So, you want to get your first gun. You’re certainly not alone and every existing gun owner was in your shoes at one time in the past. Maybe you happen to know exactly what you want to buy for your first firearm. If so, congratulations! You’re definitely in the minority. Most people thinking about making that first firearm purchase are very unsure of how to make sure they make the best decision for their needs. If they start researching a bit, they can quickly become overwhelmed with the options and sheer amount of information available about firearms. There are so many great websites and video channels out there providing valuable information about all kinds of firearms. But, very few are focused on helping first-time gun owners make that initial purchase decision. So, here are 5 tips to help you make your initial gun purchase as easy as possible, giving you all the information you need, without feeling completely lost.
1. Decide why you want to get a gun
There are plenty of reasons you might want to own one: home defense, concealed carry, hunting, target shooting, or just because. It’s helpful to know how you plan to use the gun, in order to help you pick the right one, because while most firearms can be used in a variety of ways, not every weapon is good for every use case. For the full breakdown, read Picking Your First Gun: What’s It For?
2. Get to know the laws in your state/city
While you likely know that the 2nd Amendment gives citizens the right to keep and bear arms in the U.S., it’s a little more complicated than that when it comes to knowing your rights as a soon-to-be gun owner. Beyond the Constitution, various states and local governments may have their own laws regarding the types of weapons residents can own, maximum magazine capacity, where they may be allowed to carry them, etc. So, before you decide on your firearm purchase, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the laws in your city and state to ensure you follow the rules. Firearm carry laws (rules for how you can or can’t carry a gun in public) are just one area where many states have noticeably different rules. Some are Constitutional Carry states, where carrying a firearm may be legal without a special license. However, even in Constitutional Carry states, the rules can vary. There can also be restrictions on carrying firearms in certain areas.
While your local gun shops should be familiar with these laws and comply with them by only selling compliant products in their stores, it’s best to know about the laws that apply to you. This way, you can ensure you are purchasing a firearm that meets the laws of your area and that you also carry the weapon in accordance with those laws.
3. Set your budget and do your research
How much do you want to spend? Among the first things you’ll want to research is cost. Firearm cost can run from a few hundred dollars to many thousands. Deciding on a budget for your new gun is one of the main ways to help narrow down your options. You certainly don’t have to spend $1,000 or more for a firearm, but there is definitely an element of ‘you get what you pay for’ to keep in mind. If a small handgun from a manufacturer you’ve never heard of is selling in a local gun shop for $150, there’s probably a good reason why it’s on the cheaper end. So, think about what your budget looks like and then begin searching for options that fit your criteria. More on this in How Much Should I Spend on My First Handgun?
Doing some online research is important. Don’t just walk into your local big box sporting goods store and purchase a random gun that happens to be on sale or looks cool. There are a LOT of options when it comes to buying your first (or any) firearm. Even after you determine the type of firearm you want to purchase, that meets your particular needs (let’s say a handgun for concealed carry), you may still have dozens of options to consider. So, look for some reviews of guns you are considering or look for recommendations based on the purpose of your firearm.
One key thing to remember when considering gun reviews: certain aspects of the shooting experience for any firearm are very personal and subjective. A gun that one reviewer loves might just not feel right in your hand. So, check out a few reviews, rather than relying on just one.
4. Try shooting a few different options
While firearms and cars don’t have a lot in common, the concept of a test drive is one common denominator. There is no objectively best firearm in any category for every person, and the only way to know if a gun feels right is to hold it in your hands. Ideally, you want a chance to shoot it before buying it as well. Many shooting ranges have a selection of firearms you can rent and try out. If possible, bring someone with a little more experience along to help. Read the full story in Why Take a Test Drive Before You Buy a Gun?
5. Don’t feel intimidated by the process
When you’re new to just about any hobby, sport, or other interest, it can be just a little intimidating. You likely have a bunch of questions and you may think some of them are stupid. You also may be nervous about walking into a gun store or shooting range, because you don’t know the rules or etiquette. All this is totally natural. The key thing to remember is that every gun owner, even the most experienced professional, started off as a beginner. At one point, they had all the same questions and concerns that you do and were also probably nervous about the whole thing.
So, don’t feel awkward when asking a newbie question to the person working at your local gun store. Letting the person know you’re new to firearms can actually be really helpful. When you ask to see a firearm from behind the counter, they’ll know to explain to you a bit about the store etiquette when it comes to handling the gun. The same goes for the range, where you’re almost certain to find the range master more than happy to walk you through the rules of the range in a very friendly way. More tips in The Gun Store Doesn’t Need to Be Intimidating
You’ll likely find that people working at the range or gun shop, along with other customers, are very welcoming of new people to the shooting community. They’ll be excited for you, partly because they remember being new themselves, and will want you to come away with a good first experience.
There’s a lot more to making the most of your first firearm purchase, but these 5 tips will absolutely get you off to a great start.