Choosing Your First Firearm
The definitive guide for walking into a gun store with confidence.
Buying your first firearm can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down every step -from figuring out what you need, to understanding calibers and budgets, to walking out of an Oregon gun store with your new purchase. Written for our community, by our community.
In This Guide
Purpose-Driven Selection
The single most important question: why do you want a firearm?Your answer determines the type, size, caliber, and budget. There is no single "best gun" -- only the best gun for your specific needs.
Home Defense
A full-size or compact 9mm pistol, or a 20-gauge pump shotgun. Prioritize reliability, capacity, and a weapon-mounted light. You will also need a quick-access safe.
9mm pistol or 20-gauge shotgunConcealed Carry
A micro-compact or subcompact pistol that disappears under clothing. Balance concealability with shootability. You will need a quality holster and an Oregon CHL.
.380 ACP or 9mmRecreation & Training
A .22 LR pistol or rifle is perfect. Cheap ammunition means more trigger time. Build fundamentals before graduating to larger calibers.
.22 LR pistol or rifleHunting
Depends on game. Bolt-action rifles for deer and elk, shotguns for birds and waterfowl. Oregon has extensive public land for hunting.
.308 Win, .30-06, 12-gaugeKey Factors to Consider
Beyond purpose, these physical and practical factors will narrow your choices further.
Hand Size & Grip
- Can you wrap your hand around the grip comfortably?
- Can you reach all controls without shifting?
- Walther PDP F-Series and S&W EZ models are designed for smaller hands.
Recoil Tolerance
- Start with .22 LR to build fundamentals.
- Graduate to 9mm when your technique is solid.
- Heavier firearms absorb more recoil.
Physical Considerations
- Slide racking difficulty -the S&W EZ line is easiest.
- Arthritis or hand strength issues? Try revolvers or EZ-rack models.
- Weight matters for carry -lighter is not always better (more felt recoil).
Budget Reality
- The firearm is only part of the cost.
- Budget for safe, ammo, training, and accessories.
- A reliable $350 gun with $200 of training beats an $800 gun with no training.
Complete First-Time Buyer Budget
The firearm itself is only part of the investment. Here is what a realistic total budget looks like for a first-time buyer in Oregon.
| Item | Estimated Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Firearm | $200 - $800 | |
| Secure Storage (safe or lockbox) | $50 - $300 | |
| Ammunition (first 500 rounds) | $50 - $150 | |
| Cleaning Kit | $30 - $60 | |
| Training Course | $50 - $200 | |
| CHL Course (if carrying) | $50 - $150 | |
| Holster (if carrying) | $40 - $120 | |
| Eye & Ear Protection | $40 - $110 | |
| Background Check Fee | $10 | |
| Total Estimated Startup Cost | $520 - $1,900+ | |
Oregon advantage: No sales tax! The price you see is the price you pay. This saves you 6-10% compared to most other states.
Caliber Selection Guide
Caliber is the diameter of the bullet (and by extension, the power of the round). Here is what you need to know about the most common options for new shooters.
The best caliber to learn on. Nearly zero recoil lets you focus on grip, trigger control, and sight alignment without developing a flinch. Inexpensive ammunition means more practice for less money.
A step up from .22 LR with manageable recoil. Popular in ultra-compact pistols for people with smaller hands or those who want the lightest recoiling centerfire option for self-defense.
The consensus recommendation for a first defensive firearm. Excellent balance of capacity, manageable recoil, affordable training ammo, and proven stopping power. Used by most law enforcement agencies worldwide.
A classic with over a century of service history. Larger, heavier round with more recoil. Best for those who have mastered fundamentals and want more stopping power. Lower magazine capacity than 9mm.
The recommended beginner shotgun gauge. Noticeably less recoil than 12-gauge while remaining effective for home defense and hunting. Excellent for smaller-framed shooters.
The most versatile shotgun gauge with the widest ammunition selection. Significant recoil demands respect and proper technique. Ideal for experienced shooters or those willing to train through the learning curve.
Our recommendation for most first-time buyers
Start with a .22 LR for training. When your fundamentals are solid, get a 9mm for your primary defensive firearm. This two-gun approach gives you the most capability for the least money.
Try Before You Buy
Buying a firearm without trying it first is like buying shoes without trying them on. Our familiarization courses let you experience different calibers, sizes, and action types so you can make an informed decision.
FST's Armory: 29 Firearms to Try
Our training program includes hands-on experience with 22 pistols, 4 rifles, and 3 shotguns across every common caliber. You will fire everything from a tiny .22 LR pocket pistol to a 12-gauge shotgun -all in a safe, low-pressure, LGBTQIA+-affirming environment.
22
Pistols
4
Rifles
3
Shotguns
The Oregon Buying Process Step-by-Step
From deciding you want a firearm to walking out the door with it. Here is exactly what happens in Oregon.
Decide & Research
Define your purpose (home defense, carry, recreation). Set a total budget including accessories and training. Research models online and read reviews.
Try Before You Buy
Take a familiarization course with FST and try up to 29 different firearms. Discover what fits your hands and your comfort level before spending a dime at the store.
Gather Your Documents
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID with your current Oregon address. If your ID address does not match, bring a secondary document like a utility bill or bank statement.
Visit a Dealer (FFL)
Choose a reputable local dealer. Handle the firearm, check the ergonomics, and ask questions. A good shop will never rush you.
Complete ATF Form 4473
A 7-page federal form with eligibility questions about your background. Answer honestly -false statements are a federal felony. Note: cannabis use (even with an Oregon medical card) is a disqualifier under federal law.
Background Check (FICS)
The dealer contacts Oregon State Police, who check both state and federal databases. Results come back as Proceed, Delayed, or Denied. The fee is $10.
Pay & Take It Home
If approved, pay for your firearm. Oregon has no sales tax! Transport it home unloaded in a locked case. Secure it immediately in your safe or lockbox.
Important: Cannabis & Federal Law
Even though marijuana is legal in Oregon, it remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law. If you use cannabis (including with a medical card), you must answer "yes" to the controlled substance question on Form 4473, which will result in a denial. This is a significant issue for many Oregonians.
vsOnline vs In-Store Buying
You can buy firearms online, but they must be shipped to a licensed dealer (FFL) for pickup. For first-time buyers, we generally recommend buying in-store -but online buying has advantages too.
| Factor | In-Store | Online + FFL Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Retail (often higher) | Often 10-20% lower |
| Selection | Limited to stock on hand | Virtually unlimited |
| Try before buying | Yes -handle in person | No -research only |
| Expert guidance | Face-to-face advice | Forums and reviews |
| Hidden costs | None (price + $10 BGC) | Shipping ($0-30) + FFL fee ($25-50) + $10 BGC |
| Timeline | Same day (if approved) | 3-7 days shipping + pickup |
| Sales tax | None (Oregon) | None (Oregon) |
For first-time buyers: We recommend buying in-store so you can handle the firearm, ask questions, and get guidance from staff. Once you know what you like, online buying can save you money on future purchases.
What to Look For at the Store
When you pick up a firearm at the store, run through this ergonomics checklist. Every "no" is a reason to try a different model.
Ergonomics Checklist
- Does the grip feel natural and comfortable in your dominant hand?
- Can you reach the trigger without shifting your grip?
- Can you reach the magazine release without shifting your grip?
- Can you manipulate the slide stop / slide release?
- Can you rack the slide without excessive effort?
- Can you load the magazine without a loader tool?
- Are the sights easy to see and align?
- Does the weight feel manageable for extended shooting?
- If it has a manual safety, can you engage and disengage it easily?
Questions to Ask
- "Can I dry-fire this to feel the trigger?"
- "What is the warranty and return policy?"
- "Do you offer a range rental so I can try it first?"
- "What holster would you recommend for this model?"
- "What ammunition does it run best with?"
Red Flags at a Store
- Staff who rush you or pressure you to buy
- Staff who dismiss your questions or talk down to you
- Refusal to let you handle firearms before buying
- Pushing the most expensive option without asking about your needs
- An unwelcoming or hostile atmosphere
Recommended First Firearms by Category
Every firearm listed below comes from a manufacturer with a strong reputation for reliability and quality. These are models we have personally tested, trust, and recommend.
Budget-Friendly (Under $400)
Ruger Security 380
~$30015+1 capacity, optics-ready, easy to rack. Ideal entry point for carry.
Smith & Wesson SD9 VE
~$350Reliable full-size 9mm with 16+1 capacity. A proven performer at an accessible price.
Ruger Wrangler
~$200A fun, affordable revolver for learning the basics and building confidence.
Hammerli Forge H1
~$3501911-style training pistol. Light aluminum slide is easy to rack. Superb accuracy and reliability.
Mid-Range ($400 - $600)
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield Plus
~$450One of the most popular carry guns in America. 13+1 capacity in a slim, shootable package.
Walther PDP Compact
~$550Best-in-class factory trigger, exceptional ergonomics, and an F-Series option for smaller hands.
Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro
~$50015+1 capacity in a micro-compact size. Optics-ready. Passed a 20,000-round endurance test.
CZ P-10 C
~$450Czech engineering with superb ergonomics, crisp trigger, and ambidextrous controls.
Ruger Max-9
~$400Micro-compact 12+1 capacity at a Ruger price point. Optics-ready.
Premium ($600+)
Walther PDP Full-Size
~$650Adopted by German special forces. The trigger is the benchmark other manufacturers try to match.
CZ 75 SP-01
~$700All-steel construction, DA/SA trigger, legendary ergonomics. Used by competitive shooters worldwide.
Beretta 92X
~$650Evolution of the gun that served the U.S. military for 32 years. Smooth action, open-slide design, and refined DA/SA trigger.
Springfield Armory 1911 Mil-Spec
~$650The classic 1911 platform from a trusted name. A timeless design with over a century of proven service.
Also Worth Considering
Glock 19 Gen5
~$550The most popular handgun in the world. Legendary reliability and massive aftermarket support. Not the best trigger or ergonomics out of the box, but it simply works every single time.
Glock 44
~$400A .22 LR trainer with the same size and controls as the Glock 19. Build muscle memory affordably.
KelTec P17
~$20016+1 capacity, fiber-optic sights, threaded barrel. One of the best values in rimfire pistols.
A note on brands: We prioritize manufacturers with proven track records of reliability, quality customer service, and accessible designs. Glock is included for its unmatched reliability record, though we find other brands often offer better ergonomics and triggers out of the box. All recommendations are based on firearms we have personally tested in our training program.
After Your Purchase
Buying the firearm is just the beginning. Responsible ownership is an ongoing commitment. Here is your post-purchase checklist.
Secure your firearm in a safe or lockbox
Oregon law requires secure storage when not in your direct control.
Read the owner's manual completely
Learn the specific controls, cleaning procedures, and safety features of your firearm.
Schedule professional training
A familiarization course with live fire builds confidence and competence.
Practice regularly at a range
Marksmanship is a perishable skill. Budget for ongoing ammunition and range time.
Learn Oregon carry and transport laws
Understand how to legally transport your firearm in a vehicle and where you may carry.
Consider a CHL if you plan to carry
Apply through your county sheriff. Requires an approved training course, fingerprinting, and a $75-$150 fee.
Join a supportive community
Groups like the Pink Pistols, Liberal Gun Club, and Armed Equality offer LGBTQIA+-friendly spaces.
Clean your firearm after every range session
Basic cleaning prevents malfunctions and extends the life of your firearm.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
The best way to choose your first firearm is to try before you buy. Schedule a training session and experience 29 different firearms in a safe, welcoming environment.