Semi-automatic handguns are the most popular choice for everyday carry, home defense, and range shooting. They’re reliable, easy to maintain and reload, and available in a wide range of sizes and calibers to fit just about anyone.
Whether you’re looking for a full-size duty pistol, a compact carry gun, or something built for competition, Alexander’s carries a strong selection of semi-autos from the brands gun owners trust the most. Browse our inventory and find the right pistol for your needs. Not sure which semi-auto is right for you? Give us a call and we’ll help you pick one out! Call us at 706-745-3131
The main difference is size. A full-size pistol is usually easier to shoot because it has a longer grip, longer barrel, and a little more weight to help with recoil. A compact pistol is kind of the middle ground: still very shootable, but easier to carry. A subcompact is smaller and easier to conceal, but it can be a little snappier and harder to grip, especially if you have bigger hands.
For most people, 9mm is the best all-around choice for daily carry. It is easy to find, usually more affordable to practice with, has manageable recoil, and most modern 9mm defensive ammo performs well. Some folks still like .380 ACP for very small carry guns, and others prefer .45 ACP or 10mm, but for the average person carrying every day, 9mm is usually the sweet spot.
There are a lot of good ones, but some of the brands we see people come back to over and over are Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, Ruger, Walther, FN, CZ, Heckler & Koch, and Canik. The “best” brand really depends on what you like in your hand, what you shoot well, and what you’re using it for. We’d rather help you find the right pistol than just push one brand because it’s popular online.
Buying a handgun online is pretty straightforward, but it still has to go through the normal legal process. You choose the handgun, check out online, and the firearm is shipped to a licensed FFL dealer. If you’re local, you can select Alexander’s for the transfer or in-store pickup when available. Once the handgun arrives at the FFL you picked, you go to their location, fill out the required paperwork, complete the background check, and then you can take it home if everything is approved. Firearms cannot be shipped straight to your house, but getting them shipped to an FFL is easy.
For a first-time buyer, we usually recommend something in 9mm from a reputable brand that feels comfortable and is simple to operate. A Glock 19, Smith & Wesson M&P 9, Sig Sauer P365 series, Springfield Hellcat, or Ruger Security-9 can all be good places to start, depending on whether you want it for home defense, concealed carry, range use, or a little bit of everything. The biggest thing is choosing one you can grip well, control safely, and actually practice with. We help folks pick semi-auto handguns all the time, call us and we’d be glad to guide you over the phone!
To buy a handgun from a licensed dealer, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Rules can vary depending on the situation and state law, so it’s always a good idea to check your local laws before you order.
Yes. When you buy a semi-auto pistol from a licensed dealer like us, a background check is part of the process unless a specific legal exemption applies. You’ll complete the required paperwork in store, and the sale can only move forward if everything checks out under federal and state requirements.
