Where can I test handguns to see which one fits me best..?

Question

I have posted before in reference to purchasing a handgun. Many responses I have received say to test a variety of handguns to see which one fits me best. My question, where exactly do I go to test several firearms. Do they have a variety of handguns to sample at firing ranges?

Answer 1

Not many ranges I've seen have a good selection of rental guns. In a perfect world, maybe, but not anywhere around here!

If you define what your needs in a handgun are, you can usually narrow down selection to a certian type. Here's some guiding questions with direction.

Do you want to go target shooting frequently, or will this be a defense weapon primarily?

Target= long barrel, Concealed carry= short barrel

Have you ever shot a handgun before?

Inexperienced shooters are best training on a medium to large frame revolver.

What's your mechanical aptitude......for ex., do you change the oil in your car yourself or would you not know how? Would you be able to fix a bicycle whose chain had come off?

Semi-auto pistols have a lot of small moving parts that come apart for cleaning and must be reassembled. Some folks just can't or don't know how to do a lot of stuff like this with small parts. Revolvers just open up, they usually do not come apart.


How big is your hand? What glove size do you wear...S, M, L, XL?

You can determine gun size at a shop without firing one. What feels good in your hand? Try a lot and find what YOU like.


Look, the thing about a pistol is you can find a lot of models out there that are real good and will serve you very well. Perfect for you? Probably not.....

My advice? Buy a used .38 or .357 medium to large framed revolver.....Taurus, Ruger, S$W or Colt, about $250 to $300. Like an old Police Service revolver.

Shoot the hell out of it and learn to SHOOT, not worry about the gun. In a year, after 10-20 shooting sessions, bring it in to a gun shop for a trade up or sell it in the newspaper. You won'y lose much value, if any at all, and you will know a whole lot more about shooting handguns and where you want to go.....It's practically a no-risk training period.

Answer 2

Your local range and/or gunshop. A gunshop with a range would be best so you can test fire the handgun; however, if that's not possible then a local gunshop where you can at least handle the weapon of your choice to see if it fits you. The ranges I've been to usually have a variety of handguns from popular manufacturers that individuals can rent. A word of caution, if you have no experience then let them know so they can properly instruct you on how to handle and fire a firearm. Good luck.

Answer 3

I don't know where you live, but go to a shooting range that rents guns. This can get expensive REALLY quick. Maybe post something on Craigslist. Explain what you want to do, and maybe some good 'ol boys will take you out plinkin? I would. I am the only person I know into guns, and I always take out my friends because they would not know where else to go unless they asked me. The Craigslist idea may sound far fetched, but it may be the cheapest way - may be the most fun too.

Answer 4

Many answerers refer to renting at a range- good idea.
You get to try many styles and find out what fits your hand
and needs, as well as what you are comfortable with.

Another choice is to sign up for a handgun safety course-
this may be a requirement for you to get a carry permit, anyway.

Answer 5

I live in a small town in central Pa at shooting ranges around here you cannot rent guns you just have to bring your own but I was at ranges in Pittsburgh that you can rent all kinds of diffrent weapon systems just so you can try them out.

Answer 6

If there is a shooting range near you they may have gun rentals so you can try before you buy.