Let’s be honest, no matter how many charts, forums, or gun counter conversations you go through, picking the right firearm can still feel like speed dating with recoil. This guide isn’t the ultimate, end-all list of what to buy, but rather a collection of recommendations based on personal experience, conversations with fellow shooters at the range, and way too many hours spent watching trusted YouTubers tear guns apart (and sometimes literally apart).
Most importantly: this is about what fits your use case. Don’t just buy a gun because it’s on a “top 10” list or because it looks cool in John Wick. Buy it because it fits your hands, your goals, and your lifestyle.
💸 Quick note on budget: I didn’t factor price into this list. Some of these picks get pricey—especially once you start feeding them premium ammo or slapping optics and accessories on everything. If there’s interest, I’ll absolutely put together a future post focused on budget-friendly or best-value guns that punch above their price point.
As a regular shooter myself, usually hitting the range about 2-3 times a month, I’ve had time to test, tinker, and talk with others about what really works. Here’s how I’d break it down based on how often you shoot.
🔰 Occasional Shooter (Few times a year)
Maybe you dust off the range bag a few times a year, or your main goal is just to have something for basic protection or casual plinking. No need to get fancy. You just want reliability, simplicity, and comfort.
Handguns:
- Glock 19 – The gold standard for reliable, no-fuss shooting.
- S&W M&P Shield Plus – Compact and easy to control for newer shooters.
- Ruger SR22 – A rimfire plinker that’s light, cheap to feed, and fun.
Rifles:
- Ruger 10/22 – The .22 LR legend. Simple, accurate, and fun.
- S&W M&P 15-22 – Looks like an AR, shoots like a .22. Great for learning or just having fun with cans and steel.
Shotguns:
- Mossberg 500 or 590 – The classic pump-action, simple and bombproof.
- Stoeger P3000 – Basic but effective. Does the job for clay day or home defense.
🧱 Regular Shooter (Once a month – like me)
This is where I live…hitting the range at least monthly, running drills, testing new setups, or just sending rounds downrange for the joy of it. You want something that can grow with your skills, and yes, something that’s also fun to plink with on a Saturday.
Handguns:
- HK VP9 – Excellent ergonomics and one of the best striker-fired triggers out there.
- CZ P-10 C – Sleek, accurate, and criminally underrated.
- Walther PDP – Ready for optics and impressively shootable.
- Beretta M9 – Still holds its own with that classic DA/SA action. It’s a joy to shoot and built to last.
Rifles:
- PSA AR-15 – Great starter AR platform that doesn’t break the bank and is easy to upgrade.
- Ruger American Rifle – Solid bolt-action for those dipping into long-range.
- Rossi 92 – Lever action magic. No real reason, other than it’s ridiculously fun and makes you feel like a cowboy every time you work that action. Total range favorite.
Shotguns:
- Beretta A300 – A semi-auto that runs like a dream without requiring a small loan.
- Mossberg 930 – Reliable and versatile for sport or defense.
🥷 Frequent Shooter (Weekly or more)
If your ammo bill is higher than your grocery bill, you’re probably here. At this level, performance, fit, and modularity matter. You know what you like, but maybe you’re still refining your perfect build.
Handguns:
- Staccato P – Built for duty and competition, and as smooth as butter.
- Glock 34 – Longer slide = longer sight radius = better groups.
- Shadow Systems MR920 – It’s like someone took a Glock and added everything you wish Glock had.
Rifles:
- BCM Recce-16 or Daniel Defense DDM4 – Rugged and accurate, built to run.
- Aero Precision M5 – A .308 semi-auto that’s perfect for stretching out to distance.
Shotguns:
- Benelli M4 – The ultimate “it just works” tactical semi-auto.
- Beretta 1301 Tactical – Fast, light, and easy to handle under pressure.
🏆 Avid or Competitive Shooter (Multiple times per week)
Now listen… I don’t live in this world (yet). If you’re in this category, you’ve got color-coded mags, match-grade everything, and probably a spreadsheet for every load you’ve ever worked up. You’re the elite. I’m over here still trying to get a small group without blowing my ammo budget. When I catch up, I’ll let you know.
So yeah, there’s no one-size-fits-all firearm. This list isn’t gospel, but it’s a pretty solid starting point if you’re looking to match gear to your habits. Whether you’re stacking paper, ringing steel, or just soaking up the joy of recoil and carbon, pick something that fits you.
Got questions? Want me to dive into red dots, budget builds, or the secret to not losing your ear pro every other range trip? I’m always up for talking gear.