Buying your first firearm is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming with so many options and features to consider. As a first-time buyer myself, I learned a hard lesson that could save you time, money, and frustration: you must prioritize fit above all else. Here’s my story—and why new gun owners should always prioritize fit when choosing a firearm.
The Mistake: Chasing a Feature
When my wife and I decided to carry firearms for self-defense, I was drawn to the idea of buying two Glock 26 Gen 3 pistols. The feature that sold me? The ability to share magazines between us. With my "monster monkey paws"—hands large enough to grasp just about anything—I assumed any gun would work for both of us. It honestly never occurred to me that fit could be an issue. I skipped the testing phase, confident that a well-regarded gun like the Glock 26 would do the trick. Spoiler: I was wrong.
My wife took her new Glock to the range, and the results were disheartening. Every single shot resulted in a Failure to Eject (FTE) or stovepipe malfunction—where a spent casing got stuck awkwardly. I tried her gun and fired it without issue. The difference? The grip. The Glock 26’s handle was too large for her smaller hand. To reach the trigger, she had to stretch awkwardly, loosening her grip. This “limp-wristing” disrupted the gun’s cycling, causing the jams. A 2021 study in Force Science supports this, showing that grip strength has a big impact on shooting performance.
Her reaction was swift: “You bought this without letting me try it!” she said, refusing to touch the gun again. After some persuasion, I examined her grip and realized my error. My big hands had masked the problem—fit never crossed my mind until the mistake extracted several hundred dollars from my wallet during a trade-in.
Why You Must Prioritize Fit
As a first-time buyer, it’s easy to get caught up in features like magazine compatibility, brand reputation, or high capacity. But your very first consideration should be: Does this gun even fit my hand? To prioritize fit is to ensure a gun that doesn’t lead to malfunctions, reduced confidence, or safety risks. My experience taught me that what works for my oversized grip doesn’t work for everyone.
For my wife, the Glock 26’s grip overwhelmed her smaller hand. My ability to handle the gun with ease lulled me into a false sense of security, a mistake I paid for dearly. That said, don’t take this as an indictment of the Glock 26—it remains one of my go-to carry pistols, a testament to its reliability when you prioritize fit for the shooter.
How to Prioritize Fit
After my misstep, we visited a local range with knowledgeable staff. My wife tested several pistols, including the Smith & Wesson Shield EZ and the Heckler & Koch VP9 SK. The Shield EZ, with its slimmer grip and easy-rack slide, felt perfect in her hands. She shot it flawlessly, and we traded in the Glock 26s for two Shield EZs—absorbing the financial hit but gaining reliability. Here’s how first-time buyers can learn to prioritize fit:
- Test Before You Buy: Visit a range that rents firearms. Handle and shoot multiple models to see what feels natural. Bring the intended user—fit is personal.
- Focus on Fit, Not Features: Ignore flashy perks like extra capacity or brand name until you’ve confirmed the gun suits your hand size, trigger reach, and grip strength.
- Seek Expert Advice: Range staff or instructors can recommend options based on your needs, especially if you’re new to shooting.
- Plan for the Cost of Mistakes: Trading in a used gun can cost hundreds. Learning to prioritize fit upfront avoids this expense.
What’s Out There When You Prioritize Fit
The good news? The industry is adapting. Manufacturers like SIG Sauer and Springfield Armory now offer pistols with modular grips to fit diverse hand sizes. Worth a look is the HK VP9 SK for its adjustable ergonomics, while the Ruger LCP Max is a great option for smaller hands. For beginners, especially those with petite frames, these choices reflect a growing focus on helping you prioritize fit.
Your First Step
Buying a firearm is like choosing the right tool for a job—it must feel right to work right. My confidence in my large hands blinded me to the need to prioritize fit, and the price was a costly trade-in. As a first-time buyer, don’t repeat my mistake. Head to a range, test guns with the people who’ll use them, and make prioritizing fit your first decision. It’s the surest way to start your shooting journey with confidence—and without a wallet-draining regret.
