When a person who’s never owned a firearm before decides that it’s time to purchase their first one, the initial process can feel a bit intimidating. While that’s a normal feeling, we wanted to help ease those people into it by providing them with a list of some helpful tips for first-time gun buyers. Hopefully, our suggestions will help with this decision.
Read Up on Local and State Laws
Unfortunately, every region of the United States has wildly different laws and regulations regarding firearm ownership, so we won’t be able to go over every last one with you. However, it’s usually pretty easy to figure out what is allowed where you live. If you have read up on these rules, though, and are ready to proceed with the gun-buying process, the first thing you’ll need to do is get licensed with your state.
Find a Store You Trust
Whether you’re planning to shop online or in person, you need to find a store you can trust. While most firearms salespeople know what they’re talking about and run their businesses by the books, there are occasional shady ones out there that you should try to avoid. If you want our recommendation, though, we think you should go to an in-person store. Since you’re new, you’ll likely have many questions that you’ll want to ask someone face-to-face.
Figure Out Which Gun You Want
Of course, it would be a good idea to determine what kind of gun you want and what you need it for before you head out. Do you want a handgun for self-defense or a shotgun for hunting? There are a ton of aspects to consider before going to a store with the intent of purchasing. Once you have a better idea, a salesperson will have an easier time assisting you.
Get Some Range Practice In
Before any transactions occur, it’s always a good idea to get some practice in at the range. Not only will this help you figure out if shooting is something you enjoy, but if you get some time in with the gun that you want to eventually buy, it’ll help you figure out if it’s the right choice for you.
Buy Necessary Gear To Go With It
Lastly, no list of helpful tips for first-time gun buyers would be complete without letting you know that you’ll need to buy a few accessories with your firearm. If you plan on going to the range often, you’ll need some eyewear and hearing protection. You should definitely buy a gun cleaning kit and cleaning mat in order to keep your gun in pristine condition after each use.
The most important thing you’ll need to buy, though, is a gun safe. A firearm isn’t something you can purchase and then leave lying around the house. You need to keep it secure at all times, even if you plan to use it for home defense, which is why you should look into our single-gun, quick access safes. These protective cases will keep others from being able to use your firearm while still allowing you to access it at a moment’s notice. It’s the perfect blend of security and ease of use.