Best Beginner Pistols 2025 (For Variety of Purposes)

Getting into guns and shooting isn’t that hard, but it is also not exactly easy. This is especially true for those without gun-owning friends or family to offer some guidance. Even those with help might not want to seek that help, or even receive bad advice; not everyone makes a good teacher.

Because of this, beginner shooters really need take a class from a quality instructor to learn the basics of gun safety and use. And while some instructors might have loaner guns students can borrow, most require students to show up with a safe and functional firearm. As such, folks typically have to purchase a firearm before receiving formal training. That requires determining the gun’s purpose.

It is pretty simple, folks don’t want to carry a fun little .22 plinker for self-defense. At the same time, learning the fundamentals of shooting with a 10mm might not be the best idea. Here are some of the best beginner pistols to consider.

• Plinking—Ruger Mark IV
• Training—Taurus TX 22
• Self-Defense—GLOCK G19 Gen5 MOS
• Concealed-Carry—Springfield Hellcat Pro
• Budget—S&W SD9 2.0
• Giggles—Springfield Kuna

Best Beginner Pistols 2025

Ruger Mark IV

The Ruger Mark pistol has led the rimfire market since its introduction in 1949. Back then it was called the Ruger Standard Model. This version lasted until 1982 with the introduction of the Mark II, followed by the Mark II in 2004 and the Mark IV in 2016.

The Mark IV comes in eight versions, ranging from Standard to Target, with two Tactical models and a Hunting model that come with a rail for easily mounting optics. Every model comes with fixed sights and are drilled and tapped for adding a rail, if desired. Other features include a one-piece, precision CNC-machined grip frame, cold hammer-forged barrel, ambidextrous manual safety and a takedown button for easy cleaning.

The Mark IV is reliable, accurate and affordable, as shown by it being on the market for more than 75 years. There are, in fact, quite a few shooters who got their start shooting with the Ruger Mark series of pistols. Today, it is way more than just a plinking gun; it is one of the best beginner pistols.

Taurus TX 22

Another .22 LR pistol that jumps beyond plinking is the Taurus TX 22. This polymer frame and steel slide pistol comes with an ergonomic grip and the Taurus Performance Trigger System. This provides a smooth, single-action trigger pull.

The TX 22 comes in a variety of models, from competition to compact both with and without a manual safety. There is even a model that comes optics ready, with an accessory rail and a 22-round magazine. It also has a threaded barrel for a suppressor. In fact, most TX 22 models can work with a suppressor using an adapter collar.

The Taurus TX 22 works for plinking and hunting, as well as lower-cost tactical training. And it does all this for less than $400. This is one of the best beginner pistol deals. There are even a few different colors from which to choose, if one wants something different.

GLOCK G19 Gen5 MOS

A lot of folks like to claim a GLOCK is a GLOCK is a GLOCK. But there is a reason why people buy a GLOCK: It works, every time. One of the most popular GLOCK pistols is the G19 because it neatly threads the line between capacity and concealment. The G19 works for concealed-carry, home-defense and training.

The latest is the G19 Gen5 MOS. The Gen5 upgrades include an nDLC surface finish, new frame texture, reversible magazine catch, ambidextrous slide stop lever and the GLOCK Modular Backstrap System. This is in addition to the GLOCK Safe Action System that is well-known for its reliability and the Modular Optic System for easily attaching optics.

Springfield Hellcat Pro

Compact and subcompact pistols are popular with shooters because they’re easy to carry and conceal. Those new shooters looking for small but controllable pistol with a decent round count should look at the Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro.

The Hellcat Pro comes optics ready with easy-to-use U-dot sights and two magazines, a flush fitting 15 round and a 17-round extended. Its 3.7-inch barrel is cold hammer-forged and its black polymer frame features an adaptive grip.

This pistol is small and light, with numerous models to fit most needs. These include 10-round compliant models and comp models, and a threaded barrel model for suppressors. Folks can even choose a version with a manual safety. Those interested in a more concealable version can look at the Hellcat, which holds up to 13 rounds.

S&W SD9 2.0

While the M&P might get the most attention, Smith & Wesson makes other guns, including the SD9 2.0. Despite its nice looks functionality, the SD9 could be considered the company’s budget 9mm pistol.

The SD9 comes with aggressive slide serrations, a flat-faced trigger and an accessory rail. It also comes with the reliability of S&W. And it does all this for a real world price of around $300. This is one of the best beginner pistols for a budget. It even has a few colors from which to choose outside of the two-tone black and stainless. Those looking for something with a little more power might look at the SD40.

Springfield Armory Kuna

Some might question adding the Springfield Kuna to a best beginner pistol list, but it’s easier to shoot a braced pistol than one extended at arm’s lenght. Besides, it is just one of the most absolutely fun to shoot pistols on the market.

Named after the Croatian name for a pine marten, the Kuna is a roller-delayed 9mm pistol with ambidextrous controls and a monolithic aluminum upper. It also comes with an AR style grip, flat trigger, flip-up sights and M-Lok for attaching accessories.

Whether attaching an optic to the Picatinny rail or using the hybrid sights, the Kuna is accurate and easy to use. Attach a brace and add a suppressor, and the Kuna emerges as both a home-defense gun and a head turner at the range.