for rapid follow-up shots. Additionally, this handgun has a no-tool takedown system that makes cleaning and maintenance easy.

4. Ruger LCP II .380 ACP Pistol

If you are after durable but cheap handguns, we prefer the Ruger LCP II .380 ACP pistol. Thanks to its rugged construction, you can be sure it is built to last. It comes in the form of a hardened steel slide and a sturdy grip frame.

The handgun has a capacity of 6+1 rounds. With an overall length of 5.17-inches, we find it easy to conceal as you go about your daily business.

It is also easy to use. If you master the smooth trigger pull, your shooting accuracy will increase. You can also take advantage of the laser sight that affords shooters superior visibility.

5. Walther PPS M2 9mm LE Edition Pistol

Since Walther is a prestigious and long-established weapon manufacturer, most of their guns are well over $500 price. But not the PPS M2 9mm LE Edition handgun model. If you are buying a handgun, we advise you to select this model. While it’s affordable, it doesn’t compromise value.

It’s a high-quality, compact handgun with a stylish design and functionality to please any gun enthusiast. Coming in at 6.3-inches in overall length, this handgun is a good choice for EDC (Everyday Carry).

The application of tenifer coating to the slide and barrel makes it corrosion-resistant and durable. We also adore the 3-dot polymer sights that offer a day and night advantage through quick aiming and target acquisition.

6. Springfield XD Defenders Series 9mm 3″ Pistol

For a compact, budget-friendly handgun that packs a punch, you can never wrong with the Springfield XD Defenders Series. With its 9mm caliber and capacity of 13+1 rounds, the handgun offers exceptional shooting ability.

Weighing in at 1.625-lbs (26 ounces) with an overall 6.25-inch length, we notice the gun is often classified as a sub-compact. However, it still offers all of the features you will need for safe and smooth shooting. Some features we find worthy to note include:

• Loaded chamber indicator
• Striker status indicator
• USA (Ultra Safety Assurance) Action trigger system
• Grip safety
• Internal firing pin block

Additionally, we like the robust, durable use that this handgun offers thanks to its polymer frame and melonite metal finish.

7. Taurus 66 Medium .357 MAG/.38 SPL +P Revolver

When it comes to budget handguns, the Taurus 66 Medium provides great power and value. What we find impressive is that this handgun offers the choices of .38 Special +P ammo or .357 Magnum despite its affordability. It guarantees effective and hard-hitting shots sure to stop any intruders in their tracks.

It has an overall length of 12.25-inches and weighs more than other guns at 2.5-lbs (40 ounces). Additionally, it’s a 7-round capacity firearm. Since it’s easy to operate, we recommend it to new gun owners.

Whether you opt for the double-action or single-action trigger operation, safety is yours. We reckon it’s due to the transfer bar security feature that comes with a cohesive lock system.

Buy Affordable Handguns Near You

Looking for affordable handguns for under $500?

The list above highlights some guns you can get within that budget and their exceptional features. To find out more about budget handguns near you, check out our website.

Firearm safety is no joke. More than 500 Americans died from preventable and accidental shootings in 2020. Thousands of others were injured, including small children. 

You need to take several steps to keep guns safe from kids. The first step is to educate yourself about firearm safety, which you can take right now. 

What tools do you need for gun safety? How should you talk to your children about gun safety? What else do you need to prevent besides accidental shootings? 

Answer these questions and you can raise your kids while being a responsible gun owner. Here are four good rules for gun safety.

1. Put Your Gun in a Gun Safe

Every home owner should own at least one gun safe. Your safe should be just big enough to store your gun, and you should put your ammunition in a separate container.

Not all gun safes come alike. A gun box is big enough to store one starter handgun, and it is made of metal. This prevents the gun from getting damaged if you drop the box. 

If you own a rifle, you may want to store it in a gun cabinet or safe. Cabinets tend to be cheaper than safes, and they are lightweight, making them easy to transport. However, safes are sturdier, and you can pick a combination that only you know about. 

You should store your gun with other tools. A trigger lock will prevent your gun from firing accidentally. You can anchor your safe or cabinet to the ground to make it harder to steal or access.

2. Carry Your Gun Carefully

You should treat a gun as though it is loaded, even if you know it isn’t. This means pointing it down at the ground and keeping your finger off the trigger. 

You can put your gun in a holster, but make sure the gun is pointed away from yourself. You should be able to grab your gun and remove it without putting your finger near the trigger. 

Do not remove your gun until you have assessed the situation. You should have a clear sight of your target. Wait for objects or people to move out of the way before you grab your gun.

Keep in mind that the bullet may penetrate through your target and hit someone or something behind it. Take a look behind your target and make sure everything is clear.

You should only use your gun for self-defense as a last resort. Pointing your gun at someone can cause an unintentional shooting or escalate the situation. Use your words or leave the area instead of using force. 

When you are preparing to fire, you should hold your gun using both hands. Hold it at the centerline of your body so the shot does not knock you off balance. 

Extend your arms out and then place your index finger on the trigger. As soon as you fire your shot, you should remove your finger and assess the situation.

3. Talk to Your Children About Firearm Safety

Many children shoot themselves or others by accident, thinking that guns are toys. You should tell your child the difference between a real gun and a fake gun. 

You should then tell your child to never fire your gun without permission. If they see your gun lying on the ground, they should not go near it. 

Do not tell your child what the combination for your safe is. Ask them to stay downstairs while you go and get your firearm. If you use a key, you should keep the key on your person or in a location only you can access, like a high shelf. 

Don’t just talk to your child. Set a good example for them by demonstrating safe practices.

Give them a tutorial on how they can hold a gun without pulling the trigger. You can also bring them to a gun safety course for children.

4. Focus On Preventing Suicides

Locking your gun in a gun safe and teaching your child about gun safety can prevent accidental shootings. But more than 24,000 Americans died by firearm suicide in 2020. Keeping a gun in your home makes it more likely that you or a family member will attempt suicide.

There are several prominent warning signs for suicidal behavior. Someone may talk about wanting to die or research ways to kill themselves. They may withdraw from others or seem anxious or reckless. 

If you or someone you love exhibits these signs, you should get help. You can speak to a therapist and contact someone on a helpline. 

Move your firearm and ammunition so they are out of sight. You can ask a family member or friend to hold your gun for you while you get help. Some police stations and gun clubs also offer storage options for local residents. 

You can also disassemble your firearm and remove the trigger assembly so the gun cannot be fired. If you’re worried about losing pieces, you can store them in different locations in your house and buy spares.

Be Smart on Firearm Safety

Firearm safety involves a few basic steps. Keep your gun stored in a safe away from ammunition. 

You should only pull out your gun once it is safe to do so. Always point it away from yourself and hold it with both hands.

Instruct your children to treat guns as dangerous weapons, not toys. Move your gun out of the house if a family member demonstrates the warning signs of suicide. 

Experts in gun safety are always there. We at Gun Shop Near You connect you with local gun stores. Find a shop near you today.

Guns are selling like hotcakes! 7.5 million Americans became new gun owners between January 2019 and April 2021. 

However, guns are never without danger. Thousands of new gun owners injure themselves and others due to basic mistakes. If you want to stay safe with a new gun, you need to be aware of new gun owner mistakes. 

Which type of gun should you buy? What safety tools do you need to avoid thefts and accidents? How can you stay safe while holding a gun?

Answer these questions, and you can make gun ownership safe and simple. Here are eight mistakes that you can avoid.

1. Disregarding the Different Types of Guns

You shouldn’t just buy the first gun you see. A handgun is very different from a shotgun or rifle, and you may not need a high-powered firearm for self-protection. 

If you’re interested in self-defense, we would recommend buying a pistol or revolver. It is easy for beginners to fire, and you can grip one in both hands easily. Pistols and revolvers hit stationary targets best, though you can hit moving ones with practice.

Read a guide on how to buy a starter handgun before you finalize your purchase. You should try out a few different guns and look at the safety features. 

If you’re more interested in bird hunting or clay pigeon shooting, you can buy a shotgun. The gun disperses pellets, which make it easy to hit moving targets. 

Rifles are another type of gun that hit stationary targets. Their advantage is that you can hit targets from far away. If you’re interested in hunting, you should buy a rifle.

2. Not Talking To Your Loved Ones

Before you purchase a gun, you should talk to the people you live with. You should get their approval to buy it, and you should let them know where you are going to store it. 

If you have kids, you should sit down and have a conversation with them about the gun. Tell them that they should never touch it or go near it unless you give them the approval to do so. 

3. Ignoring Gun Laws

The federal government and each state have their own set of gun laws. Whether you agree with them or not, you must follow them. You risk lengthy prison sentences if you ignore the rules, especially if you fire an illegal firearm at someone.

In particular, you need to have a permit with your state in order to own a firearm. If you want to conceal the firearm on yourself, you need to get a concealed gun permit.

4. Missing Gun Safety Training

In order to receive a permit, you may need to go through mandatory safety training. You may not be required to get training, but we would still recommend getting it. You can hone your skills in holding and firing a gun, and you can learn about your local laws, too. 

Your state may have a list of recommended schools. You can also talk to your friends who own guns and ask them where they took classes.

5. Carrying a Gun Incorrectly

Many accidental shootings happen because gun owners don’t carry their guns in the correct manner. Whenever you are not holding your gun, you should put it in a holster. The gun should point down away from your body, and the safety should be on. 

When you draw your gun, you should grip the handle firmly. Keep your finger off the trigger until you have brought the gun up and are ready to fire. Use both hands to grip the gun and hold the gun away from yourself to minimize the risk of recoil.

6. Not Investing in Proper Gun Storage

Roughly 300,000 guns were stolen in the United States in 2020. A thief may break into your house just to steal your gun, which they can use to hurt someone else. 

You must buy a gun safe that you can store underneath your bed or in a closet. You can place your ammunition with your gun, or you can store your ammunition separately. 

You should memorize the combination without writing it down. If you can’t open your safe, you should talk to your safe manufacturer instead of breaking your safe open.

7. Buying the Wrong Ammunition for Guns

Firing a gun with the wrong ammunition can result in the gun exploding or breaking. You may select high-caliber ammunition by mistake, which can pass through solid surfaces and hit someone.

If you own a handgun, we recommend putting soft-point bullets in it. These bullets will not over-penetrate or create large explosions. 

Your shotgun can only fire shells of a certain gauge. Check to see that your shells are in the right gauge before you load your gun.

8. Acting Impulsively

Any time you fire a gun, you risk your life and someone else’s. You should only fire your gun at someone if they pose a threat to you.

You cannot fire just because someone looks suspicious or may have a weapon. You must try to de-escalate the situation by leaving the area or talking to the person threatening you.

If you decide to open fire, you should avoid trying to kill the other person. You can hit their leg or arm to knock them down.

Avoiding New Gun Owner Mistakes

New gun owner mistakes can hurt you in the blink of an eye. You should buy the right gun for your needs and get training, even if it’s not required. 

You must get a gun safe, holster, and the right ammunition for your gun. You should learn how to carry a gun without accidentally firing it. Do not fire your gun unless you are in an unsafe situation. 

Once you know about safety, you can get your ideal gun. We at Gun Shop Near You connect you to gun shops. Find a gun shop near you today.

In the United States, 32% of people own a gun, which is over 80 million people. 

Not all of the guns made or sold in the United States work well for concealed carry. There are some specific things you should look for in concealed carry pistols if you want to join the ranks of gun owners and concealed carriers. The balance of features that you go for is up to you, and some of it will depend on your body shape and experience level. 

Let’s take a look at what makes a great concealed carry pistol. 

Concealed Carry Pistols

Now that you are shopping for your first gun and have your CCW license there are things to consider. 

The first thing you should know about concealed carry pistols is that they need to be concealed. If your weapon is visible, a criminal could get the drop on you, knowing that you’re armed. This means that for a lot of us a full-size pistol isn’t going to be the best choice, it needs to be smaller and concealable. 

A concealable pistol is one that you can fit in your waistband, carry over your appendix, or even hide in your pocket. This means it can’t be large, and long barrels are out. You want something compact that can fit in your hand but carries enough firepower to end any threat to your life. 

The balance you have to strike with concealability is capability vs capacity. The smaller the round, the more bullets you’ll be able to have in the magazine. This doesn’t mean you should get a .32 ACP, for instance, instead make sure to do your research about the best concealed carry pistols out there. 

There is no rule that says you can’t use a full-size pistol, either. Just make sure that if you’re doing that, you have a good holster and the body size to store guns in a proper place.  

Capacity and Capability 

Since most modern guns have double-stacked magazines, capacity isn’t as bad as it used to be. Where a lot of pistols could only carry 5 to 8 rounds, now you have compacts that can carry over 10 bullets. This all depends on the caliber, because larger bullets do take up more space. 

Old fashioned, concealable revolvers used to be popular and still are in some groups. Most of these guns can only carry 4 or 5 rounds. While this does make them slim and easy to conceal, it means you won’t have many chances to land a fight-ending shot. 

Modern pistols are often striker-fired, so you won’t see a  hammer. Most striker-fired guns don’t have a safety beyond the trigger. On the bright side, most striker-fired guns have large capacity magazine options. 

If you just got your concealed gun permit and are buying a gun, consider something like a compact Glock. These are easy-to-use weapons that require minimal training to be effective. This is important if you haven’t developed a lot of firearm capability yet. 

Safety

The best safety any weapon has is the person who is using it. With proper training and discipline, you will be more effective than any mechanical safety is. Use your gun the right way, don’t take unnecessary risks, and don’t expose yourself to possible criminal behavior. 

In the old days, a hammer was considered to be a safety, since it had to be pulled back to fire. That was a long time ago, and modern guns have a variety of safety features you might want. Some people don’t like safeties, because they feel it slows down the use of the weapon and can be dangerous. 

Glocks and several other brands focus on having an integrated trigger safety. This means that your figure has to be depressing a small paddle on the trigger before the gun will fire While this will prevent accidental discharge, you need to make sure you have good trigger discipline and don’t touch the trigger before you’re ready to shoot. 

If you’re interested in having a safety on your weapon, then you might consider an M&P Shield by Smith and Wesson. There is a lot of variety when it comes to caliber, but they operate well and have easy-to-use safeties. This option is often taken by those who have children or other untrained people in the home with them, to prevent accidents. 

The Best Concealed Carry Pistol 

The key to finding the right pistol is to find one that fits with your level of experience. The nicest pistol in the world won’t work if you don’t have it on you, or you can’t keep it in operational condition. Make sure that when you purchase a gun for concealed carry, you take it out to the range and learn about all the ins and outs of that model. 

No single answer exists to what the best pistols for you will be. This is because you have to decide on what feels right, what works and the price you want to spend. What works for you might not work for someone else, just remember that everything from body shape to hand size plays a factor. 

There are some brands that are well known for producing good concealed carry pistols. These companies are brands like Glock, Sig Sauer, Luger, Walther, among others. With any of these brands, you can rest assured that your weapon will be in good working order when it arrives. 

You may also want to consider using 9mm ammo, it is cheaper than other calibers and has a lot of modern variations in bullet design. This is why military and police groups are switching back to the 9mm. Modern ammunition can make a huge difference in bullet performance. 

Concealed Carry and You 

We hope that you found this article useful in informing you about concealed carry pistols. If you want to stay safe and ready to defend yourself, contact us. We’d love to help you find the best gun for your situation.