Walking into the world of firearms for the very first time can feel a little overwhelming. For many new shooters, the journey actually starts at home by researching online, watching YouTube reviews, and reading articles trying to figure out “the best first gun.” Then comes the trip to the range. Rows of pistols, racks of rifles, and shelves of ammunition. It’s a lot and for someone who’s never fired a shot, that first experience can make or break whether they ever come back.
I’ve seen it happen countless times: a new shooter walks into a range, rents a 9mm pistol because “that’s what everyone says you should start with,” and then “bang!” they’re shocked by the recoil, surprised by the muzzle blast, and gripping the gun like it might jump out of their hands. The smile fades, their confidence takes a hit, and for some, that’s the last time they ever pick up a firearm.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Why Recoil Matters for Beginners
The truth is, recoil can feel intimidating if you’ve never fired a gun before. It’s not about being tough or not being tough, it’s about comfort and confidence. Starting with something softer shooting builds good habits: grip, trigger control, and comfort in handling the firearm. If you skip this step, it’s like putting someone on a motorcycle before they’ve ever ridden a bicycle. Sure, it’s possible but it’s not setting them up for success.
Our Range Test: Three Pistols, Three Experiences
To put this into perspective, we went to the range today with three different handguns to see how they compared:
- Smith & Wesson M&P 22:
This one’s the clear winner for first-timers. Light, almost no recoil, and incredibly easy to shoot. The shots feel more like a “pop” than a “bang.” Perfect for building confidence and practicing fundamentals without worrying about recoil or noise. - Smith & Wesson 5.7:
The 5.7 cartridge is interesting… it’s a step up in performance from the .22 but still very manageable. The recoil is surprisingly light for the power it delivers. It’s a little louder and snappier than the .22, but not nearly as intimidating as a 9mm. This could be a great option for someone who wants to move past rimfire but isn’t quite ready to jump straight into heavier calibers. Heck, I would even say you could stop here and be happy with an effective carry gun (experienced shooters argue amongst yourselves on the 5.7 vs 9mm effectiveness). - Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro (9mm):
Now here’s where the difference really shows. The Hellcat Pro is an excellent defensive handgun. It is compact, reliable, and with great capacity but in the hands of a brand-new shooter, the recoil can feel sharp and jarring. It’s not uncontrollable by any means, but compared side by side with the .22 and 5.7, it’s clear why beginners sometimes get turned off after their first magazine of 9mm.
But Let’s Talk Price for a Second
Here’s the reality: buying three different guns to cover each stage is pricey. You’re talking hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars if you tried to own a rimfire, a 5.7, and a 9mm right out of the gate. Most people don’t need, or want, to drop that much cash up front.
Some solutions:
- Start with a .22: A good .22 pistol or rifle is usually the cheapest of the bunch, and it gives you the foundation you need. Ammo is dirt cheap too, so you get more practice for your dollar.
- Rent at the Range: Many ranges rent firearms, so you can try out a 5.7 or 9mm when you’re ready without committing to the price tag.
- One-and-Done Compromise: Some people pick a slightly bigger caliber to start (like a .380 or even a softer-shooting 9mm) and just commit to practicing with it slowly. Not perfect, but it can save money.
- Buy Used or Trade In: Firearms generally hold their value well. Starting with a .22 and then trading it in toward a bigger gun later is a strategy that works for a lot of folks.
Building Confidence, One Round at a Time
Here’s the thing: the goal of your first trip to the range isn’t to be John Wick. It’s to walk away smiling, confident, and ready to come back. Start small. Shoot a .22 until you’re grinning ear to ear and your targets are peppered with holes. Then, when you’re ready, step up in caliber.
The journey with firearms is about progression. Nobody runs a marathon on their first day of jogging, and nobody needs to start with a snappy 9mm pistol as their very first trigger pull.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for your very first gun, reliability and low recoil are your best friends. The Smith & Wesson M&P 22 is about as beginner-friendly as it gets. The 5.7 offers a nice bridge for when you’re ready for more punch without a big jump in recoil. And the 9mm, while a fantastic defensive round, might be something you work up to rather than start with.
The worst thing that can happen isn’t missing the bullseye, it’s having such a rough first experience that you never want to return. Set yourself up for success, spend smart, and you’ll find that shooting is one of the most rewarding skills you’ll ever learn.
Stay safe, shoot straight,
– Dominic and Dian
Blackbox Ballistics