Hi, I’m Tom.
I bought my first gun as an adult, and like many people, I had pretty much no idea what I was doing or where to get started.
I didn’t grow up around firearms. I didn’t have a dad or uncle who handed me a rifle at twelve and taught me everything I needed to know. I wasn’t in the military or law enforcement or have any professional experience with guns. When I decided I wanted to own a gun, I initially did what most people do — I went online and started searching.
What I found was pretty overwhelming.
Forums full of people who assumed I already knew things I didn’t. YouTube channels that dove straight into gear comparisons without explaining the basics. Advice that was technically accurate but seemed to be written for people who had already been shooting for years. And a lot of opinions delivered with a level of confidence that made me feel like an outsider for even asking beginner questions. I also went to gun shops and felt a bit intimidated because I didn’t want to seem like I didn’t have the level of knowledge that other people in the shop seemed to take for granted.
I eventually figured it out, with some invaluable guidance from a family member in law enforcement. I bought my first firearm, took several live fire training courses, and became a responsible, confident gun owner. But the process was harder than it needed to be — and I kept thinking the same thing: somebody should make this easier for people like me.
That’s why I built HonestGun.
What this site is and isn’t
HonestGun is a plain-language resource for people who are thinking about buying their first gun, or who just bought one and want to get off on the right foot.
I’m not a firearms instructor. I’m not an attorney. I’m not a competitive shooter or a tactical expert. I’m a real gun owner who went through the learning curve not too long ago (and continues to learn) and wants to help you do the same — faster, with less frustration, and without feeling foolish or judged for not already knowing everything.
The legal information on this site — concealed carry laws, state buying requirements, storage laws — is for general informational purposes only. I research it carefully and keep it as current as I can, but it is not legal advice. For anything with real legal stakes, please consult an attorney or legal expert in your state.
When I recommend products, I’ll tell you why, and I’ll always disclose when a link is an affiliate link. You never pay more — it’s just how the site stays free.
Who this site is for
If any of these sound like you, you’re in the right place:
- You’re thinking about buying a gun but don’t know where to start
- You want to understand the laws in your state before you do anything
- You plan to buy a gun and want to make sure you get the right firearm for your purpose
- You’ve visited a gun store and felt intimidated or talked down to
- You just bought your first firearm and want to make sure you’re doing everything right
- You want straight answers to your questions without attitude or anyone making you feel dumb
- You’re just interested in learning more about the basics of firearms
A note on the name
Honest Gun means exactly what it sounds like. No agenda. No brand loyalties. No pretending something is great when it isn’t. Just real information from someone who has been where you are and wants to help.
Welcome. I’m glad you found this place.
— Tom Wozniak