Try Before You Buy Firearms in Denver: The Smart Way to Choose Your First Gun
Why Buying a Gun Without Shooting It First Is a Mistake
Imagine buying a car without a test drive. Sounds crazy, right?
Yet every day, new gun owners walk into a store, point at a firearm in the display case, and purchase it without ever firing a single round.
At Damage Factory in Greenwood Village, we’ve seen countless customers discover that the firearm they thought they wanted wasn’t the firearm they actually shot best.
The smartest approach is simple:
Try before you buy.
This guide explains how to choose the right firearm, what mistakes to avoid, Colorado laws every new buyer should understand, and how to test multiple firearms before making a purchase.
Quick Answer
For most first-time firearm owners, we recommend starting with:
- Glock 19
- Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact
- Sig Sauer P365 XMacro
- Springfield Echelon Compact
- CZ P10C
However, the best firearm for you depends on:
- Hand size
- Experience level
- Intended use
- Recoil tolerance
- Comfort and confidence
The best way to determine this is by shooting multiple firearms before purchasing.
Top Firearm Recommendations for New Shooters
| Firearm | Best For | Capacity | Recoil | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glock 19 | All-around use | 15 | Low | Easy |
| M&P 2.0 Compact | All-around use | 15 | Low | Easy |
| P365 XMacro | Concealed carry | 12-17 | Moderate | Easy |
| Springfield Echelon Compact | Modern features | 15 | Low | Easy |
| CZ P10C | Value and reliability | 15 | Low | Easy |
Why “The Best Gun” Doesn’t Exist
One of the biggest misconceptions among new buyers is believing there’s a universally perfect firearm.
There isn’t.
A firearm that fits one person’s hands perfectly may feel awkward to another shooter. That’s why rental ranges and guided experiences exist. The goal isn’t to buy the most popular gun. The goal is to buy the gun that you shoot accurately, safely, and confidently.
Colorado Firearm Laws Every Buyer Should Know
Colorado firearm laws change regularly, and buyers should always verify current requirements before purchasing.
Some important considerations include:
- Background checks are required for firearm purchases.
- Colorado currently has waiting period requirements.
- Magazine capacity restrictions may apply.
- Concealed carry permits have separate requirements.
- Certain state regulations continue to evolve and may be challenged through ongoing litigation.
Before purchasing a firearm, ensure you understand all applicable state and federal laws.
When in doubt, speak with a qualified firearms professional.
How To Try Before You Buy
At Damage Factory, many first-time shooters discover their ideal firearm after trying several options side by side.
A typical process looks like this:
Step 1: Identify Your Goal
Are you buying for:
- Home defense?
- Concealed carry?
- Recreation?
- Family protection?
- General ownership?
Step 2: Test Multiple Firearms
Shoot several options within the same category.
Examples:
- Glock 19
- M&P 2.0 Compact
- P365 XMACRO
- CZ P10C
Step 3: Evaluate Comfort
Ask yourself:
- Does it fit my hand?
- Can I reach the controls comfortably?
- Is the recoil manageable?
- Am I shooting accurately?
Step 4: Compare Results
Most shooters are surprised by which firearm performs best for them.
Step 5: Make an Informed Purchase
Purchase the firearm that performs best in your hands—not the one someone on YouTube recommended.
Many first-time gun owners from Centennial, Parker, and Highlands Ranch visit Damage Factory specifically to test multiple firearms before making a purchase.
The Top 5 Mistakes New Gun Buyers Make
1. Buying the Smallest Gun
Smaller guns are usually harder to shoot.
More recoil.
Shorter sight radius.
Less forgiveness.
Many beginners actually shoot a compact firearm better than a micro-compact.
2. Buying Based on Internet Opinions
Forums and YouTube videos are helpful.
They’re not a substitute for personal experience.
What works for someone else may not work for you.
3. Choosing Appearance Over Performance
A firearm can look amazing and still be a poor fit.
Performance matters more than aesthetics.
4. Skipping Training
A quality class often improves performance more than any accessory.
Invest in education.
5. Buying Before Renting
This is the most expensive mistake.
Testing multiple firearms can save hundreds of dollars and years of frustration.
Why New Gun Owners Choose Damage Factory
Damage Factory was built around the belief that firearm ownership should be approachable, educational, and fun.
Our beginner-friendly programs include:
- Love At First Gun
- Guided firearm experiences
- Firearm rentals
- First-time buyer assistance
- Membership options
- Retail firearm sales
Our goal is simple:
Help you find the firearm that works best for you.
Best First Guns We Recommend Most Often At Damage Factory
Glock 19
Best overall.
Sig P365 Series
Best for concealed carry.
Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact
Best value.
Springfield Echelon Compact
Best modern option.
CZ P10C
Best budget-conscious shooter.
These recommendations are based on feedback from hundreds of first-time shooters visiting Damage Factory in Greenwood Village.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best first gun for a beginner?
For most new shooters, a compact 9mm handgun is the best place to start. Popular choices include the Glock 19, Sig Sauer P365 series, Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact, Springfield Echelon Compact, and CZ P10C. The most important factor is finding a firearm that fits your hands comfortably and that you can shoot confidently and accurately.
2. Should my first firearm be a pistol, shotgun, or rifle?
Most first-time gun owners choose a handgun because it is versatile, easier to store, and commonly used for home defense and concealed carry. However, the right choice depends on your intended use. A firearm instructor can help determine which platform best fits your needs.
3. Is a Glock 19 a good first gun?
Yes. The Glock 19 is one of the most popular handguns in America because it is reliable, easy to operate, and suitable for both home defense and concealed carry. It is often considered one of the best all-around choices for new gun owners.
4. What caliber should a first-time gun owner choose?
For most beginners, 9mm is the recommended caliber. It offers manageable recoil, affordable ammunition, good magazine capacity, and proven defensive performance. It is also one of the most widely available calibers on the market.
5. Is 9mm enough for home defense?
Yes. Modern defensive 9mm ammunition is widely used by law enforcement agencies and responsible gun owners throughout the country. When combined with proper training and shot placement, 9mm is an effective option for home defense.
6. What is the easiest handgun for a beginner to shoot accurately?
Generally, larger compact or full-size handguns are easier to shoot than ultra-small concealed carry pistols. Models such as the Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Compact, and Springfield Echelon often provide an excellent balance of size, control, and shootability.
7. How much should I spend on my first firearm?
Many quality beginner handguns fall between $400 and $700. Remember to budget for ammunition, eye protection, ear protection, training, and a secure storage solution. The firearm is only one part of becoming a responsible gun owner.
8. Can I rent a firearm before buying one?
Absolutely. Renting firearms is one of the smartest ways to determine which firearm fits you best. Shooting several models side by side often reveals major differences in comfort, recoil, accuracy, and confidence.
9. Can I visit a gun range if I don’t own a gun?
Yes. Many indoor shooting ranges offer firearm rentals, ammunition, eye protection, and ear protection. First-time shooters are welcome and can often receive guidance from range staff and instructors.
10. What do I need to bring to a shooting range?
Most ranges require a valid government-issued ID. If you do not own equipment, many ranges offer rentals and safety gear. Comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are also recommended.
11. Do I need previous experience to shoot at a range?
No experience is necessary. Many people visit a shooting range for the first time with little or no firearm knowledge. Beginner-friendly ranges and instructors can help you learn safe firearm handling and basic shooting fundamentals.
12. How many different firearms should I try before making a purchase?
We recommend trying at least three to five firearms before making a decision. Comparing multiple options helps you identify differences in grip comfort, recoil, trigger feel, and overall confidence.
13. What’s the difference between a full-size, compact, and micro-compact handgun?
Full-size handguns are generally easier to shoot but larger to carry. Compact handguns offer a balance of shootability and concealability. Micro-compacts are easier to conceal but can be more challenging for new shooters due to their smaller size and increased recoil.
14. Is a smaller handgun easier for beginners?
Not necessarily. Many beginners assume smaller means easier, but the opposite is often true. Smaller firearms usually produce more felt recoil and offer less grip surface, making them harder to control and shoot accurately.
15. Can couples shoot together?
Yes. Shooting can be a fun and memorable activity for couples. Many ranges offer beginner-friendly experiences designed specifically for two people to learn and shoot together in a safe environment.
16. Is shooting safe for first-time gun owners?
Yes, when proper safety rules are followed. Safe firearm handling, proper supervision, and quality instruction help create a safe and enjoyable experience for new shooters.
17. Are beginner firearm classes worth taking?
Absolutely. A quality beginner class can dramatically improve safety, confidence, and shooting performance. Many experienced shooters wish they had taken formal training earlier in their firearm journey.
18. What are the most common mistakes first-time gun buyers make?
Common mistakes include buying a firearm without trying it first, purchasing the smallest gun available, skipping professional training, focusing only on price, and choosing a firearm based solely on internet reviews.
19. Can I buy a firearm and take it home the same day in Colorado?
Colorado firearm laws change periodically and may include waiting periods and other requirements. Buyers should always verify current state and federal regulations before making a purchase.
20. How do I know which firearm is right for me?
The best firearm is the one that fits your hands comfortably, allows you to shoot accurately, and gives you confidence. The most effective way to find the right firearm is to try several options before purchasing and seek guidance from experienced instructors.
Ready To Try Before You Buy?
Don’t guess.
Test multiple firearms, receive professional guidance, and make an informed decision before purchasing.
Schedule your beginner experience at Damage Factory today and discover which firearm is truly right for you.
