Choosing Your First Sporting Firearm: The Complete Guide for 2026

Your first gun is the one that will teach you everything—including what you don't want. This guide compiles what the community wishes they'd known before buying, starting with the uncomfortable truth: the gun is only half the budget.

The .22 LR first? The answer is almost always yes

Ammunition at 8 centimes, virtually no recoil, and shooting sessions twice as long for the same budget: the .22 LR remains the best way to learn to shoot. Shooters who have trained with a .22 LR objectively improve faster, as evidenced by their groupings with the 9×19 after one year.

The actual total budget

In addition to the firearm, you’ll need: an approved carrying case, a safe (required), active hearing protection, shooting glasses, cleaning supplies, a license, and club dues—and, most importantly, ammunition; 3,000 rounds in the first year is a typical amount. A realistic budget for the first year ranges from €2,000 to €3,000, including the firearm.

Rent Before You Buy

Most clubs offer guns on loan or for rent. Try shooting with at least three different models before making your choice: the best gun is the one that feels natural in your hand, not the one at the top of a forum ranking.

Checklist Before Your First Purchase

Try out several guns at the club before making your choice: you can’t tell how a gun feels in your hands just by reading the spec sheet. Plan for the full cost—not just the gun itself: an approved carrying case, protective gear, your first supply of ammunition, and cleaning supplies can easily add up to an additional 20 to 30 percent. And check out used guns at the gun shop: a well-maintained club gun with a clear history is often the best first purchase.