Choosing my first handgun - how much weight should I give to cleaning needs?

[JJMarsh]

Hey everyone, new shooter here trying to pick my first handgun (leaning toward a polymer striker-fired 9mm). I've noticed some models like Glocks get praised for being "low maintenance," while others like 1911s seem to need more TLC.

How much should cleaning difficulty actually influence my decision as a beginner? For example:

Is a gun that's easier to field-strip better for learning proper maintenance habits?

Are there models that look simple to clean but have hidden pain points (like hard-to-reach firing pin channels)?

Does rust resistance (like Tenifer vs. blued steel) matter more if I can only clean weekly?

Not afraid to put in work, but don't want to pick something that'll frustrate me into bad habits. Appreciate any "wish I knew this sooner" advice!

[MC 1911]

I've never bought a gun based on how easy it is to clean. If it feels good in my hands and it shoots without issues that's what matters. Glocks may be "easy" to clean but I would never own one.

Don't over think it..find one you like and cleaning won't be an issue after doing it a couple times.

[jetinteriorguy]

Clean ability would be the last thing on my criteria list, in fact I’ve been shooting guns of all types for about 60 years and I’ve never given cleaning ease a single thought. With a polymer pistol I just hose out the innards with electrical contact cleaner followed by compressed air and oil sparingly only parts that absolutely need it. The reason for electric contact cleaner is it will dissolve gunk without harming plastic.

[jmr40]

I've never bought a gun based on how easy it is to clean.

I've not bought guns because they can be a PITA to clean. The original Ruger 22 pistols for example. There are other 22's that do the same thing, cost the same and are a lot easier to take apart and reassemble.

Most modern pistols incorporate some type of breakdown lever and are really easy to field strip for cleaning. Older designs like the 1911 can be a little more complicated but it isn't rocket science.

While noted for their rugged dependability Glocks are a little more difficult to break down but once again it isn't rocket science. Some don't like that you have to dry fire a Glock before it can be disassembled.

Blue finishes require a lot more attention to prevent surface rust and over time the blue is going to wear off leaving the bare metal exposed. It's going to happen if you use it. But on the other hand, I actually like the looks of a well-worn gun that you can tell has been used but not abused.

Stainless is easier to care for but I've found the various coatings such as tenifer to be even more durable. Some guns use SS with a coating over it.

Glock has to be near the top for consideration but don't overlook the Smith M&P series. As much as I respect Glock there are times when I prefer a manual safety. Most of the Smith pistols are available with, or without a manual safety. In a smaller gun the Sig 365 is another good one available with, or without a safety.

Ruger has a new pistol that externally looks like a Glock 19. They use the same holsters, magazines, and many other accessories interchange, but internally they are quite a bit different. Street price is right at $400. They have the cut for an optics too. A Glock with that cut is about $650.

If I were considering a Glock 19, I'd just as soon save $250 and get the Ruger.

[ligonierbill]

I bet the "wish I knew sooner" thing you'll find is the trigger. Trigger control is a key skill, one I'm still talking to myself about every range session. But you won't know what you like until you do some shooting with different pistols. For example, my first autoloader was a Glock. Fairly constant, surprised when it goes off, like it. Then I got one of the S&W M&Ps. It has a different "feel" that I disliked at first. But not for long. Now I shoot better with the Smith.

There are dozens of polymer striker-fired handguns out there. I'd say don't start with a small carry pistol. Buy from a maker with a good (and long earned) reputation, even if it costs more. And get shooting. Your first pistol will probably not be your last. And I can't argue with the S&W M&P as your first.

[Shoots Left]

I can only echo what others here have already stated and say that ease of cleaning ranks at or near the bottom of what criteria I would apply towards purchasing my first handgun. I wouldn’t get too hung up on a cleaning regimen. Modern autoloaders, by design, operate just fine with a little schmutz here and there, don’t sweat it.

Brand/model reputation and reliability would be at the top of my list. If you decide to go cheap then you’ll probably end up being more proficient in clearing stovepipes, etc than marksmanship.

And also I’ll second the recommendation to start out with a full size or compact autoloader as subs and micros are likely going to be more difficult to be accurate with.

Good luck. Have fun. Let us know what you end up doing.

[stompah]

First gun? Check out the Springfield XD series. Pull back the slide and rotate a lever. Easy to break down for a field strip cleaning.

Also has a grip safety which not a lot of polymer guns do.

Similar to a Glock it can be run dirty without issue.

[sinead]

First gun? Get a SA/DA revolver. Cleaning is a snap, simple manual of arms, not ammo sensitive, double action trigger will be a learning curve, single action trigger on a quality revolver (S&W or Ruger) is very crisp.

Caliber: If you go with 38 special or 357 don't get a lightweight gun, the recoil is harsh. This is also true with a polymer 9mm, don't go mini, stick with full size 25 ounces or more.

[Nathan]

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.

[JBB]

Congratulations on deciding to become a gun owner. Ease of cleaning isn’t really a major concern in gun purchase. Try a few before deciding, get with a friend or a range that rents them. There are lots of really good choices out there. A striker fired polymer pistol is a good choice, it’s really about personal preference.

[veprdude]

Springfield Armory XD series, Beretta 92, Sig Sauer all have easy disassembly. Glocks are a bit more tricky and require the trigger to be pulled prior to disassembly.

Many pistols can be quickly cleaned without a full disassembly.

1. Drop Magazine
2. Lock Slide
3. Run a BoreSnake through the barrel from chamber to muzzle
4. Run a microfiber towel through the magazine well
5. Add a bit of oil to the frame rails and any spot that shows wear/abrasion like the barrel where it contacts the slide
6. Wipe up extra oil

[Shadow9mm]

Good friend of mine got me stuck on a quote from one of his drill instructors

"A clean gun is a happy gun, and happy guns save lives!"

I clean my guns after EVERY range session.

about every month or so I will field strip, wipe them down, and lube them. Guns that are carried regularly next to the body tend to rust (sweat, body heat) and get full of dust bunnies (pocket lint, clothes shedding fibers). Gotta stay on top of their maintenance. And this is regardless of what you get, yes newer designs are more reliable when dirty, however I have seen even glock's malfunction when not properly maintained. I have never seen a clean gun malfunction unless it had a pre-exsisting mechanical issue.

I have had a number of handguns over the years several with different field strip methods. I would not pick a gun based on the way it field strips. When you get your gun, practice field stripping it. Take it apart, put it together maybe 10 times the first day, got comfortable with it. After that at least once a day for a months. You will be able to do with your eyes closed in 30 seconds after that, regardless of what you get.

I have owned and cleaned many handguns from several makers including glock, sig, walther, sccy, taurus, ruger, 1911's, FN, Bersa, EAA, Kel-tec, and probably a few I cant remember. Each had its own quirks, you just have to learn YOUR gun.

I will say, while I love the 1911 platform, they can be picky on ammo, specifically with defensive type hollow points. You may have to pick the options that runs well in your gun, not the option you prefer and you will need to shoot some defensive ammo out of it to make sure, which is generally not cheap.

[44 AMP]

Hey everyone, new shooter here trying to pick my first handgun (leaning toward a polymer striker-fired 9mm).

I am old school about this, having grown up in a different time might have something to do with it.

I believe the first handgun you learn to use should be a .22LR. And I think a single shot or a revolver is better than a semi auto for complete beginners. The focus should be on learning to shoot a handgun, and hitting a target. Learning how to aim, and shoot (and doing it slowly to begin with) are the first baby steps. A .22LR is the lowest cost option generally available.

The rest of learning how to use a handgun, for sport or personal defense should come AFTERWARDS.

The first handgun I bought was a Browning BDA .45, in 1980. BUT, I had learned to shoot handguns years earlier using the pistols that belonged to my parents, beginning with .22s and working up to larger calibers after that.

Learn to walk, before trying to run. You'll fall down a lot less often!

[Ricklin]

Range sessions are both dramatically cheaper and much longer when your choice for starting out is a .22 Ammo cost really favors learning to shoot a handgun using .22. TV and movies make it look really easy to be accurate with a handgun, as usual reality differs. Another great option are the C02 pistols that mimic their powder burning cousins.