When I started Destiny I opted for the Hand Cannon, mainly because I chose the Hunter and the Hunter's gun on the artwork is the Hand Cannon. I fully expected to ditch it though for something else quite quickly as in my previous experiences of FPS games, hand guns/revolver types weapons never suited me, i'd usually opt for some sort of assault rifle. However I really took to the Hand Cannon, very rewarding to use, love the precision of it, as stated below taking heads clean off on multiple targets is very satisfying. I tried other weapons through the story campaign but always preferred the hand cannon. When I got to level 20 & got the Strangers Rifle I used that as it was a more powerful weapon, I also found it better in PVP (which I don't play as much as PVE) than the hand cannon. since then the only time I don't use the Hand Cannon is when I have randomly acquired a better legendary/exotic weapon. My first being an auto rifle which I found the recoil bounced the bullets all over the place & I wasn't keen on spraying my enemies with bullets. I stuck with it because it was the most powerful primary I have but a couple of days ago I got to vanguard rank 3 and although I didn't have enough marks to buy any weapons the postmaster gave me a legendary Hand Cannon. I've not tried it yet but I suspect I will go back to it.