Handguns play a key role in self-defense and personal safety. For those new to firearms, finding a suitable option can be tricky. Lightweight handguns offer a good starting point. They are easier to handle and carry, making them a smart choice for beginners.
There are many lightweight handguns on the market today. These guns strike a balance between power and usability. They allow new shooters to build skills and confidence. For those who want to be prepared at all times, these firearms can be a valuable tool.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ: Easy to Use Handgun
The M&P Shield EZ gun is made for simple use. It weighs about 23 ounces when empty, making it easy to carry. The slide moves back with little effort, which helps people who don’t have strong hands. This gun comes in two bullet sizes:
- 9mm
- .380 ACP
Users can pick the size that feels best when shooting. The EZ has a safety on the grip. This extra safety helps new gun owners feel more secure. The gun’s name “EZ” shows it was made to be user-friendly for all kinds of shooters.
Ruger LCP II
The Ruger LCP II is a compact pistol that packs a punch. Weighing just 10.6 ounces, it’s easy to carry and hide. This gun uses .380 ACP bullets, which can stop threats well.
The LCP II has better sights and a nicer trigger than older models. These upgrades make it easier for new shooters to use.
The LCP II fits in most pockets, making it a top pick for people who want a hidden but effective gun.
The Glock 43: A Compact Powerhouse
The Glock 43 is a small but mighty 9mm pistol. It weighs just over a pound, making it easy to carry all day. The slim design helps it stay hidden when concealed. This gun has few buttons and switches, which new shooters may like. It’s tough and rarely breaks down.
Many extra parts are available to customize the Glock 43. This lets owners change the gun as they get better at shooting.
SIG Sauer P365: A Compact Powerhouse
The SIG Sauer P365 is a small but mighty handgun. It weighs just 17.8 ounces but holds 10+1 rounds. The gun feels good in your hand and has a smooth trigger. Both new and skilled shooters like it for its size and ease of use.
SIG makes bigger magazines too. These can hold 12 or 15 bullets without making the gun much larger. This mix of small size and lots of bullets makes the P365 a top pick for many gun owners.
Walther CCP M2
The Walther CCP M2 is a user-friendly handgun with some helpful features. It has a gas system that makes shooting more comfortable. The gun weighs about 22 ounces, striking a balance between heft and ease of carry.
New shooters will like its smooth slide and comfortable grip. The M2 model is easy to take apart without tools, which makes cleaning simpler. This gun could be a good choice for those new to firearms or looking for a carry weapon.
Kahr CM9: A Compact 9mm for Everyday Carry
The Kahr CM9 is a small, light 9mm pistol. It weighs just 15.9 ounces empty. The gun has a long trigger pull that helps prevent accidents. This makes it good for new gun owners. The CM9 is easy to carry all day due to its simple design and low weight. Kahr builds their guns with tight parts, which helps the CM9 shoot very well for its size.
Beretta Pico
The Beretta Pico stands out as an ultra-slim .380 ACP pistol. Its width of just 0.725 inches makes it very easy to hide. At only 11.5 ounces, it’s super light to carry. The smooth shape helps prevent snagging when drawn. Gun owners can swap out grips and even change calibers thanks to its flexible design. These features make the Pico a top pick for those who want a small, hidden gun.
Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 38
The M&P Bodyguard 38 is a compact revolver weighing just 14.4 ounces. Its hammerless design allows for easy concealed carry. This .38 Special handgun packs sufficient stopping power while keeping recoil manageable. An integrated laser sight enhances accuracy, especially for newer shooters. The revolver’s simple operation and small size make it a popular choice for personal protection.
Ruger EC9s: Compact and Budget-Friendly
The Ruger EC9s packs 9mm power into a small, light frame. At just 17.2 ounces, it’s easy to carry all day. The gun has smooth edges and low-profile sights that won’t catch on clothes. This makes it great for hidden carry.
The EC9s is cheap but still well-made. It’s a good pick for new gun owners who want quality without spending too much. Ruger built this gun to last, even with its low price tag.
Kel-Tec P-32
The Kel-Tec P-32 is a very small and light gun. It weighs only 6.6 ounces when empty. This pistol uses .32 ACP bullets. The small size makes it easy to hide in a pocket. It has less kick when fired compared to bigger guns. The P-32 has a special design that helps control the recoil despite its tiny size.
Taurus G2C
The Taurus G2C packs a punch in a small package. This compact pistol holds 12+1 rounds of 9mm, weighing just 22 ounces. Its size makes it easy to carry, while still being useful for home protection.
These extras are rare in budget-friendly handguns. The G2C gives shooters options without breaking the bank.
Springfield Armory Hellcat
The Springfield Armory Hellcat is a small but mighty 9mm pistol. It holds 11 rounds in the magazine plus one in the chamber. The gun weighs just 18.3 ounces, making it easy to carry.
Some models come ready for adding sights. This lets shooters customize their Hellcat as they improve their skills. The standard version has a special front sight that glows in the dark, helping with aiming when it’s dim.
Kimber Micro 9
The Kimber Micro 9 is a small, lightweight handgun that weighs just 15.6 ounces. It takes cues from the classic 1911 design, with similar controls in a more compact form. This 9mm pistol blends power and ease of use.
The Micro 9 stands out with its all-metal build, giving it a solid, high-quality feel. Many shooters like its single-action trigger, which breaks cleanly without much force. This can help improve accuracy, especially for newer gun owners.
Ruger LC9s
The Ruger LC9s is a compact 9mm pistol that builds on the success of its predecessor. At just 17.2 ounces, this striker-fired handgun is incredibly lightweight. Its improved trigger makes it user-friendly, especially for those new to shooting. The gun’s slim design is ideal for concealed carry.
Safety features include a loaded chamber indicator. This lets users know if a round is ready to fire through visual and touch-based cues. The LC9s combines ease of use, portability, and safety in one package.
Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 2.0
The M&P Shield 2.0 is a popular handgun that builds on its predecessor’s success. It has better grip texture and an upgraded trigger. Weighing just 18.3 ounces, it’s easy to carry. The gun strikes a good balance between size, ease of use, and price. This makes it a top choice for both new and skilled shooters. Buyers can pick between models with or without a manual safety, based on what they prefer for carrying.
Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.