Six Great Handguns for Shooters of All Levels

Whether you’re buying your first concealed carry pistol or simply adding to an already extensive handgun collection, you won’t go wrong with these six firearms

by Brad Fitzpatrick

There are a lot of handguns on the market, but there are very few that are good at everything. What follows is a list of handguns that are suitable for everyone, whether you’re new to firearms or a seasoned shooter. These guns don’t require a great deal of experience to own and safely operate, but each offers features that dedicated shooters will appreciate. So, whether you’re looking for your first handgun or your fifteenth, be sure to check out these six versatile firearms.

Springfield Hellcat RDP

I like every version of Springfield’s 9mm semi-auto Hellcat, but the Hellcat RDP is a great option that’s suitable for owners of every skill level. The RDP, or Rapid Defense Package, comes with a compensator on the muzzle that helps reduce recoil and muzzle rise. The compensator is self-indexing, so there’s no need to fiddle with shims when mounting. The tritium U-dot sights are among the best in the field and the ergonomics of this pistol are class-leading.

All these guns feature slides that are machined to accept optics, and you can purchase an RDP with a Shield micro red dot optic already installed if you’d like. Capacities are 11 or 13 depending on the magazine, and that’s good for a micro-compact 9mm — especially one that measures just an inch wide and weighs under 20 ounces. Experienced shooters will recognize this as one of the most well-rounded micro-compact 9mms available today. All shooters will appreciate the soft-shooting nature of this pistol. There’s an option for a manual safety, too — a feature that is a sticking point for many new owners.

$778 (no optic), $983 (with optic)

Taurus GX4

Since the Taurus GX4 9mm semi-auto arrived a few years ago, and during its short lifespan, this micro-compact striker-fired pistol has garnered a mantle’s worth of awards. It’s easy to understand the Taurus’ mass appeal when you examine this pistol closely. Is it sized properly? Yep. There’s a 3.06-barreled version and a 3.7-inch model. Sufficient capacity? Included magazines hold 11 and 13-rounds. Optics ready? This pistol comes with Taurus’ T.O.R.O. (Taurus Optics Ready Option) and is available from the factory with a Riton red dot already installed.

This gun is easy to disassemble and carries nicely even under light clothing, yet the grip design helps make it manageable to shoot. I still prefer the Springfield’s ergonomics, but the Taurus has proven to be as accurate as other leading guns in the class and reliability was excellent during initial testing. The Taurus GX4 is missing a few of the Springfield’s niceties, like a threaded barrel and compensator, but if you aren’t interested in those features, the GX4 is a compelling alternative at an attractive price point.

$429 (no optic), $549 (with optic)

Ruger SP101

Not every shooter wants a semi-auto, and many new gun owners prefer the simplicity of a revolver. The Ruger SP101 is a viable alternative to semi-autos, and these guns are built to last forever. They are machined and built in the United States using premium steel and their triple-locking cylinder is exceptionally strong.

I have an SP101 .357 Magnum without a hammer spur and have carried that as a self-defense gun in urban areas as well as in the backcountry. The gun still looks new except for the upgraded grips (the factory originals work fine, but I prefer the look and feel of walnut grips). An upgraded spring kit lightened and smoothed out the trigger pull. If you want to perform these minor upgrades to your SP101, it’s easy and affordable (improved springs cost me $10) to do so.

There are a wide variety of SP101 models available with varying barrel lengths, grips, sights, and finishes. The .357 Magnum is the most popular chambering and, of course, those guns can shoot reduced .38 Special loads to minimize muzzle blast and recoil, but there are also 9mm versions, .22 LR, and .327 Federal Magnum models as well. Firing .32 H&R magnum defense loads through the .327 Federal Magnum model makes for a low-recoil defense revolver that offers one more round than most .357s.

$919

Smith & Wesson Equalizer

The S&W Equalizer comes with a slide that is very light and easy to operate, so shooters with reduced hand strength will be able to manipulate this gun effectively. Chambered in 9mm, there are 10-, 13-, and 15-round magazine options, but despite its high capacity, this micro-compact 9mm weighs just 22-ounces and measures just over an inch wide, so it’s easy to conceal and carry.

Aggressive slide cuts offer a firm grip on the gun when performing manipulations, and the “ears” at the rear of the slide provide an anchor point for operating the gun. Versions are available with or without manual safeties, and all Equalizer pistols come with a built-in grip safety that doesn’t allow the gun to fire unless the grip safety is depressed. I’ve tested this gun to over a thousand rounds and I’ve found that it’s very reliable, and the tough Armornite finish stands up well to daily use.

$599

SIG P365

The Sig P365 is the best-selling handgun in America, and it’s easy to understand why. It offers a long list of standard features like XRAY 3 day/night sights, front and rear slide serrations, red dot optic compatibility, and a broad range of aftermarket options. If you prefer a manual safety, that’s an option, and there’s even a .380 ACP version available as well.

SIG did a great job on the ergonomics of this gun, and with a minimum 10-round capacity, it holds a lot of ammo considering its size. The standard optics-ready 9mm version measures just an inch wide and 4.3-inches tall, and with its 3.1-inch barrel, it measures just 5.8-inches long. That means it’s easy to conceal even under light clothing, and it makes a great back-up gun for those who like to carry two pistols.

The base model is well-appointed and versatile, but there are lots of models from which to choose, including the slightly larger P365-XL, the compensator-equipped P365-XMACRO Comp, and the line-topping P-365 AXG Legion.

$499 (P365 Optic-Ready)

Glock G43X

Glock revolutionized pistol design with the introduction of their G17 in the 1980s, but the G43X might be the most well-rounded of all the guns to bear the Glock name. It offers Glock’s simplicity of operation with built-in passive safeties. The Safe Action System incorporates firing pin, drop, and trigger safeties, and this 9mm pistol balances portability and shootability very well. Overall height is just over five inches, and that offers lots of grip space for a micro-compact and good control when shooting. The factory sights are serviceable, but this gun makes it easy to mount a red dot optic, and with a capacity of 10 rounds, it holds more ammo than some other slim carry guns.

Reliability is excellent, and experienced gun owners who like to customize their guns will find that there are lots of accessories available. All shooters will appreciate the wide range of holster options you have with this pistol.

$538

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Brad Fitzpatrick

Brad Fitzpatrick is a freelance writer living in southern Ohio. He's a former collegiate trap and skeet shooter and 4-H Shooting Sports instructor and has authored several books on topics ranging from international hunting to concealed carry.

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