{"id":709,"date":"2023-01-13T23:19:14","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T23:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=709"},"modified":"2023-01-13T23:19:14","modified_gmt":"2023-01-13T23:19:14","slug":"how-to-choose-your-first-semi-auto-handgun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/?p=709","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose Your First Semi-Auto Handgun"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"player-inline-wrapper no-margin-top\">\n<div class=\"video-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<iframe class=\"player-inline\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/785769784?h=5ff81c5556&amp;api=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"byline\">By <a class=\"byline-author ajax-home\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/author\/steven-behnke\/\">Steven Behnke<\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"dropcap\">W<\/span>hat is the best semi-auto handgun to buy as your first handgun? That is a loaded question. However, we can dive in and narrow the search down. When picking your first semi-auto handgun, there are a couple of things to consider.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38681\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/first-semi-auto-handgun.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/first-semi-auto-handgun-800x509.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/first-semi-auto-handgun-400x254.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/first-semi-auto-handgun-768x488.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/first-semi-auto-handgun-600x381.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How do you select your first semi-automatic handgun? The author offers some considerations and\u00a0recommendations.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Some of the most important things to consider are purpose and cost. My intention isn\u2019t to tell you exactly which handgun you need, rather to help\u00a0<em>you<\/em>\u00a0decide what is best for your situation and desire.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The first consideration is Purpose. What is your intended use for this handgun? Do you intend to conceal this handgun for self-defense? Do you want something that you can just bring to a range and enjoy? Do you want something for home defense? Do you want to start training for competition?<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-38682\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-600x338.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/size-differences-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These two pistols are excellent defensive tools (<span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite Tactical OSP 9mm, rear; Hellcat Pro 9mm, front), but each offers its own unique\u00a0advantages.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A firearm is a tool, and tools are designed for specific purposes. Finding that purpose will help you narrow down the search. In this article, I selected several different semi-auto handguns to take a closer look at.<\/p>\n<h2>Cost Factor<\/h2>\n<p>The second consideration is cost. I am not talking about just the cost of the gun itself; I am talking about magazines and more importantly \u2026 ammunition. Ammo is expensive, and practice is essential. If you decide on a firearm that uses more costly ammunition, you might not be as likely to practice as frequently as you should. Less practice time could compromise your level of proficiency.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-38683\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-600x337.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"787\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911.jpg\" alt=\"springfield 1911\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-1911-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">For more than 100 years, the 1911-style pistol has been an exceptional combat arm. It still holds a place in the 21st\u00a0century.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>To keep things in perspective, in this crazy day and age with ammo costs, 9mm is about 2\/3rds the cost of .45 ACP, and .45 ACP is about 2\/3rds the cost of 10mm. Modern defensive 9mm loads can be very potent and have impressive ballistic performance, so you might not need a \u201cbigger bore\u201d round.<\/p>\n<h2>Firearms to Consider<\/h2>\n<p>I have put together a list of four semi-auto handguns. Each of these guns have unique traits that serve a purpose.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-38684\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-600x338.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp.jpg\" alt=\"xd-m elite osp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite Tactical OSP 9mm is a great choice for home defense, and even for CCW if you can conceal\u00a0it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wringing-out-the-xd-m-elite-tactical-osp\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite Tactical OSP 9mm<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>This gun is\u00a0<em>packed<\/em>\u00a0with features. Between the threaded barrel, extended magwell, optics and full-size frame, this tactical nail driver really has it all. The relative drawback of this gun is the large size. If your intention is to carry concealed for self-defense, or you just don\u2019t need all those features, this might not be the best option. However, if you do not intend to conceal and want a very high-performance firearm that won\u2019t cost an arm and a leg, I would give this a serious look.<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter inline\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"display: none;\" class=\"logo-tal-icon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/themes\/thearmorylife\/img\/logo-tal-tm-icon.svg\" alt=\"\"\/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Live The Armory Life.<\/strong> The latest content straight to your inbox plus an automatic entry to each of our <a class=\"ajax-giveaways\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/giveaways\/\"><strong>monthly gun\u00a0giveaways!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong><a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/review-springfield-armory-9mm-garrison-1911\/\">Garrison 9mm 1911<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>I am a sucker for 1911\u2019s. They are classy, elegant, and have a design that dates back over a century. 1911 firearms have incredibly smooth triggers and are typically constructed of all-metal components. A 1911 can be an absolute pleasure to shoot on the range and even to start dabbling in some single-stack competition.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-38685\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-800x427.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-400x214.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-768x410.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-600x321.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"748\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison.jpg\" alt=\"springfield garrison\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-800x427.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-400x214.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-768x410.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/springfield-garrison-600x321.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chambered in 9mm, the Springfield Armory Garrison offers the great ergonomics of a 1911 with the soft recoil of\u00a0a\u00a09mm.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Garrison, chambered in 9mm, makes this 1911 a very soft shooter. This can lead to more practice time due to the level of comfort it brings. The downside to any 1911 (in my humble opinion) is the limited capacity. The Garrison 9mm 1911 has a 9+1 round capacity, which is limited when compared to modern double-stack options. If your intention is for home defense, a range gun or even to conceal, this could be a great pick.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/review-springfield-armory-xd-m-elite-3-8-compact-osp-10mm\/\"><span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite Compact 3.8\u201d OSP 10mm<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>The 10mm is an extremely powerful round that really excels in semi-auto handguns. In my opinion, this is great for self-defense in the wilderness where two- and four-legged predators can be a threat. Of course, this can be used for any self-defense situation.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-image-38686\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm.jpg.webp 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-800x450.jpg.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-400x225.jpg.webp 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-768x432.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-600x338.jpg.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm.jpg\" alt=\"xd-m elite osp 10mm\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-400x225.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/xd-m-elite-osp-10mm-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Modern pistols like this <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite 3.8\u2033 OSP combine excellent accuracy, superior ergonomics and unquestionable reliability <span class=\"nowrap\">for self-defense.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The two major drawbacks with a 10mm for a first handgun are the stout recoil and the general cost of the round. 10mm costs quite a bit more than a 9mm to feed, and the recoil can be a bit tiresome for an inexperienced shooter. Though this firearm performs well, it might not be the best option for your first. But if you want something for bear country, then have at it!<\/p>\n<p><strong><a class=\"ajax-article\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/ayoob-springfield-hellcat-pro-review\/\">Hellcat Pro 9mm<\/a>:\u00a0<\/strong>Springfield has been making the Hellcat for several years now. It is a tried-and-true model. For a concealed carry option, the Hellcat Pro really excels in that category. Due to its compact size and excellent capacity of 15+1 rounds of 9mm, the Hellcat Pro really makes a great firearm for someone that wants something for everyday carry or general self-defense.<\/p>\n<p>The major drawback of any compact pistol is the recoil. Though this is a 9mm, the small frame and light weight characteristics combined can make this gun a bit snappy compared to something like the Garrison or the <span class=\"nowrap\">XD-M<\/span> Elite Tactical OSP.<\/p>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>At the end of the day, consumers have some great options out there. However, before you buy you need to remember a firearm is a tool. Defining the purpose of that tool is a critical step when deciding what your first handgun should be.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t get me wrong, shooting is very enjoyable and one of my passions in life. Just because a firearm is a tool does not mean that tool can\u2019t be enjoyable. Something that is often not taken into consideration is the likelihood of practice time. A firearm is useless if you are not willing to practice in order to become proficient. Pick what best suits your needs, and make sure you\u00a0<em>want<\/em>\u00a0to practice with it.<\/p>\n<p><em>Editor\u2019s Note: Please be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the \u201cGo To Forum Thread\u201d link below to jump in and discuss this article and much more!<\/em><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-forum-thread hide-share\"><span>Join the Discussion<\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"forum-thread-button-wrapper hide-share\"><a class=\"button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/forum\/threads\/13871\/\">Go to forum thread<\/a><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"heading heading-featured hide-share\"><span>Featured in this video<\/span><\/h5>\n<section class=\"featured hide-share grid-two\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-xdm \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/xd-series-handguns\/xd-m-elite-handguns\/xd-m-elite-45-osp-threaded-9mm-handgun-desert-fde\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-9mm\">9<sup>mm<\/sup><\/span><\/span>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 95%; margin-bottom: .9rem;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/XDMET9459FHCOSP.png\" alt=\"XD-M\u00ae Elite 4.5&quot; OSP\u2122\"\/>&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>XD-M\u00ae <span>Elite 4.5&#8243; OSP\u2122<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-1911 \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/1911-series-handguns\/1911-garrison-handguns\/1911-garrison-9mm-handgun-stainless\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-9mm\">9<sup>mm<\/sup><\/span><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 100%; margin-top: 1rem; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PX9419S.png.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/PX9419S.png\" alt=\"1911 Garrison\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>1911 <span>Garrison<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-xdm \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/xd-series-handguns\/xd-m-elite-handguns\/xd-m-elite-38-compact-osp-10mm-handgun-whex-dragonfly\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-10mm\">10<sup>mm<\/sup><\/span><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/XDME93810CBHCOSPD.png.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/XDME93810CBHCOSPD.png\" alt=\"XD-M\u00ae Elite 3.8&quot; Compact OSP\u2122 w\/ HEX Dragonfly\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>XD-M\u00ae <span>Elite 3.8&#8243; Compact OSP\u2122 w\/ HEX Dragonfly<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"product series-hellcat \" href=\"https:\/\/www.springfield-armory.com\/hellcat-series-handguns\/hellcat-pro-handguns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"caliber\"><span class=\"cal-\"\/><\/span>&#13;\n\t\t\t\t\t<picture loading=\"lazy\" style=\"max-width: 84%; margin-top: 3.3rem; margin-bottom: 0.6rem;\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/HCP9379BOSP.png.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/HCP9379BOSP.png\" alt=\"Hellcat\u00ae Pro Series\"\/>\n<\/picture>\n&#13;<\/p>\n<h3>Hellcat\u00ae <span>Pro Series<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>&#13;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/section>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thearmorylife.com\/how-to-choose-your-first-semi-auto-handgun\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Steven Behnke What is the best semi-auto handgun to buy as your first handgun? That is a loaded question. However, we can dive in and narrow the search down. When picking your first semi-auto handgun, there are a couple of things to consider. How do you select your first semi-automatic handgun? The author offers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":710,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-709","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/709","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=709"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/709\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/710"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=709"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=709"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gunowner-news.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=709"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}