While appendix carry is by no means a new trend, it certainly is en vogue at the moment. Those recently getting into concealed carry and firearms are choosing appendix carry, often referred to as AIWB, over the more traditional strong side carrying. Because of its surging popularity, we thought we’d cover what this carry style is, the pros, the cons, and what you need to know going forward.
What is Appendix Carry?
This style of firearm carry is rather self-explanatory, getting its name from the placement of your holstered firearm. A 9mmhandgun or another pistol will sit just in front of your hip inside the waistband, right about where your appendix would be—hence the name. It is also known by the acronym AIWB, which stands for appendix inside-the-waistband.
Appendix Carry Pros
This style of carrying has become increasingly popular in recent years with the most recent generation of firearms carriers. For concealed carry purposes, this seems like the ideal. Firearms are much easier to conceal, accessibility is a breeze, and this form of carrying works well for both men and women.
Easy Concealment
First and foremost, this is hands down one of the best places for concealing a firearm. Appendix carry holsters are designed to be as low-profile as possible. Whether you have a compact handgun or something larger, not a single person would know you are carrying it.
Ideal for Women
This style of carrying is great for women for several reasons, primarily because ladies can wear just about anything, barring skin-tight clothing. Because of how low-profile the holsters are, appendix carry is simply easier to work with than strong-side, especially for women. There is no spillage or accidental exposure.
Accessibility Like None Other
Accessing your firearm from the 12 o’clock position is often more natural than from the 3 or 4 o’clock position. Instead of having to reach around your side and deal with clearing your clothing, an appendix carry pistol is right there to remove. Faster out of the holster means faster target acquisition.
Bigger Potential
This primarily applies to women, but men can also benefit from it as well. With an appendix carry, you can essentially carry any firearm you want. Because the firearm is tucked away inside your pants, there is virtually no limit to the size of concealed carry handgun you could choose.
Like anything, there are downsides to something good. While appendix carry has many positives, it still has negatives that won’t make it great for everyone. It can be harder to conceal, uncomfortable, and even dangerous when used incorrectly.
Discomfort
The main complaint against this style of carrying is the discomfort experienced while sitting. As you may have suspected, when you sit or bend over your firearm and holster will ultimately dig into your stomach or thigh. For men, this is usually incredibly uncomfortable.
Negligent Discharge
Negligent discharge is what happens when a firearm goes off when someone is attempting to remove or replace it from the holster. This can result in a bullet graze along the thigh or groin area, something no one wants to experience.
Quality Holsters Needed
For a good appendix carrying experience, you will need a quality inside-the-waistband holster. Most are made from Kydex, a reliable and durable material, while some are made from leather. Though leather is far more comfortable, it’s less likely to maintain its shape. This means re-holstering your weapon each time can be harder and could even result in the negligent discharge mentioned above. On the other hand, Kydex will maintain its shape but is not flexible in the slightest. This means carriers may experience more discomfort doing simple things like sitting or bending over.
Inside-the-Waistband Only
No matter what, an appendix carry holster will exclusively be an inside-the-waistband mount. Unlike strong-side carrying, which can be either/or, AIWB holsters will always be tucked away. For some, this means changing their clothing, belt, and other aspects of their wardrobe.
As you can see, appendix carry has its pluses and minuses. While this is “on-trend” in the firearms community, it’s not necessarily right for everyone. How do you know if this is the right everyday holster for you? Practice! With a completely empty pistol, take the time to train drawing and replacing your firearm to get a feel for the best angle and grip for you. Wear the holster with various types of clothing as well to get a better feel for what is most comfortable and, more importantly, what will and will not give away your firearm.
No matter what, appendix carry will remain a popular and reliable form of everyday carry. GrabAGun has a wide range of AIWB holsters in a variety of colors and materials to pick from. If you are looking for an affordable concealed carry holster, we are the best place to stock up!
Whether you are newly interested in firearms or have a deep passion for the industry, you’ll find that the amount of information about pistols and rifles for sale online is vast. There are terms, classifications, and much more that can make it difficult to know where to begin. If this is your first time looking at firearms for sale, you’ll likely hear terms such as Title I and Title II being thrown around. To understand what Title I and Title II firearms mean, the best place to start is at the beginning.
Disclaimer: We at GrabAGun are not lawyers and this article is merely trying to differentiate between Title I and Title II. If you are planning to purchase Class 3 firearms, make sure to read all the laws and consult a local lawyer if necessary.
Defining Title I and Title II
It starts all the way back in 1934 when the National Firearms Act (NFA) was first passed. This was a congressional act that gave the federal government the ability to impose an excise tax on the manufacture and transfer of certain firearms, as well as the ability to mandate the registration of firearms. In a nutshell, it’s because of this act that private citizens can’t purchase a fully automatic weapon and must obtain a federal tax stamp for any item classified as Title II. More detail about what a Title II firearm for sale looks like will be explained later on.
Later, the Gun Control Act of 1986 (GCA), commonly referred to as Title I, was passed. It imposed stricter licensing and regulation while establishing new categories of firearms and prohibiting the sale of firearms or ammo to felons. However, because of how restrictive it was, another act was promptly passed that same year, the Firearm Owners Protection Act (FOPA), ultimately revising many of the provisions under the GCA. For example, under FOPA, the interstate sale of long guns is allowed, even if it’s on a limited basis. Interstate sale means that ammunition can be sold across state lines (i.e. someone purchasing ammo for sale in Texas even though they live in Georgia). Ammunition can also be shipped through USPS under FOPA, and the requirement for record-keeping of non-armor piercing ammo sales is allowed. You can even order ammo online and have it shipped directly to your home.
Overall, federal regulations are still imposed and necessary for the sale of firearms. So what is the difference between a Title I and a Title II firearm?
What is a Title I Firearm?
The definition of a Title I firearm is pretty straightforward. According to the GCA and FOPA, this is any factory standard pistol, rifle, revolver, or shotgun. These can be purchased, owned, and built by any citizen who isn’t prohibited by the Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
Pistols and Handguns
This can be anything from a 9mm handgun to a concealed carry pistol for sale. No tax stamp is required to purchase or own a Title I handgun, but, according to federal laws, you do have to be 21 years of age or older, when purchasing thru an FFL like GrabAGun, you must also pass an FBI background check.
The barrels of Title I rifles must be longer than 16-inches to maintain their Title I classification. This includes options like hunting rifles or other tactical rifles for sale. If you are considering getting a rifle, you’ll also want to pay attention to the stock to stay within the regulations.
Revolvers are a great addition to any firearm collection. They are fun to shoot at the range and there are even a few models that are great for EDC. Most revolvers comply with Title I specifications with the exception for revolvers modified to shoot fixed shotgun shells. Those are considered part of the “any other” grouping, mentioned later on.
A Title I shotgun might include over-under shotguns, home defense shotguns, or hunting shotguns. Any barrel 18-inches or longer won’t require a tax stamp and will keep its Title I classification.
As defined by the NFA, Title II weapons, also known as Class 3 weapons as the following:
Machine guns
Silencers/suppressors/mufflers
Short-barreled rifles
Short-barreled shotguns
Destructive devices
Additionally, there is a catch-all group of devices that aren’t exactly firearms and aren’t exactly explosives. The best way to establish a Title I from a Title II firearm is by determining the barrel length, which is measured from the end of the muzzle to the front of the breechface.
Any device considered a Class 3 weapon must have a $200 ATF stamp, for which you have two options to acquire one. If you are transferring a Class 3 firearm to an FFL, you’ll need to fill out a Form 4 application. If you are registering a new NFA item, then a Form 1 will be required. Between the applications and another federal background check, most Title II devices for sale have an 8-12 month waiting period.
According to the NFA, a machine gun is defined as “any weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.” The definition was expanded to include any frame, receiver, and/or combination of parts intended to make a machine gun.
Examples:
M16 Rifle
Registered drop-in-auto-sear (RIDAS) for an AR-15
Note: GrabAGun does not stock or sell any firearm that is completely automatic.
Short-Barreled Shotguns
Also known as an SBS, a short-barreled shotgun is defined as a shotgun having a barrel of less than 18-inches, or a weapon made from a shotgun with an overall length of less than 26-inches. The latter is often referred to as a “sawed-off” shotgun.
The NFA defines a short-barreled rifle (SBR) as a weapon designed to be fired from the shoulder and fire one bullet at a time through a rifled barrel. It is a rifle with a barrel of less than 16-inches or a weapon made from a rifle with an overall length of less than 26-inches.
Note: Weapons with folding or telescoping stocks are measured with the stock unfolded, as intended for use. Weapons with detachable stocks are measured with the stock detached.
A destructive device is any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, including bombs, grenades, rockets, missiles, mines, and similar devices. This definition has been broadened to include parts intended for making such a device.
NOTE: While explosive ordinances are classified as NFA firearms, no state allows for their ownership with or without a gun trust. GrabAGun does not stock or sell them in any capacity.
Examples:
Claymore mines
Improvised explosive devices (IED)
Destructive Devices – Large Bore Firearms
As defined by the NFA, Large Bore Firearms are any projectile weapon with a bore diameter greater than half an inch (.50 Caliber). It includes most shotguns, especially ones classified as “combat shotguns,” as well as devices not intended or not likely to be used as a weapon. This includes flare launchers with non-weapon rounds or line throwing devices.
Antique firearms are exempt if they are “not likely to be used as a weapon.” They must have been manufactured before 1898 and may not use conventional ammunition, such as Flintlock pistols.
Examples:
The Anzio 20mm Rifle
Flare launchers with anti-personnel rounds
Silencers/Suppressors
A suppressor is any device that can be used for silencing, muffling, or diminishing the report of a portable firearm. The definition was expanded to also include any combination of parts intended for use in assembling or manufacturing a firearm silencer.
The NFA defines this catch-all category as “any weapon or device capable of being concealed on a person from which a shot can be discharged through the energy of an explosive.”
Examples:
A pistol with a forward grip
A cane gun
Title II Resources
Listed below are links to ATF resources, including forms, further information, and more:
GrabAGun Has Your Title I & Title II Firearms For Sale
There are many more regulations that can alter the definition of a Title I or Title II firearm. That said, knowing the primary differences between the two can help you make the best purchase for your needs. Take your time researching all the various Title I and Title II firearms, such as 9mm handguns for sale, hunting rifles, silencers/suppressors, short-barreled shotguns for sale, and more.Having a solid understanding of what you want and need will help you make the right decision. GrabAGun proudly offers a wide range of firearms, rifles, and shotguns to choose from. Whether you are looking for the best handgun for women or a Class 3 shotgun, we are sure to have it.
Choosing your first handgun can seem daunting, especially when trying to understand various terms, browsing countless styles, and learning what features you like and dislike. It is a personal journey that should be defined by your preferences, purposes, and specific needs. Although overwhelming, finding the best handgun for beginners should also be enjoyable and leave you feeling confident, informed, and most importantly, protected.
This is why GrabAGun created a guide for choosing the best handgun for beginners. We’ve outlined 4 specific qualities to consider while doing your research and offer advice on styles, features, and sizes. This guide will help you understand all the aspects of your future firearm so that, when you’re ready, you can confidently purchase your own handgun.
4 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Handgun for Beginners
1. The Purpose of Your Handgun
The journey to finding your first handgun begins with determining its purpose. Knowing how you intend to use the firearm will give you a great starting point in your search. After all, handguns come in many different designs, sizes, and capabilities. While one handgun may be perfect for home defense, another might be more ideal for concealed carry. Although handguns can be incredibly versatile, understanding your reasons for owning a firearm will help you decide which is best for you.
Consider some of the most popular uses of handguns:
self-defense
hunting
plinking
competition
collection
concealed carry
range-shooting
home-defense
2. Size
The most important part of owning a handgun is being comfortable handling it, which is why it is so important to choose the right size. Generally, semi-automatic handguns come in three different sizes: full-size, compact, and subcompact. Each type of handgun has unique advantages that tailor to different needs.
Full-Size
As the largest category of pistol, full-size semi-automatic handguns have a barrel length of around 5-inches. With these models, all your fingers can fit comfortably on the gun’s grip, which is ideal if you have large hands. Thanks to their larger frames, full-size handguns also have less recoil, with calibers ranging from .22LR to .50 caliber.
Full-size handguns are more difficult for concealed carry, with the most preferred concealment method being a shoulder holster. On the other hand, they can be more comfortable to shoot thanks to a full grip, minimal recoil, and a longer sight radius.
Full-size handgun breakdown:
Full grip
Minimal recoil
Difficult for concealed carry
Comfortable grip
Compact
Compact pistols range from 3.5-inches to 4.5-inches in barrel length with a slightly smaller frame than a full-size handgun. Generally, compact handguns will fit a shooter’s hands without a magazine inserted, with less grip exposed below the fist. If you have small hands, a compact pistol might be a great option. Compact handguns are also better designed for concealed carry. They can be worn in many different ways, including inside-the-waistband, outside-the-waistband, with a belly belt, on the ankle, or on the thigh.
Due to the compact pistol’s smaller size, using a smaller caliber round is more common (although compact handguns do come in a variety of calibers). While the compact is also more lightweight, you might experience a bit more recoil, especially if shooting with larger calibers.
Compact handgun breakdown:
Smaller size great for concealed carry
Comfortable fit even without a magazine inserted
May experience more recoil
Great for small hands
Subcompact
As the smallest handgun size option, the subcompact pistol is designed for deep concealment. Sometimes called “pocket rockets,” these small-sized handguns can be comfortably carried and undetected in a coat, pants pocket, in the small of your back, and more. They still deliver just as much power and durability as larger handguns but with a much smaller, lighter frame.
Subcompacts will have a shorter and thinner grip than most pistols, so it is important to make sure you can comfortably handle the firearm to ensure accuracy. If you have larger hands, this might be more difficult. Similar to a compact handgun, subcompact handguns will also have more recoil and/or a smaller capacity.
Caliber is an important choice when picking your first handgun and is highly dependent on what you need and/or want from your firearm. In fact, choosing your caliber beforechoosing your handgun’s brand or style can narrow your choices and ensure that your handgun is perfect for your specific needs. Below we have listed a few of the most popular handgun cartridges, along with their unique advantages and disadvantages:
22LR
22LR is a great option for beginner shooters because it is affordable, easy to find in bulk, and delivers minimal recoil. Though not necessarily the best choice for defense, .22 LR excels in accuracy and is an exceptional training caliber, especially since it’s mainly used to practice and plink.
9Mm
9mm is arguably the most popular handgun caliber in the world. It is used by police, military, concealed carriers, competition shooters, recreational shooters, and more. This is a highly versatile round that is both cost-effective and accurate. Though it delivers slightly more recoil than 22LR, it is still manageable. Many shooters use these rounds for open and concealed carry or self-defense.
45 ACP
An American favorite, 45 ACP was the standard military issue handgun cartridge for more than 70 years. It is the biggest round on this list and delivers high-recoil. This heavy-duty caliber is suited for beginners who want a larger bullet or an upgrade from 22LR. It works well for home defense and close-range shooting.
As you can see, each caliber serves a unique purpose. The best thing for beginner shooters to remember is to pick a caliber that is comfortable, compatible with your wallet, easy to handle, and fits your purpose.
Handguns can have different actions or internal operations. These actions are based on the relationship between the trigger and the hammer, and how the firearm functions when the trigger is pulled.
Hammer Fired
Hammer-fired pistols come in two designs—double-action and single-action. Single-action, hammer-fired pistols are the simplest in terms of operation. The hammer must be manually cocked before shooting and the trigger only performs one function: releasing the hammer.
Double-action, hammer-fired pistols are a bit more complicated. The trigger on these handguns can be used both to fire the gun and cock the hammer. So, before firing, the shooter must either cock the hammer manually or have a longer trigger pull to cock the hammer and fire the handgun. It is important to note that a double-action hammer-fired pistol will have a heavier trigger pull. Although manageable, this means double-action pistols might work best as an upgrade once beginners have had some training.
Reasons we suggest a hammer-fired pistol as the best handgun for beginners:
Experience a clean and crisp trigger pull
Helps enable more accurate shooting
Able to physically see how the position of the hammer and trigger pull interact
You can easily tell whether or not your handgun is cocked
Enhanced reliability
External safeties for the hammer
Striker Fired
Striker-fired pistols do not have a hammer. Instead, the mainspring acts on the firing pin directly. The striker-fired pistol was first made popular with the Glock 17 but has since risen in ranks, becoming a popular choice for novice shooters. Unlike the double-action hammer-fired pistol, a striker-fired pistol’s trigger pull is noticeably lighter and easier. This makes striker-fired pistols some of the best handguns for beginners.
Reasons we suggest a striker-fired pistol as the best handgun for beginners:
The trigger pull is identical nearly every single time
No exposed hammer
The back of the slide is flat
Often have several internal safety mechanisms
Simpler design with fewer moving parts
Lighter and smaller
Commonly used for concealed carry
GrabAGun’s Recommendations for the Best Handgun for Beginners
Glock 17 Gen 5
Glock’s reputation for ultimate reliability has made them the world’s leading manufacturer of pistols. The Glock 17 Gen 5 is a no-frills, full-size pistol that will serve generations with the best durability, power, and accuracy that Glock has to offer. With over 20 design modifications and upgrades, you’ll be able to customize this pistol to your exact needs.
The Sig Sauer P320 is the pistol of choice for law enforcement and military personnel, whose input was used to design this model. It is a striker-fired pistol with excellent balance, improved accuracy, and minimal recoil. With interchangeable components that allow grip customization, this pistol is a great choice for beginners who are still figuring out what size grip works best for them.
The XD-S Mod.2 OSP is Springfield’s most popular single-stack EDC. This striker-fired, optics-ready pistol is small yet incredibly powerful. Perfect for self-defense and concealed carry, it features enhanced grip texturing, magazine versatility, a loaded chamber indicator, and more.
The compact Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 is Smith and Wesson’s newest, most innovative addition to their highly popular and respected M&P line of pistols. This compact, striker-fired handgun is perfect for personal, sporting, or professional use. It features aggressive texturing and interchangeable palmswell inserts so you can experience a comfortable grip.
The Glock 19 Gen 5 is perhaps the most versatile Glock pistol—perfect for anyone, but especially beginners. Able to accommodate almost any hand size, it uses a reversible magazine catch and ambidextrous slide stop lever, which means this pistol is great for both left and right-handed shooters. Whether you want an effective concealed carry or a dependable competition firearm, the Glock 19 Gen 5 is perfect for your needs.
The final thing to consider when choosing the best handgun for beginners is your local laws and regulations as they relate to firearms. Always remember to choose something that will both meet local requirements and fulfill your personal needs. Once you’ve settled on some options, take time to test out those firearms before making a purchase. You will never know what a firearm truly feels like until you hold it in your hands and fire it yourself.
When you’re ready to purchase your first handgun, head over to GrabAGun.com to find the best deals on handguns for sale online. Whether you choose a 9mm handgun, 45 handgun, or you want the best handgun for home defense, GrabAGun offers low, competitive prices. Make purchasing firearms easy by browsing GrabAGun’s incredible collection of the best handguns for beginners.
