Frequently Asked Questions About Handguns at Dirty Bird Guns & Ammo

Purchasing requires adherence to federal and state regulations. Buyers must be 21, pass a background check using ATF Form 4473, and present valid identification. Some states, like California, require a Firearm Safety Certificate or waiting periods. Local laws vary, so confirm restrictions with a retailer like Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo before buying.

The cost of a Glock varies by model and features. A standard Glock 17 or 19 in 9mm typically ranges from $500 to $600 MSRP. Specialized models, such as the Glock 34 for competition or Glock 43X for concealed carry, may range from $600 to $700. Retail prices depend on customizations and availability at places like Dirty Bird.

Federal law permits buying a handgun online, but the firearm must ship to a licensed Federal Firearms License dealer for transfer. The buyer completes a background check and paperwork at the FFL. Retailers like Dirty Bird Guns and Ammo simplify this process, offering a variety of concealed carry and beginner-friendly handguns.

To clean, ensure it’s unloaded, then disassemble it according to the owner’s manual. Use a cleaning kit with solvent, brushes, and patches to clean the barrel, slide, and frame. Lightly lubricate moving parts and reassemble. Cleaning every 200-300 rounds prevents malfunctions. Store in a secure handgun safe for safety.

Top concealed carry guns prioritize size, capacity, and reliability. In 2025, recommended models include: Sig Sauer P365 (10+1, 3.1-inch barrel, 17.8 oz), Glock 43X (10+1, 3.41-inch barrel, 18.7 oz), Springfield Hellcat (11+1, 3-inch barrel, 18.3 oz), Smith & Wesson Shield Plus (13+1, 3.1-inch barrel, 20.2 oz), and Ruger Max-9 (12+1, 3.2-inch barrel, 18.4 oz). That said, we’ll take a Glock 19 any day and dress around it.

Power in a pistol is often vague, tied to muzzle energy or terminal ballistics. Among semi-autos, a 10mm like the Glock 20 delivers around 960 foot-pounds with 200-grain loads. For revolvers, the .44 Magnum, such as the Smith & Wesson Model 29, reaches 1,200 foot-pounds. Power hinges on caliber and ammunition choice.

A Glock is a polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-automatic pistol, typically chambered in 9mm or .40 S&W, produced by Glock GmbH. Its reliability, simplicity, and high capacity, like the 17-round Glock 17, make it a favorite for law enforcement and civilians. Extensive aftermarket support enhances its appeal for beginners.

Designed by John Browning, a 1911 is a single-action, semi-automatic pistol, often chambered in .45 ACP or 9mm. Its slim grip, crisp trigger, and manual safety set it apart. Modern 1911s, like the Springfield TRP, are valued for concealed carry and competition, though they demand regular upkeep.

For general use, a 9mm like the Glock 19 offers reliability, 15+1 capacity, and manageable recoil, fitting both home defense and carry. Ergonomics, durability, and ease of maintenance are critical. Testing models at a range helps identify the best fit.

Glocks are primarily manufactured in Deutsch-Wagram, Austria, by Glock GmbH. Some U.S.-market models are assembled in Smyrna, Georgia, but core components remain Austrian-made, ensuring consistent quality across models like those favored for concealed carry. Retailers like Dirty Bird stock a range of Glocks.

In California, carrying a handgun requires a Concealed Carry Weapon permit, issued by local sheriffs with strict criteria. Open carry is largely prohibited. California-compliant handguns, such as select Taurus 9mm models, must feature loaded chamber indicators and meet roster standards. Always verify local regulations before carrying.

Overheating is uncommon during typical use. A 9mm can usually fire 300-500 rounds in a session without issues, though the barrel may warm. Rapid-fire or high-powered calibers, like a 10mm, may heat sooner. Pause after 100-150 rounds to monitor temperature.

A double-action allows the trigger to cock and release the hammer, as seen in revolvers like the Smith & Wesson 686 or semi-autos like the Sig Sauer P226. Its heavier trigger pull, typically 8-12 pounds, enhances safety, making it a strong choice for self-defense handguns.

A striker-fired handgun, such as the Springfield Echelon or Glock 17, uses a spring-loaded striker instead of a hammer. It provides a consistent 5-6-pound trigger pull, no external safety, and straightforward operation, appealing to beginners and those seeking a reliable concealed carry pistol.

The Smith & Wesson XVR 460 Magnum revolver holds the title of the most powerful production handgun, delivering up to 2,400 foot-pounds with .460 S&W Magnum loads. It outpaces the .44 Magnum in energy, though its size limits practicality for home defense or carry.

A California-compliant pistol must be on the state’s approved roster, requiring features like a loaded chamber indicator, manual safety for some models, and passing drop tests. Examples include certain Taurus 9mm handguns and Glocks. Microstamping may apply. Retailers like Dirty Bird offer compliant options.

Effective home defense guns emphasize capacity and reliability. In 2025, top choices include the Glock 17 (17+1, 4.5-inch barrel), Sig Sauer P320 (17+1, 4.7-inch barrel), and Springfield Echelon (17+1, 4.5-inch barrel). Adding a handgun light, like the Streamlight TLR-1, aids low-light scenarios.

A rimfire pistol, such as the Ruger Mark IV, uses rimfire ammunition like .22 LR, where the primer is in the rim. Its low recoil and affordable ammo make it ideal for training, plinking, or small game hunting, though it’s less suited for self-defense.

Chambered in .380 ACP, a 380 handgun like the Sig Sauer P238 is compact, with 7-10 round capacity and mild recoil. It suits shooters seeking a handgun for women or a backup for concealed carry, though it’s less powerful than 9mm models.

The U.S. Marines use the Sig Sauer M18, a compact P320 in 9mm, adopted in 2019 for its 17+1 capacity and modularity. Issued to officers and select personnel, it replaced the Beretta M9 and performs well as a self-defense pistol.