CHOOSING A STARTER PISTOL
When choosing a pistol consider its primary purpose. Will it be used for home defense, every day carry or competitive shooting? For home defense and competitive shooting, I would recommend a full-size gun (caliber is a separate topic, but popular competition calibers are 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 in that order). You might be shooting competitively in an effort to become more competent with a gun you carry daily for defense. In that case, you may choose a compact pistol (one step smaller than a full-size gun- Glock 19 comes to mind), or a sub-compact pistol (considerably smaller than a full-size gun, such as the Glock 43 or the Sig P365).
If you’re just starting out there are several affordable options on the market. I often use the sub-compact Walther PPS M2 as my every day carry. I’ll carry a Glock 17 when I’m not concerned about concealability or a Glock 20 if I’m out roaming the woods. For matches, I prefer the Glock 34 or the M&P 2.0, 5”. For range day I’ll run the Zev O.Z-9 or my 92 Elite Langdon Tactical Beretta. The Glock 34 is one of many inexpensive guns that can be run in competition right out of the box (the M&P 2.0 is also a popular choice). I have almost 24,000 rounds through my Glock 34. Its completely stock aside from just one upgrade…
PISTOL SIGHTS
Once you’ve selected a pistol, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to run iron sights or a red dot (miniature reflex sights). Many factory iron sights are lacking. I prefer an aftermarket bright front fiber optic sight and a blacked out rear sight. 10-8 Performance, Dawson Precision and Warren Tactical (I have no affiliation with these companies) are excellent options.
If you want to run a pistol red dot, do the research, read the reviews and make a selection. Some pistols come optics ready from the factory, others do not. If not, research the cost and time it will take to send it out for mill work. There are fantastic websites out there that offer optics packages complete with red dot of your choice and millwork.
HOLSTERS
Choosing a holster can be intimidating. Determining the purpose of the pistol should narrow down your selection. For every day or personal defense carry, decide if you want to carry inside the waistband (IWB) or outside of the waistband (OWB). For competitive shooting, decide what level of retention you want and how high you want the holster to ride. The websites of these holster makers are extremely helpful and will guide you in which type of holster to choose:
T-Rex Arms, QVO Tactical, Standard Co and Safariland (all of which I have received free products from, have rigorously tested and trust. There are holster companies who have sent me garbage and I have not recommended those here).
BELTS
I’m going to keep this simple. I have two kinds of belts:
1.5” – 1.75” width reinforced concealment belts. I recommend Safariland. I wear their belts off duty, on duty and occasionally for matches.
The second kind of belt I have is a double 1.75” belt. It’s a velcro under belt that goes through my belt loops, and an over belt that affixes on top. This makes it easy to take the exterior belt off and add magazine pouches, shotgun shell caddies or change holsters for different stages in multigun matches.
There are many effective belt systems out there. Perhaps you just want a battle belt that’s ready to go for the range, matches or an emergency.
MAGAZINE POUCHES
This is another gear selection that is going to be purpose driven. For concealment or everyday carry, you might consider how you will carry a spare magazine. Will the holster you select have a magazine compartment? I have several Sidecar type holsters, patterned after the T-Rex Arms Sidecar holster. This is a holster and single magazine pouch as one unit.
For duty and matches, I use Safariland double mag pouches. Many holster companies make mag pouches, so you have quite a selection! If you’re going to get serious about competitive shooting, you might consider several single mag pouches for your belt.