Which pistol should I pick for concealed carry?

For concealed carry, consider compact or subcompact pistols that weigh under 28oz. Popular choices include striker-fired 9mm pistols with polymer frames for lightweight daily carry. Use our selector to find options matching your hand size and experience level.

What's the best handgun for beginners?

Beginners should look for pistols with manageable recoil, simple operation, and proven reliability. 9mm striker-fired pistols with polymer frames offer the best balance of ease-of-use, affordability, and training cost. Avoid high-recoil calibers and complex manual-of-arms.

Should I choose a polymer or metal frame pistol?

Polymer frames are lighter and better for carry, while metal frames (steel/aluminum) absorb recoil better and provide more stability for shooting. Choose based on your primary use case: carry weight vs shooting comfort.

What caliber should I choose: 9mm, .45 ACP, or 10mm?

9mm offers the best balance of manageable recoil, capacity, and affordable training ammo. .45 ACP and 10mm provide more stopping power but with increased recoil and cost. For most users, especially beginners, 9mm is the optimal choice.

What new guns were released at SHOT Show 2026?

The 2026 SHOT Show featured new pistol releases from major manufacturers. Browse our collection to see the latest 2026 handgun models, including new concealed carry pistols, competition guns, and innovative firearm designs debuted at SHOT Show 2026 in Las Vegas.

Where can I see the 2026 SHOT Show new pistols?

Gun Selector features all the new 2026 SHOT Show pistol releases. Filter by the 2026 SHOT Show badge to see the latest handgun models announced at the show, with detailed specs, pricing, and comparison tools.

Handgun Selector Tool: Find the Best Pistol for You (2026)

atlas

Atlas Ares

9mm | hammer | compact

atlas

Atlas Gunworks Athena

9mm | hammer | full

Specifications Comparison

Specification	Atlas Ares	Atlas Gunworks Athena
MSRP	$6400	$5500 Best
Capacity	16+1	20+1 Best
Weight	29 oz Best	40 oz
Barrel	4.25"	4.6" Best
Length	7.4" Best	8.25"
Height	5" Best	5.8"
Width	1.2" Best	1.4"
Frame	aluminum	steel
Optic Ready	Yes	Yes
Comfort Index	0.65	0.60 Best
Pocket Index	8.93" Best	10.08"