Handguns

Handguns offer a compact and powerful solution for concealed carry, range time, and personal defense. At Pathfinder Militaria in Madison, WI, we carry a wide selection of Semi-Auto Handguns, Revolvers, and Single-Shot Models. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned shooter, our inventory supports a variety of shooting styles and preferences. Don’t forget to pair your handgun with Handgun Ammunition and Magazines for a complete range kit. Backed by fast shipping and expert support, we help you find the right sidearm for your needs.

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Handguns for Carry, Defense, and Range Use

At Pathfinder Militaria, located in Madison, WI, we offer a full lineup of Handguns designed for concealed carry, sport shooting, and personal defense. Our inventory includes semi-auto pistols, revolvers, and single-shot models, giving shooters of all experience levels the reliability and accuracy they demand. As part of our firearm selection, handguns pair seamlessly with Handgun Ammunition and Handgun Magazines to complete your kit. Whether you are training at the range or choosing a trusted everyday carry sidearm, Pathfinder Militaria helps customers in Madison, WI make confident handgun choices.

What is a Handgun?

A handgun is a compact, short-barreled firearm designed to be fired with one or two hands. Unlike rifles or shotguns, handguns are prized for portability and concealability, making them ideal for self-defense and personal protection. They are also widely used in target shooting and competitive disciplines where quick handling and accuracy matter.

Key Parts of a Handgun

  • Action – Semi-automatic or revolver mechanisms that load, fire, and eject cartridges.
  • Barrel – Directs the projectile; shorter than rifles, typically 3 to 6 inches in length.
  • Frame – The core structure that houses the firing mechanism and supports the slide or cylinder.
  • Slide or Cylinder – On semi-autos, the slide chambers rounds; on revolvers, the cylinder rotates cartridges.
  • Magazine – Semi-autos use detachable magazines, while revolvers rely on cylinders.
  • Sights – Fixed, adjustable, or optical enhancements for accurate aiming.

Types of Handguns

  • Semi Auto Hanguns – Popular for defense and sport; use magazines for rapid reloading.
  • Revolvers – Known for mechanical simplicity and reliability, with cylinders that hold multiple rounds.
  • Single Shot Handguns – Traditional models prized by collectors and target shooters.
  • Compact and Subcompact Handguns – Designed for concealed carry, with smaller frames and lighter weight.
  • Full Size Handguns – Ideal for range use, duty carry, or competitive shooting where control and capacity matter.

Caliber and Compatibility

Handguns are chambered in a wide range of calibers to match different purposes. Popular defensive calibers include 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP for semi-auto pistols. Revolvers often use .357 Magnum or .38 Special, balancing power with controllability. Compact and single-shot handguns may be chambered in smaller rounds for training or specialized shooting. At Pathfinder Militaria, we guide customers in pairing their handgun with the right ammunition and magazines for reliability and performance.

Maintenance and Best Practices

Routine care ensures your handgun stays accurate and dependable:

  • Clean the barrel and chamber after each range trip.
  • Keep the slide rails and moving parts lightly lubricated.
  • Inspect magazines or cylinders for wear and proper spring tension.
  • Store handguns in a secure safe or case when not in use.
  • Practice safe handling: always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Leading Handgun Brands at Pathfinder Militaria

  • Beretta – A world leader in semi-auto pistols, offering models for military, law enforcement, and civilians.
  • CMMG – Known for innovative designs and pistol-caliber platforms, delivering versatility and modern styling.
  • Global Ordnance – Distributes a variety of dependable handguns built for reliability and affordability.
  • Mossberg – Expanding beyond shotguns, Mossberg handguns provide rugged, practical sidearms.
  • Savage – Offers precision-focused pistols and compact models designed for accuracy and ergonomics.

With these trusted brands, Pathfinder Militaria ensures quality handguns for every application.

Applications of Handguns

  • Concealed Carry – Compact and subcompact handguns designed for everyday defense.
  • Home and Personal Defense – Reliable semi-autos and revolvers chambered in proven defensive calibers.
  • Competition and Range Shooting – Full-size pistols with higher capacity and refined triggers for accuracy.
  • Recreational Shooting – Affordable handguns for casual target practice and training.

Legal and Safety Notes

Handgun ownership is regulated at federal, state, and local levels. Always verify requirements for permits, background checks, and magazine capacity restrictions in your jurisdiction. Safe practices include secure storage, responsible carry, and ongoing training. At Pathfinder Militaria, we emphasize compliance and safety alongside firearm performance.

Why Buy Handguns at Pathfinder Militaria

At Pathfinder Militaria in Madison, WI, we offer a wide selection of handguns from Beretta, CMMG, Global Ordnance, Mossberg, and Savage. Our staff helps match sidearms to your purpose, whether for concealed carry, sport, or defense, and ensures you find compatible magazines and ammunition. With expert support, fast delivery, and trusted brands, we make handgun shopping straightforward and reliable. Shop handguns online today at Pathfinder Militaria.

Handguns FAQs

What is the best handgun caliber for self-defense?

Most shooters choose 9mm for its balance of stopping power, affordability, and manageable recoil.

Are revolvers more reliable than semi-auto pistols?

Revolvers are mechanically simpler and less prone to malfunctions, while semi-autos offer higher capacity and faster reloads.

Can I carry a handgun concealed in Wisconsin?

Yes, with the proper concealed carry permit. Pathfinder Militaria recommends checking Wisconsin state law for details.

Do I need special magazines for compact pistols?

Yes. Compact and subcompact pistols often require shorter magazines, though some can accept extended versions for range use.

How often should I practice with my handgun?

Frequent practice improves accuracy and safe handling. Many experts recommend at least one live-fire session per month combined with dry-fire drills.

Handguns for Carry, Defense, and Range Use

At Pathfinder Militaria, located in Madison, WI, we offer a full lineup of Handguns designed for concealed carry, sport shooting, and personal defense. Our inventory includes semi-auto pistols, revolvers, and single-shot models, giving shooters of all experience levels the reliability and accuracy they demand. As part of our firearm selection, handguns pair seamlessly with Handgun Ammunition and Handgun Magazines to complete your kit. Whether you are training at the range or choosing a trusted everyday carry sidearm, Pathfinder Militaria helps customers in Madison, WI make confident handgun choices.

What is a Handgun?

A handgun is a compact, short-barreled firearm designed to be fired with one or two hands. Unlike rifles or shotguns, handguns are prized for portability and concealability, making them ideal for self-defense and personal protection. They are also widely used in target shooting and competitive disciplines where quick handling and accuracy matter.

Key Parts of a Handgun

  • Action – Semi-automatic or revolver mechanisms that load, fire, and eject cartridges.
  • Barrel – Directs the projectile; shorter than rifles, typically 3 to 6 inches in length.
  • Frame – The core structure that houses the firing mechanism and supports the slide or cylinder.
  • Slide or Cylinder – On semi-autos, the slide chambers rounds; on revolvers, the cylinder rotates cartridges.
  • Magazine – Semi-autos use detachable magazines, while revolvers rely on cylinders.
  • Sights – Fixed, adjustable, or optical enhancements for accurate aiming.

Types of Handguns

  • Semi Auto Hanguns – Popular for defense and sport; use magazines for rapid reloading.
  • Revolvers – Known for mechanical simplicity and reliability, with cylinders that hold multiple rounds.
  • Single Shot Handguns – Traditional models prized by collectors and target shooters.
  • Compact and Subcompact Handguns – Designed for concealed carry, with smaller frames and lighter weight.
  • Full Size Handguns – Ideal for range use, duty carry, or competitive shooting where control and capacity matter.

Caliber and Compatibility

Handguns are chambered in a wide range of calibers to match different purposes. Popular defensive calibers include 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP for semi-auto pistols. Revolvers often use .357 Magnum or .38 Special, balancing power with controllability. Compact and single-shot handguns may be chambered in smaller rounds for training or specialized shooting. At Pathfinder Militaria, we guide customers in pairing their handgun with the right ammunition and magazines for reliability and performance.

Maintenance and Best Practices

Routine care ensures your handgun stays accurate and dependable:

  • Clean the barrel and chamber after each range trip.
  • Keep the slide rails and moving parts lightly lubricated.
  • Inspect magazines or cylinders for wear and proper spring tension.
  • Store handguns in a secure safe or case when not in use.
  • Practice safe handling: always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until ready to fire.

Leading Handgun Brands at Pathfinder Militaria

  • Beretta – A world leader in semi-auto pistols, offering models for military, law enforcement, and civilians.
  • CMMG – Known for innovative designs and pistol-caliber platforms, delivering versatility and modern styling.
  • Global Ordnance – Distributes a variety of dependable handguns built for reliability and affordability.
  • Mossberg – Expanding beyond shotguns, Mossberg handguns provide rugged, practical sidearms.
  • Savage – Offers precision-focused pistols and compact models designed for accuracy and ergonomics.

With these trusted brands, Pathfinder Militaria ensures quality handguns for every application.

Applications of Handguns

  • Concealed Carry – Compact and subcompact handguns designed for everyday defense.
  • Home and Personal Defense – Reliable semi-autos and revolvers chambered in proven defensive calibers.
  • Competition and Range Shooting – Full-size pistols with higher capacity and refined triggers for accuracy.
  • Recreational Shooting – Affordable handguns for casual target practice and training.

Legal and Safety Notes

Handgun ownership is regulated at federal, state, and local levels. Always verify requirements for permits, background checks, and magazine capacity restrictions in your jurisdiction. Safe practices include secure storage, responsible carry, and ongoing training. At Pathfinder Militaria, we emphasize compliance and safety alongside firearm performance.

Why Buy Handguns at Pathfinder Militaria

At Pathfinder Militaria in Madison, WI, we offer a wide selection of handguns from Beretta, CMMG, Global Ordnance, Mossberg, and Savage. Our staff helps match sidearms to your purpose, whether for concealed carry, sport, or defense, and ensures you find compatible magazines and ammunition. With expert support, fast delivery, and trusted brands, we make handgun shopping straightforward and reliable. Shop handguns online today at Pathfinder Militaria.

Handguns FAQs

What is the best handgun caliber for self-defense?

Most shooters choose 9mm for its balance of stopping power, affordability, and manageable recoil.

Are revolvers more reliable than semi-auto pistols?

Revolvers are mechanically simpler and less prone to malfunctions, while semi-autos offer higher capacity and faster reloads.

Can I carry a handgun concealed in Wisconsin?

Yes, with the proper concealed carry permit. Pathfinder Militaria recommends checking Wisconsin state law for details.

Do I need special magazines for compact pistols?

Yes. Compact and subcompact pistols often require shorter magazines, though some can accept extended versions for range use.

How often should I practice with my handgun?

Frequent practice improves accuracy and safe handling. Many experts recommend at least one live-fire session per month combined with dry-fire drills.

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