Your Guide to Choosing the Right Firearm in Kansas
Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Wichita, a rancher near Dodge City, or a concealed carrier in Overland Park, the right firearm starts with understanding your needs. This guide compares real, current-production models across three primary categories: full-size duty pistols, compact carry guns, and versatile long guns. Kansas law allows open carry without a permit and concealed carry with a permit (or constitutional carry for residents 21+), so your choice should balance legal carry options with practical performance.
We sell to responsible adults—hunters, sport shooters, and those who take personal defense seriously. Below, we break down accuracy, capacity, caliber, and use-case for each model. No hype, just facts.
Full-Size Duty Pistols: Glock 17 Gen5 vs. Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0
Glock 17 Gen5 – 9mm, 17+1 capacity, 4.49″ barrel. The benchmark. Accuracy is consistent at 25 yards (3-4″ groups with quality ammo). The Gen5 includes the Marksman barrel (improved rifling) and an ambidextrous slide stop. No manual safety (unless you order one). Use-case: home defense, duty, competition. Weight unloaded: 22 oz. Aftermarket support is vast. Reliability is near-legendary—expect 50,000+ rounds with minimal cleaning.
Smith & Wesson M&P9 M2.0 – 9mm, 17+1 capacity, 4.25″ barrel. Similar accuracy to the Glock 17 (3-4″ at 25 yards). The M2.0 features an improved trigger (lighter pull, shorter reset), aggressive grip texture, and optional thumb safety. Weight unloaded: 24 oz. The grip angle is more natural for many shooters (18-degree vs. Glock’s 22-degree). Use-case: same as Glock, but some prefer the ergonomics. Both are optics-ready with factory plates for red dots.
Verdict: Glock for aftermarket and absolute simplicity. M&P for better out-of-box trigger and ergonomics. Both are Kansas-legal for open or concealed carry with a permit.
Compact Carry Pistols: SIG Sauer P365 vs. Glock 43X
SIG Sauer P365 – 9mm, 10+1 (standard magazine) or 12+1 (extended), 3.1″ barrel. The game-changer for micro-compacts. Accuracy is impressive for its size—4-5″ at 25 yards. The bore axis is low, reducing muzzle flip. Use-case: deep concealment, backup gun, summer carry. Weight unloaded: 17.8 oz. The factory night sights are standard. Reliability has improved since early models (post-2019).
Glock 43X – 9mm, 10+1 capacity, 3.41″ barrel. Slimmer than the Glock 19 but not as thin as the P365. Accuracy is 4-5″ at 25 yards. The grip is longer than the P365, making it easier to control. Use-case: concealed carry for larger hands, or those who prefer a Glock manual of arms. Weight unloaded: 18.7 oz. The 43X is compatible with Shield Arms 15-round magazines (aftermarket).
Verdict: P365 for maximum concealment and capacity in a tiny package. Glock 43X for shooters who want a Glock with a longer grip. Both are ideal for Kansas summers under a t-shirt.
Versatile Long Guns: Ruger 10/22 vs. AR-15 (Kansas Compliant)
Ruger 10/22 Carbine – .22 LR, 10+1 rotary magazine, 18.5″ barrel. Semi-automatic, legendary reliability. Accuracy is 1-2″ at 50 yards with match ammo. Use-case: small game hunting (squirrel, rabbit), plinking, training new shooters. Weight: 5 lb. Aftermarket stocks, barrels, triggers are endless. Cost per round is under $0.10. This is the most-purchased rifle in America for a reason.
AR-15 (Kansas Compliant) – We recommend the Smith & Wesson M&P15 Sport III or Ruger AR-556. .223 Wylde/5.56 NATO, 30-round magazine (standard capacity is legal in Kansas, no state ban). 16″ barrel. Accuracy is 1-2 MOA (1-2″ at 100 yards) with quality ammunition. Use-case: home defense, varmint hunting (coyote, groundhog), competition (3-Gun, PRS). Weight: 6-7 lb. Both models have free-float handguards and flat-top uppers for optics. No state registration required in Kansas.
Verdict: 10/22 for training and low-cost fun. AR-15 for serious defensive use and hunting larger varmints. Both are excellent for Kansas prairie shooting.
Home Defense Shotgun: Mossberg 500 vs. Remington 870
Mossberg 500 – 12 gauge, 5+1 capacity (7+1 with extended tube), 18.5″ or 20″ barrel. Pump-action. The safety is on top of the receiver (ambidextrous). Accuracy is pattern-dependent (buckshot: 3-5″ at 15 yards). Use-case: home defense, hunting (swap barrel for 28″ field barrel). Weight: 7 lb. The 500 is lighter and less expensive than the 870. The action is smooth but not as refined as the 870.
Remington 870 Express – 12 gauge, 4+1 capacity (6+1 with extension), 18.5″ or 20″ barrel. Pump-action. The safety is at the front of the trigger guard (right-handed). Accuracy is similar to the 500. Use-case: home defense, law enforcement, hunting. Weight: 7.5 lb. The 870 has a steel receiver (vs. aluminum on the 500) and a more durable finish. Aftermarket parts are abundant.
Verdict: Mossberg 500 for budget and ambidextrous safety. Remington 870 for durability and a heavier build. Both are proven Kansas deer-slug guns with a barrel swap.
Available at kansas-gunshop.com – FFL transfer required for Kansas
All firearms on our site ship to your chosen Kansas FFL dealer. We verify compliance with state and federal law. No shipping to unlicensed individuals. Browse our inventory, compare models, and order with confidence. Need help choosing? Contact our Kansas-based team – we shoot what we sell.