9mm Handguns for Shooting Targets

If you are a target shooter looking for a handgun, an option you want to consider is the 9mm. A standard pistol that has multiple areas in which it excels—one of which is target shooting. Some of the reasons that the 9mm is considered the best for shooting targets are:

Why 9mm Handguns Are Good For Target Shooting

Ergonomics

9mm handguns often have great ergonomics. The way it feels in your hand can have a major impact on the accuracy of your shot. When you line up your shot and your weapon doesn’t feel natural in your grip, you might make micro adjustments during your shot that can have major impacts on your accuracy. Most 9mm pistols, having a more natural grip, present a potential for greater accuracy.

Weight & Recoil

Another factor that can quickly affect your aim is recoil. Larger caliber handguns are not only bulkier and tend to weigh more, but their recoil is also greater. Some shooters adjust for an expected recoil and alter their shots, while others can’t hold their weapon study throughout its firing and thus make their shot go off target. With a smaller caliber—yet sturdy enough to penetrate any target you should be shooting at—like the 9mm, you won’t be affected as much by recoil.

Availability

Though this doesn’t directly improve your shooting ability, it does have ramifications on it. When you need to ask for advice about your weapon, if you are firing a rarely used firearm or an out-of-production caliber, you aren’t likely to get much information. All of those tips can help to increase your accuracy in ways you didn’t think possible. Also, when you need rounds for the range, having a commonly used caliber like the 9mm allows for you to always have access to what you need. You aren’t going to walk into a gun shop and not see a ton of 9mm firearms, accessories, and ammunition.

Cost

Going hand-in-hand with availability is cost. Because 9mm are made by so many weapons manufacturers, there is an abundance of them. Due to this, the cost of 9mm firearms and rounds tend to be less than many other handguns. You are able to invest more money into practice rounds so you can log more hours on the range. All of those extra hours spent with your 9mm with go a long way for improving your accuracy.

Upgrades

Finally, aftermarket accessories are another way to help you improve your accuracy. Red dot scopes and even sound suppressors are two products that could help you hit the target more often. Also, an upgraded handgun magazine can allow you to fire more rounds without reloading; you have additional shots without adjusting your body. There are any number of upgrades that can have an impact on your accuracy, and the 9mm has as many to offer as any other handgun.

Now that you know a little more about some of the reasons to own one of these pistols, which one do you purchase? Cheap handguns don’t necessarily mean poor quality, but not all gun deals are for effective and appropriate weapons. Here are three suggestions on 9mm for sale that can help you improve your target shooting without costing your life savings. And surprisingly, there isn’t a Glock on the list.

9mm Handguns

Smith & Wesson M&P Compact

The first 9mm on the list is the M&P Compact from Smith & Wesson. A reliable and accurate weapon that comes from one of the oldest manufacturers in America.

Sig Sauer P320

The full sized pistol on the list, the Sig Sauer P320 is the largest 9mm. This is a standard 9mm that hits all of the checks across the board for what you are looking for in a target shooter.

 Springfield XD-S

Springfield’s single stack 9mm is the final weapon on the list. It is an ideal daily carry weapon that doubles as a great target shooting handgun. Get the best 9mm handguns for sale online from GrabAGun! Shop the Smith & Wesson M&P Compact, Sig Sauer P320, and Springfield XD-S.

The Best Pistols for Competitive Shooting

People talk about it all the time. “How do I get into competitive shooting?” or “What are the best pistols for sale to use for competitions?” The truth is, there are plenty of pistols that can be used during these competitions. These competitions are the ultimate place in which to talk to other shooting enthusiasts, to learn, to show your skills, and to watch some of the most intense sporting events.

One of the best aspects about getting into the sport is that you don’t need a special weapon to do so; you really just need a pistol that fires safely. Firearm safety should be top of mind no matter what type of shooting you’re doing.

What to Look for In a Competitive Shooting Firearm

If you are looking to purchase a weapon strictly for competitive shooting, you will want to review some criteria before you just buy any Glock or Colt pistol on the market. Some qualities your competition pistol should have are:

Rugged and Durable Construction

This might be the most difficult feature to identify, but it is a key component. You are looking for a weapon that can fire hundreds of thousands of rounds per year without losing any of its functionality. That means that all of the main parts to the pistol should be able to be easily cleaned and able to withstand hours on the range every week. Practice makes perfect, but it also puts a lot of wear on your weapon. Having one that will withstand dirt and grime is crucial.

A Semi-Automatic Pistol

Though revolvers can be an enjoyable way to compete, they typically are not the best way to get used to the basics of a shooting competition. Pistols are easy to use, easy to load, and more natural feeling than a revolver, according to many shooters.

Ergonomics

This will be based on your individual needs. Everyone’s hand is different, so finding a pistol that fits comfortably and naturally into your grip is important. Try out a few to see what feels right for you.

5-Inch Barrel

When your barrel is over 6 inches, your weapon is affected by a diminishing rate of return. Smaller weapons will have less accuracy at longer distances. For most competitions, 4- to 5.5-inch barrels are ideal.

9mm Handgun

These are the ideal weapon for beginners because they feature low recoil and a decent-sized magazine that is often adjustable.

Competitive Shooting Models

Though there are plenty of guns for sale online that can be used for competitive shooting, there are three that come to my mind when I think of what I would want to be using:

Glock 35 Gen 3 Competition

This Glock was made to achieve the high accuracy in target engagement. It is a semi-auto handgun that uses a 17-round magazine. The frame is 5.32” and is compatible with numerous sights. Not only is it ideal for competitive shooting, but it also doubles as an excellent home defense firearm. It is able to withstand the rigors of the range and still have enough power to keep you safe at home.

Nighthawk Custom Heine Signature Competition

This Nighthawk is another semi-auto pistol that is made for competitive fields. It was designed by Richard Heinie, a founding father of the United States Practical Shooting Association. This organization is the largest competitive pistol shooting group in the US. The 9mm that they made is a single action with a 5” barrel. It features a thin frame and a one-piece magwell to help achieve an unparalleled balance between accuracy and reliability.

Colt Competition Government

This Colt 9mm doesn’t accept 2nd place when it is used in competition. It packs plenty of features to help you shoot straight and take home the top prize. The 3-hole aluminum trigger paired with the undercut trigger guard give your fingers easy access to a quick draw and pull. Its lightweight frame comes in a 36 oz., but still has plenty of power through its 5” barrel to get the explosive power your shots need to hit targets quickly and accurately.

Competition Pistols at GrabAGun

So whether you are looking for a cheap pistol, a beginner’s pistol, or want to add another weapon to use at your next competition; one of these three are sure to help you jump up a few spots on the leaderboard. No matter what type of firearm you’re looking for; GrabAGun has the widest selection, lowest prices, and financing options to help you get the gun you want, at a price you can afford.

Ruger Pistols for Sale

Ruger is America’s fourth largest gun manufacturer and well known for its durable and serviceable firearms. With its focus upon quality, dependability and innovations made to increase comfort and service, the Ruger name has become synonymous with rugged endurance among modern guns for sale. Select Ruger pistols are now on sale at GrabAGun at incredibly low prices.

Ruger GP 100 .357 Magnum SS

The super reliable GP 100 is a six-shot double action revolver manufactured for strength and performance, creating one of the strongest medium frame revolvers ever manufactured. As for its stopping power – it is a .357 Magnum; you won’t be receiving any complaints from an assailant.

Ruger LCP 380 ACP

RUGER LCP .380

A step above the basic Ruger LCP, the LCP 380 ACP incorporates the advanced design elements of the LC9. Designed for concealed carry, you can conceal the LC380 in your hand, and when holstered it conceals well. Easy to shoot and light on recoil, the LC380 pistol provides the protection you need for self-defense. As it is with almost any compact firearm, sights are rather difficult to see due to their small size. A laser takes care of that, or a bit of red paint to the sights. Laser Max is available on some models.

Ruger LCP 9mm

Slightly larger than the LC .380, the Ruger LCP provides a little more gun to hold onto for those with larger hands. The firearm is a double-action semi-automatic pistol designed for concealed carry. The Ruger LCP uses a 7 or 9 round box magazine, and an adjustable 3-dot sight.

Ruger SR1911 .45 ACP

Modeled after the classic M1911 pistol this semi-automatic, single-action firearm provides nice groupings and is a quality constructed and attractive firearm. The barrel and bushings are produced from the same bar of stainless steel for optimal quality. The 1911 pistol for sale and its modern variants never grow old to those who want classic quality in guns for sale.

Ruger Vaquero 357 Magnum

A six-shot single action revolver based on the .357 Magnum New Model Ruger Blackhawk frame. The Vaquero answers the demand for a single action revolver in traditional western style for Cowboy Action Shooting or for those history fans who desire a bit of Old West nostalgia.

Ruger MKIII .22 LR 22/45 Lite

Ruger Mark IV 22/45 .22 LR 5.5" Barrel 10-Rounds

The Ruger MKIII is a lightweight concealed carry semi-automatic pistol with an upper receiver of aircraft grade aluminum threaded for a compensator or a suppressor. In addition, the Ruger 22/25 features replaceable grips and is drilled and tapped for a Weaver rail section.

Get the best pistols for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop Ruger pistols, the Ruger LCP, 9mm handguns, and ammo.

Concealed Carry Pistols

Selecting a concealed carry pistol is an individual decision that will be based upon your own preferences, needs, lifestyle and abilities that will influence what pistol you select for a concealed carry weapon. Once you have made your decision and chosen a pistol, shop our site for the best prices before you visit gun shops. You will find GrabAGun to have the lowest prices, as well as an extensive selection of firearms.

Some of the factors that will most likely influence your decision include the pistol’s weight, size, caliber, design, barrel length, capacity, ease of concealment and where you plan to conceal the weapon.

There are advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a concealed carry pistol. When shopping for a concealed carry whether online or in gun shops keep the following in mind:

Semi-automatic Concealed Carry Pistols

Advantages

  • Provides a larger capacity of rounds
  • Faster to reload using magazines
  • Easier to conceal

Disadvantages

  • Has more parts to wear out
  • Harder to clear a jam
  • Racking the slide is more difficult for some persons

Get the best pistols for sale online from GrabAGun today! Shop 9mm handguns, holsters, and bulk ammo.

How to Care For Your Concealed Carry Pistol

concealed carry handgun cleaning

Cleaning Your Concealed Carry Pistol

Providing maintenance and cleaning for concealed carry pistols is not an option but a requirement. Your concealed carry pistol can’t save your life if it won’t fire and a neglected weapon can indeed let you down when you need it most. Far too many gun owners fail to clean their firearms and some never do until there is a problem. That problem can be one that ends up causing injury or even death. Just carrying your weapon can change its condition and reliability, even if you haven’t fired it since it was last cleaned.

Reliability is one of the likely factors that affected your choice in the weapon you carry, but after purchase it is up to you to provide the maintenance that sustains the reliability that you count on.

Sweat

Sweat is one of the factors that adversely affect guns. It is composed of water, ammonia, urea, salts, and sugar. Sweat will, over time cause a firearm to rust. It’s a good idea to provide a spray with a little Rem Oil and a rubdown with a cloth to lubricate and protect. Go light on the oil as it can gum up the action.

Lint

Lint and other debris from a pocket can cause a real problem in your concealed carry pistol’s reliability. The lint is especially bad when carried in a pocket or purse. The contact with the fabric of clothing, pet hair, dust, grime from the oil in your hands, and our own shedding will find its way into every crack and crevice of the weapon. Routine cleaning will keep it at bay. Using gun holsters is the best protection for your firearm. It will reduce lint and other debris, but you still have to clean and maintain your firearm.

Magazines

Those who carry a revolver don’t have to worry about a magazine. It’s amazing how many people neglect to care for the magazine; yet they also tend to accumulate lint, dirt, and dust. When you clean the gun, you should inspect, clean, and lubricate the magazine as well.

The best way to clean a magazine is to disassemble it and wipe it down. There is no universal disassembly for magazines, though many of them have a removable floor plate that allows the spring and follower to be removed. Some gun owners like to lightly rub the spring down with oil, but keep in mind oil attracts dust. I use a tiny amount on a microfiber cloth, and then go back over the spring with a good rub using a clean microfiber cloth to remove excess oil.

Check For Loose, or Damaged Parts

Most modern guns for sale can take the rigors of carry and abuse. The constant motion of carrying, being sat upon, bumped, and dropped can lead to a cracked grip or loose screws and pins. Routine inspection and providing needed maintenance will ensure your concealed carry pistol will be operable when you need it.

Cleaning Safely

The number one safety factor that gun owners must realize when cleaning and inspecting a weapon is to ensure it is unloaded. Keep in mind, even though you remove the magazine a round may still be in the chamber. Look into the chamber to ensure no round remains there. Then look into the barrel from the back side to confirm that there is no lodged round in the barrel. Do NOT look into the barrel from the front. Do not consider a gun unloaded until you have inspected the chamber as well as the barrel.

The number two cleaning safety rule is to keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, treat it as if it were still loaded and keep your finger off of the trigger! It’s a sobering fact to realize that more than half of non-intentional gunshot wounds occur during activities such as cleaning, repairing, loading, and unloading guns. Be safe and don’t be a statistic.

Cleaning at GrabAGun

GrabAGun offers an extensive inventory of guns for sale, including concealed carry pistols, concealed carry holsters, and gun cleaning kits for all of your firearm needs.

Choosing a Pistol for Self Defense

Choosing a self-defense pistol that you will be satisfied with is a lot like buying a car. There are many factors to consider and especially if you have any physical limitations such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are shopping for a weapon to carry on your person this guide can assist you in making an informed decision.

First, consider how and where you may use it. Will you carry it in a pocket holster, shoulder holster, belt holster or in a purse? While there are smaller guns ideal for concealed carry pistols, some people simply can’t handle them flawlessly. Those with larger hands and fingers especially prefer a larger gun.

Next, do you have disabilities that affect your hands? If so, keep in mind, the more recoil a pistol has, the more it’s likely to adversely affect a person with hand problems use of it, and higher recoil will affect their accuracy and comfort.

For example, if you have carpal tunnel syndrome the number of shots you are able to fire with accuracy will most likely be limited. In the event of a situation of grave threat of serious injury or death from a violent offender, accuracy as well as the number of well-placed shots you can fire off matters. This said, the less recoil a pistol has the more shots you will be able to fire with practiced accuracy when you have physical limitations.

Practice at the range is another consideration, ammo for larger caliber weapons generally cost more.

Any gun owner does well to practice often. If you are buying your first handgun, or if it’s been a while since you used one, take the time to learn from a certified professional instructor. Learning proper form and procedure will not only improve your accuracy, but will provide safety and legal considerations. If you use a gun incorrectly and lack accuracy it is of no use to you and can endanger yourself as well as anyone within range. Practice is the key to accurate and well placed shots with any gun.

9mm Pistols Are Generally Cheaper to Shoot

Ideally, a pistol that costs less to shoot, is more easily concealed, comfortable to hold, and provides reduced recoil is going to be a better fit and provides greater accuracy. In addition, you should consider the capacity.

For these reasons many experienced shooters prefer the 9mm pistol with its 15 to 17 shot capacity over the 5-8 shot capacity of revolvers and larger caliber weapons. It has the added bonus of being an effective pistol, with sufficient power to stop an attacker, especially when loaded with hollow point ammo. Most 9mm pistols use gun magazines, providing for a faster reload if necessary by carrying a spare.

Many gun enthusiasts recommend a good brand of 9mm pistol for self-defense due to its general reliability, reduced recoil providing improved accuracy and comfort, as well as an effective firearm for self-defense.

Self Defense Pistols at GrabAGun

Ultimately, choosing a pistol is an individual choice, your best bet is to use a professional and certified instructor on the range with a variety of options to determine which pistol is best suited for your personal needs.

Visit GrabAGun online for an extensive inventory of firearms for sale and accessories to provide for all of your needs.