Kopsis response is spot on. Handguns are not typically the easy first build you want to start with.

I know its not as exciting as some of the other builds, but please start with some variant of the harlot. To keep it a bit more exciting, download “BLC Presents the Harlets” which is a mega pack containing all their options. The harlot is largely modular, so in many cases you can mix and match parts to build something unique.

The reasons you should start with one of these are: They force you to get familiar with 3d2a concepts like working with barrel liner, and printing parts that move against each other. They force you to calibrate your printer. They also have good documentation that covers troubleshooting of all the common issues. And finally, the stakes are lower, both from a financial standpoint (harlot kits start around $20) and from a health standpoint, that if you blow one up in your hand, its much less likely to hurt you than something larger.

Once you have not just completed building, but testing(Firing!) your harlot, move on to a more complex build. I highly recommend one of Kaewon’s builds (Baby Barrett, M4Gery, Wisp, etc) as they are generally all easy to print, assemble, and get working well, and they all look fantastic

If you’re dead set on building a handgun, the YH22 or SY22 are both good options for fully printed builds. You can think of the SY22 as a deluxe version of the YH22… the SY22 is based on the YH22, but with many enhancements made for an overall fantastic build.

If you haven’t already, check out the builds section of my site. You’ll likely find something you hadn’t seen before that you want to build!

Handguns in general are not the “sweet spot” of 3D2A. Consumer printers and the materials they can handle just can’t produce strong enough parts in the sizes that make sense for most handguns. So when it comes to handguns you basically have two reasonable choices:

1. Any of the single-shot 22LR designs. Building one of the Harlet/Harlot/Gambino/Cabfare or their derivatives is sort of a rite of passage into 3D2A. These are complete DIY builds and will teach you good fundamentals that will help you on more advanced projects.
2. A “parts kit” build where you take all the parts from a mass-produced handgun like the Glock and print your own frame. I’m personally not a fan due to the relatively high cost (cheap parts dramatically reduce reliability) and the limited knowledge/experience gained. But if you just want a range toy you can mag-dump into trash, this will get you there.

Avoid the NAG (Not-A-Glock) permanently. Avoid the NULL22 and other NAG derivatives until you have experience with a simpler full DIY build. Same for the revolver designs.

Assume your first build is just that – your first, but not your last. Keep it cheap and modest and use it as a stepping stone to reach more ambitious goals.

A Gen 3 Glock 19 isn’t super hard.

A harlot is a pretty common first build.

Pocket Pleaser (Ruger LCP) can be fun too.

Handguns, as others have said aren’t a good idea.

But some people like challenges so here’s a list of things you can try:

• r17 (looks great but still in “beta” although looks almost complete, not an easy build but looks reliable)
• null 22 (or not-a-glock, which looks less reliable)
• el ratto
• beach pigeon
• beagle
• make a 22lr 19911 with a mix of these files: https://guncadindex.com/detail/ok-boomer-1911:b https://guncadindex.com/detail/FossWerks_3D11_Beta:0 https://guncadindex.com/detail/1911-22LR-MAG:0 https://guncadindex.com/detail/22-1911-verson-1.2:8 (needs work)
• yeet22h (+ compact version)

Easier first builds (PCCs mostly)

• decker 380
• urutau
• fgc9
• rogue 9
• rebel 9
• FGCz9
• hd22c and plastic blaster’s other builds
• kaewon’s builds
• Cease and Desist

Harder:

• mp22k

Edit: i forgot: HW4 Mega Pistol !!

If you want to build a Glock clone, you may be interested in the Invader PDW or the Mando Corser. They’re both PDW style Glocks that give you more versatility than a standard Glock lower. If, however, you go with something a bit bigger than a handgun you open up a lot more possibilities. The Decker 380 is a solid gun that can be built for ~$120 and is primarily printed. The PWC-9 or the DB Alloy are also really good builds that use a MAC-11 upper. The CZAR is a great little build. It just takes a VZ61 parts kit, barrel (if it’s not in the kit) and an AR trigger.

Why does no one suggest the fgc9. Or the hd22 . I’ve had tons of fun building these. And other than a few issues with the hd22 which were my fault . They are stupid reliable . I think the hd22 cost me less than $30 . Single shots are just plain boring

Honestly? If in the US, get a 10/22 and print one of the MANY chassis for that bolt/barrel. After that, do a glock and learn why not to like browning tilting actions. After that, do a fuckin AR lower and give up on any other platform. AR is life.

edit: I saw you want a handgun, I guess glock but listen, sidearms are just backup. You’re gonna get much more reliability from a proper centerfire rifle or carbine.

Not really a handgun but skorpion vz61 parts kits are cheap and plentiful and they are super easy builds. One of my favorite guns to this day.