The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Choosing my first handgun - how much weight should I give to cleaning needs?

Nathan · June 10, 2025, 06:22 PM

I would love to tell you just the perfect gun to buy…..but that is a process. If easy cleaning is important to you, get a s&w m&p. That is my easiest cleaning gun. That said, m&p through 1911, they are all fine for basic cleaning.

My focus would be ergonomics, safety and maybe trigger feeling. Most SD handguns have a 4.5-6lb trigger, but some like the m&p just feel better to me.

You will know the perfect gun to buy after you buy one and start shooting and putting it to use. Only then will you know if it is good enough. That is the struggle with buying your first handgun.

June 10, 2025, 06:22 PM	#9
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,807	I would love to tell you just the perfect gun to buy…..but that is a process. If easy cleaning is important to you, get a s&w m&p. That is my easiest cleaning gun. That said, m&p through 1911, they are all fine for basic cleaning. My focus would be ergonomics, safety and maybe trigger feeling. Most SD handguns have a 4.5-6lb trigger, but some like the m&p just feel better to me. You will know the perfect gun to buy after you buy one and start shooting and putting it to use. Only then will you know if it is good enough. That is the struggle with buying your first handgun. Last edited by Nathan; June 10, 2025 at 10:35 PM.