First Round Hit: Best First Pistol

Why Ask Why

The subject of whether to use a pistol is not the focus of this article; let us assume we have decided to start with the handgun instead of a shotgun or rifle for the sake of debate. The best approach is to establish some basic standards for the modern pistol as a defensive weapon. The first question, aside from available income, is whether to choose a magazine‑fed pistol or a revolver. Revolvers have their place, but we will stick with what is likely to have the greatest overall success and choose the obvious: a magazine-fed semi-automatic modern pistol. Before some guys my age (or older) chime in, the 1911 and even the 2011 ARE NOT ON THE LIST for best first handgun.

In my opinion, when accounting for dependability, combat‑proven record, simplicity of design, parts availability, and ease of use, the undisputed choice is the Glock. Ergo: what model? I break it down to two models, the only real difference being grip size. The choice is easy: the Glock 19 or the Glock 45. Let us load our magazine of information and fire the facts; I will explain why I have chosen these two pistols (essentially the same gun, differing only in grip size) as the preferred pistols for first-time users.

Getting a Grip

The Glock 19 has become an extremely popular weapon over the decades of combat and personal use globally. The primary difference between the Glock 19 and the larger, slightly older Glock 17 is their overall size. While this may be an issue for many other manufacturers in terms of accessories or magazine interchangeability, Glock ensured larger‑capacity magazines in the same caliber can fit into shorter grips. This means an individual need not stress over higher‑capacity magazines for the smaller‑framed platform.

So, this leads us into a logical beginning: magazine capacity is not an issue with Glock. The true test is the user interface with the firearm itself. The reason the Glock 19 has been so popular compared to its older brother, the Glock 17, is the reduced length of the slide and grip. While I can appreciate the shorter slide and frame length, the grip on the Glock 19 is less than desirable for my meat hooks. I do prefer the larger Glock 17 grip over the shorter 19. This is where the Glock 45 is so popular, have your cake and eat it too. The Glock 45 offers a 19‑length slide and frame with a longer 17‑length grip. This is why I group these two together.

The Glock 19 and 45 have a reputation for reliability and ease of use. Given the lack of a physical external safety, Glock simplifies the weapon by integrating the safety into the trigger in what Glock calls the “Safe Action Trigger.” The system means the trigger is locked unless the user purposely depresses it to fire. What is genius about this system is its reliability: under the stress of life and death, one simply and purposely places their trigger finger on the trigger and pulls, and the safety is off instantly, allowing those less skilled in the arts of combat not to forget to disengage a physical external safety. Fear not for those still apprehensive about the lack of an external safety: the Glock 19X offers an external safety. This particular model was submitted for the U.S. Army, so there was a requirement for external safety. There are a few minor differences between the Glock 19 and the 19X, but for the sake of time, we will leave the 19X to another conversation.

Another great reason for choosing the Glock 19 and 45 is their excellent ergonomics and adaptability. The 19 and 45 have a time‑proven grip angle and are so simplified in their layout that using the weapon becomes second nature rather quickly. There are only two external mechanisms to interact with in the stock configuration: the slide stop and the magazine release. The low bore axis, rounded corners, and easy‑to‑index magazine release are relatively snag‑free; the Glock 19/45 is clearly easy to use.

Finally, the Glock 19 and 45 pistols have polymer frames and steel slides. This means the parts that must be manufactured from steel for durability are, while the rest is designed to reduce weight and manufacturing cost. This is a simple yet highly durable weapon that an individual can honestly trust to work every time one pulls the trigger.

Have It Your Way

Like anything today, the ability to customize or improve your “stuff” is searchable and available. If one is so inclined, they can customize their Glock 19 or 45 with a massive litany of products to improve or bedazzle their smoke wagon. The Glock is virtually the Jeep of the pistol world. This leads to the second reason the Glock 19 and 45 are the right choice for a best first handgun: they are so customizable that they can be your last as well. There is nowhere to go but up. What one should look at is what needs should be improved, and what they want to do with this pistol. I like to take a pragmatic approach, but want to ensure I have every advantage day, night, or in between.

Let us look at what should be improved, in my opinion, and then examine what can be added to improve the quality of use for the individual carrying this weapon for years.

First: iron sights. These are the only real offensive parts of the Glock. While there are now factory upgrades (and many dealers will automatically upgrade these), it is nearly offensive how bad the iron sights on a Glock can be from the factory. The need for high‑visibility dot sights cannot be overstated, whether these are glow‑in‑the‑dark, high‑visibility fiber‑optic, or painted dots. Improved sights are a baseline must and can make a significant difference in whether or not you can hit the target in all lighting and mental conditions.

Another important, affordable upgrade is a beveled magazine well. There are many affordable choices, and the ability to see your sights and change magazines rapidly under duress cannot be overstated. Ejecting a magazine is not difficult, but placing a fresh magazine for speed can be if not practiced. There is a reason virtually all competition shooters have enlarged magazine wells: they are easy to index and save precious fractions of seconds.

Another important upgrade is improving visibility with a reputable weapon light. Companies like SureFire, Streamlight, Inforce, and others have forged their way into brand loyalty. Long gone are the days of awkward hand positioning to support a light for low visibility. Having a weapon‑mounted light will not make the weapon less concealable, and it will greatly enhance survivability while providing an important aspect of self‑defense. There are many names to choose from, and everyone has personal preferences, so stick with a well‑known and established brand and consult a professional or gun store to get a better understanding of what will work for you.

I know this will come up: ten years ago, a pistol optic was mostly for competition shooters and would not truly lend itself to professional and daily use. Today, the weapon optic on a pistol is pretty much standard fare. In fact, an individual is doing themselves a serious disservice if they do not upgrade to a weapon sight within a few months after becoming familiar with their firearm and proficient with their marksmanship. Several brands make quality and affordable pistol‑mounted red dots; I use Swampfox, but names like Trijicon, Shield, Sig, Vortex, Holoson, and Aimpoint are just a few to begin the list. Research this the same way you researched the weapon light: the more direct question becomes whether the individual uses a mounting plate in place of the rear sight, purchases a pre‑cut slide, or has their existing slide cut to mount the optic. That choice I leave to you; there are benefits either way, and, as always, no free lunch, both have drawbacks.

There are many other upgrades ranging from barrels and triggers to custom stippling and upgraded parts like enlarged slide or magazine releases. If the internals are reliable, it’s fine to leave those alone and focus on what gives you, the end user, the best success in first‑round engagements and target acquisition. All of that is irrelevant if you do not have a reliable and comfortable way to carry your firearm. There are more choices for holsters and more opinions on what to carry than I dare guess. I chose a local company that takes great care and uses tried‑and‑true methods to create holsters. On Your Six has been a go‑to for me; their knowledge and design have proven themselves over the years in combat. There are many others, and to be fair, the choices include side carry or my least favorite, appendix carry. You will have to decide which best fits your needs and body.

Last Rounds

We examined what attributes should be considered when choosing a first pistol; we made the argument for the manufacturer and model, but I feel it’s important to conclude by reiterating why the Glock 19 and Glock 45 are the best overall choices for a first‑time pistol owner. The Glock is legendary for its reliability and quality. Put simply, the Glock is the benchmark trusted by Tier‑1 operators, police, and civilians alike. Its global position as an unrivaled “go‑to” sidearm has earned it respect. I have met those who prefer other brands, but no one ever speaks ill of the Glock’s performance and dependability. It is affordable and adaptable. The Glock is a pistol that an individual on a budget can afford; if not new, used is always an option, and a used Glock runs as well as a new one. There is a vast array of aftermarket options and upgrades. Finally, its usability: a Glock is pick‑up‑and‑shoot, and shoot it will. Glocks are also known for fairly accurate barrels, so it’s money well spent when you need it.

In closing, the Glock 19 is the first choice for countless military, professional, and civilian users alike. Whether you choose the model 19 or 45 based on grip size, the overall platform is legendary. The Glock is an investment as a first pistol and continues to be the only one you really need. There is a reason it’s referred to as perfection.