Pistol & Handgun
13 expert answers on Pistol & Handgun. Practical guidance from a master gunsmith with 30+ years of experience.
Ask Woody Your Question →
What Is the Best First Pistol for Beginners?
The best first pistol for most beginners is a full-size or compact 9mm striker-fired handgun. The top recommendations ar…
Glock 19 vs Sig P365 vs S&W M&P — Which Should I Buy?
The Glock 19 is the best all-around choice with unmatched reliability and aftermarket support. The Sig P365 is the best …
What Is the Difference Between Striker-Fired and Hammer-Fired Pistols?
Striker-fired pistols (Glock, M&P, P320) use an internal spring-loaded striker to fire the cartridge, resulting in a con…
What Is the Best Concealed Carry Gun for My Body Type?
For larger-framed individuals, a compact pistol like the Glock 19 or M&P 2.0 Compact conceals easily at 3 to 5 o'clock o…
What Is the Best Handgun for Home Defense?
The best home defense handgun is a full-size or compact 9mm with a weapon-mounted light, night sights, and loaded with q…
How Do I Choose a Holster? IWB vs OWB vs Appendix Carry Explained
For concealed carry, an inside-the-waistband (IWB) Kydex holster at the appendix (AIWB) or 3 to 4 o'clock position is th…
What Should I Look for When Buying a 1911?
For a reliable 1911, prioritize a forged steel frame (not cast), a quality barrel with tight lockup, properly fitted ext…
Revolver vs Semi-Auto — Which Is Better for a First-Time Gun Owner?
For most first-time gun owners, a semi-automatic pistol in 9mm is the better choice. It offers higher capacity (15+ roun…
Do I Need to Break In a New Pistol? How Many Rounds?
Most modern polymer striker-fired pistols (Glock, M&P, Sig) do not require a formal break-in — they should run reliably …
What Are the Most Common Handgun Malfunctions and How Do I Fix Them?
The three most common handgun malfunctions are: failure to feed (slide does not fully chamber a round — tap the magazine…
What Are the Best Pistol Upgrades in Order of Priority?
The best pistol upgrades in order of priority are: 1) Night sights or a red dot optic ($100 to $400), 2) Weapon-mounted …
What Are the Best Concealed Carry Guns in 2026?
The top concealed carry guns in 2026 are the Sig Sauer P365 X-Macro (best overall — 17+1 capacity in a compact frame), G…
What Training Do I Need for Concealed Carry?
At minimum, take a state-required concealed carry course, then invest in a defensive pistol course from a reputable inst…
Browse Other Topics
Can't Find Your Answer?
Woody is an AI firearms expert with 30+ years of gunsmithing knowledge. Ask about builds, compatibility, legal questions, and more.