A huge shout out to all of you who are just starting to learn about guns, gun safety and when you can use a gun in self-defense. The amount of information out there is daunting and can be really confusing!
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard (and given) to new shooters is if you’re looking for your first gun, see if you can try it before you buy.
That doesn’t mean you’re going to get to shoot the new gun before you buy it. Find a local range that has guns to rent and go shoot a bunch of them to see what you like. You wouldn’t buy a car for the first time without test driving that model – the same thing applies to firearms.
What else should people know before they buy a gun? Share your thoughts below!
Before I bought my first gun, I had lined up a good friend (life long hunter and gun owner of hand guns, long guns etc) to help me train and learn. He also went with me when I bought my first one to show me the differences between operating a wheel gun versus a semi automatic, watched me handle a full size pistol versus a compact pistol, etc. As I considered my first purchase and chose a few pistols that fit my hand well, he explained the issues with the slide on a compact versus a full size (I have long fingers and larger hands) etc. it was very beneficial to have him help me for my first purchase.
Know your safety rules and be a responsible gun owner. Also know your state laws and have a safe on the premises to store your firearm. Most of all train, train, train.
All great advice. Maybe add
How much can you budget for ammo, additional/recurrent training, and range time?
How will you secure your firearm when not carrying as well as ammunition?
You should know that anyone that tells you “The best gun for a new shooter is XXXXXXXXX (insert make and model).” is not only wrong but has no clue what they are doing/saying. I have trained MANY new shooters over the years and most will surprise you with their capabilities and naturally pick a great gun for themselves if given some instruction and are exposed to multiple platforms so they can choose for themselves. A little guidance is good. Pushing to a conclusion or edicts are BAD…
I was ignorant and almost bought a Rohm Saturday night special. The guy behind the counter struggled with the magazine and didn’t inspire confidence was what saved me.
Research! Brands have earned their reputation based on track record. Rent if possible. While Glocks are extremely popular, it’s not for everyone.
Make sure you understand the intended purpose for the gun. A hunting gun, and a CCW piece can be 2 very different guns. And, they could be the same gun.
If you are here you are already doing research, which is a good thing!
Chances are you are going to find someone that you “think” knows about guns. This may or may not be a good option depending on your source. Again do your research.
If you go to a gun store/ pawn shop always remember “They are there to sell you something.” Some shops may actually be informative and instructive and it would be good to find one that is. Again, do your research. If the Gun Store Counter Cowboy/Commando tells you that XYZ is “The perfect fit for you.” DO NOT BUY! If you have done your research, ask questions. Not “How hard does it kick?” questions but ones that will make him/her/it actually talk WITH you, not “Sell” you.
Guns are very personal.
Know WHY you are buying a gun.
Know what the GUN is capable of.
Know what YOU are capable of.
CAN you actually operate it?
Try before you buy if at all possible.
If the one in the counter is the one you like and they bring out one from “stock” say “NO, I want this one!” It’s your money.
Talk about AMMO, magazines, accessories, holsters. Gun dealers don’t make money on guns they make money on accessories, make sure they fit your budget. A $400 gun is cool but if the spare mag costs $125 each, it may not be what you are looking for.
Ammo is a whole 'nother topic but sage advice passed on is “KEEP YOUR BRASS”
From a mindset point of view, what you should know before buying a gun.
Is “WHY” are you buying a gun and what’s “it’s” purpose? Deep down in your bones and in your blood there should be a solid core answer to these, long before heading to the store.
In addition LEARN THE LAW! Read and memorize state and local statutes.
Join someone on a range, take some courses, rent a firearm at your local range. Keep an open mind. Try to learn from experienced people not the kid on the range that learned to shoot from Xbox, not the hot babe or dude tea cupping who learned from Crime TV or movies (very poor examples, except for John Wick) and not from the gung-ho warriors who are still “in country”.
“I’d rather have one and not need it, than need it and not have it” doesn’t cut it anymore!
I strongly suggest getting someone highly knowledgeable and experienced to train you. I’m not sure how the courses offered stand up to scrutiny. I learned under my father, which was expanded by my experience and military. But all of that was rifles and shotguns mostly. Handguns freaked me out before I decided to buy one. I just couldn’t afford one early on because I felt other things were my priority. But that’s really a cover for my feelings about handguns back then. I wanted one but thought they might be too dangerous especially with children. Never dawned on me to buy a safe. I’m very comfortable with handguns now. But never let your guard down. All it takes is one stupid memory lapse for it to be fired by mistake or neglect. Situational awareness is mandatory. Know your surroundings and muzzle awareness at all times while handling and storing a loaded gun.
Experience by training under someone knowledgeable should be required in my honest opinion. That should be made a law. There are too many idiots. Anything potentially dangerous should require training. But that’s another topic. It should still not infringe on the 2nd amendment. I’m just saying that it needs to be codifies through the Constitution to modify the 2nd Amendment.
Realize that the guy behind the gun store counter is in the business of selling you whatever gun he has in stock and anything that he doesn’t have in his store will not be the right gun for you in his “honest opinion”. Not all gun store guys are like that, but there are enough. Some of the things I’ve heard from counter folks in gun stores make my blood boil.
Also understand that just because someone works at a gun store does not mean he knows jack about guns…
Consider what is motivating you to make the purchase in the first place as well as how committed to ownership you can, or you want to be.
If this is going to serve as a hobby, a tool, or insurance or maybe all of the above. It will be a responsibility
Also, read a good book on the subject of handguns. Not of “war” stories, but basic marksmanship and perhaps design.
Tactics can come into play later after you’ve gained confidence in the basics.
I’d caution that when it comes to handguns, not all training is good training, nor are all familial “experts” all that “expert,” nor all government endorsed curriculum well thought out and actually useful.
When you’re loading stuff into your brain, quality counts!
