35 Most Regrettable First Handguns

When it comes to carry guns, the options can seem overwhelming, especially for people who are new to the gun community. No two gun owners have the same skill nor experience, and with their insight often cited by new gun owners, that advice can be wrong for the person asking.
We asked 50,000+ people to tell us if their first carry gun was the right choice, and what gun they bought. After reading accompanying stories about trusting the opinions of family members, professional shooters, and grumpy gun shop owners suggesting a gun that was simply not suitable as a first gun, we gathered a list of makes and models that might surprise you.
While none of these guns are bad, buying them as a carry gun was deemed a mistake by their owners. Some had difficulties with properly concealing the gun, some cited reliability issues, others found the recoil too snappy, and others had trouble hitting their targets due to questionable triggers.
Using the arrow keys, let us know how much you agree (up-vote) or disagree (down-vote) that the guns on this list wouldn't be good options for a first-time carry gun!

From $148.41

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Hi Point Firearms C9

Hi-Point offers affordably-priced semi-automatic handguns in a range of the most popular calibers. Each is sized to assure a firm, comfortable grip and exceptional recoil control, and includes Hi-Poin... read more

GunCritic Score

50%

User Rating

99%

Best 9mm Handguns For Women

#41

Best Budget 9mm

From $437.74

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Taurus M65

Double action/single action. Rubber grips. Steel construction. Medium frame. Fixed front and rear sights. Smooth trigger. Transfer bar safety. Rate of Twist: 1:16.50 inches. Grooves: 6. read more

GunCritic Score

75%

User Rating

99%

#42

Best Revolver Brands

#15

Best Taurus Pistol

#56

Best 357 Magnum Revolvers

From $809.90

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Kimber 1911

The RAPIDE (DN,NS). A truly unique 1911 with stepped cocking serrations, slide lightening cuts for faster lock time and TiN coated barrel for extreme durability. Equipped with Kimber Stiplex TM front... read more

GunCritic Score

93%

User Rating

99%

#45

Best 1911 9mm Pistols

#10

Best Handguns For Wilderness Protection

#48

Best 1911

From $597.92

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Rock Island Armory 1911-A1 Tactical

GunCritic Score

50%

User Rating

99%

Best 1911 Brands

From $449.99

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Kahr CW45

The CW Series have conventional rifling instead of match grade polygonal rifling; the CW Series have a MIM (metal-injection-molded) slide stop lever instead of a machined slide stop lever; the CW Seri... read more

GunCritic Score

94%

User Rating

99%

#30

Best 45 Handguns

#61

Best Handguns 2022

From $1806.99

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Magnum Research Desert Eagle

The Desert Eagle Mark XIX L5 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic pistol which features an aluminum frame with carbon steel slide and barrel. Its barrel utilizes an integral muzzle brake and Weaver style... read more

GunCritic Score

96%

User Rating

99%

Most Powerful Guns

Best Bear Defense Handguns

Best Pistols for Long Range

From $679.97

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Kimber Pro Carry II

KIMBER PRO CARRY II with customized Bobtail (as seen in pictures)SpecificationsCaliber: 9MMHeight (inches) 90deg to barrel: 5.25Weight (ounces) with empty magazine: 28Length (inches): 7.7Magazine capa... read more

GunCritic Score

96%

User Rating

99%

#11

Best Guns For Women

#22

Best 9mm 1911

#16

Best 9mm Handguns For Women

From $467.50

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Kimber Solo Carry

KIMBER SOLO CARRY 9MM SEMI-AUTO PISTOL. W/ EXTRA MAG. W/ SOFT CASE!!! LOOKS LIKE NEW read more

GunCritic Score

94%

User Rating

99%

#89

Best 9mm Pistols

Best American Made 9mm Pistols

#17

Best 9mm Handguns For Women

From $276.25

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Ruger EC9S

This is the Ruger EC9S, a "New & Improved" version of the highly-successful LC9S pistol. The EC9S is a striker-fired semi-auto designed for the concealed carry market. It uses the same magazines as t... read more

GunCritic Score

95%

User Rating

99%

#60

Best Handguns for Black-Tie Events

#15

Best Striker Fired Pistols

#29

Best Handguns for Concealed Carry

From $450.83

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Smith & Wesson Bodyguard

The Smith & Wesson BODYGUARD series is the first in personal protection with integrated lasers. The BODYGUARD 38 and BODYGUARD 380 are uniquely engineered as the most state-of-the-art, concealable and... read more

GunCritic Score

82%

User Rating

99%

#16

Best Pocket Carry Pistols

#65

Best Handguns for Concealed Carry

Best Handguns For Elderly Woman

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