Guide For First-Time Gun Buyers

Guide For First-Time Gun Buyers

(SurvivalDaily.com) – You’re looking to buy your first gun, something millions of Americans do every year. Yes, it can be exciting as well as a bit disconcerting. Finding the right gun is always important — doubly so when making your first gun purchase as it serves as your introduction to the exciting world of gun ownership.

Many first-time gun purchasers find themselves overwhelmed by the process of selecting and buying their first gun. The rest of this article will discuss five tips designed to take the guesswork out of the process.

Research Your Options

Research is critical when looking to buy a firearm. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it’s okay if you don’t know much about guns at first.

It’s a good idea to know what kind of gun you’re looking for before going out to make a purchase. Equally important is having some basic knowledge regarding gun safety and how it might apply to specific models.

The internet is an excellent place to gather that kind of information. However, it’s also a great place to receive a lot of misinformation or opinion-based data. For that reason, exercise caution with the sources you use when conducting online research. Websites owned by known entities like the National Rifle Association and magazines like Guns and Ammo are great places to begin.

It’s best not to enter a gun store blindly. Typically, the people at the store will be able to provide suggestions and any additional information should you have any questions. Don’t be afraid to ask.

Find the Right Gun For You

There are several different types of guns available on the market, which can be overwhelming when trying to find the perfect one. It always helps to have some idea which kind of gun you want before you go out to purchase one.

Start by going to local gun stores and ask if you can handle a few guns to see which style best fits you. Some gun shops offer a range where you can test fire guns and get the feel of holding them while firing.

Some people like the feeling that semi-automatic guns have. Others enjoy the way a revolver works. It’s really about what you want. After all, you’re the one that’s going to be using it.

When selecting a gun, you should also consider whether or not you plan to carry it with you every day, and if so, how you’re going to carry it. Are you going to open or conceal carry? This can make a big difference since some guns are much bulkier and heavier than others. For example, if you plan to conceal carry a Smith & Wesson .500 Mag probably isn’t the best choice; instead, go for a Smith & Wesson Shield.

The Store Could Mean Everything

You want to shop at a gun store with knowledgeable employees who enjoy their job and are gun enthusiasts themselves. If you find someone who doesn’t enjoy the job or have a desire to talk about firearms, they’re likely not the right person to talk to about buying your first gun.

An adequate salesperson will try to get you to buy something. However, a knowledgeable gun enthusiast will take the time to help you find exactly what you’re looking for. The gun community has no problem assisting newcomers, as we want you to be safe and enjoy yourself.

Opinions Are Not Facts

Even being a newbie to the firearm community, you’ve probably heard plenty of opinions about guns. That’s especially true when it comes to 9mm and .45 ACP guns. Most 9mm enthusiasts believe that the .45 ACP is outdated and obsolete. Meanwhile, the .45 community believes that 9mm rounds lack stopping power.

Then you have the people that use a .40 cal, and they think they have the best of both worlds. However, the truth is the 9mm, .40, and .45 all have been proven to be very capable defense guns. Of course, there are more than just those three calibers. They just happen to be the ones people tend to talk about the most. Again, this ties into doing research and not just taking what everyone is feeding you.

Experience Is Key

You can spend hours upon hours researching guns and still not have an idea of what’s best for you. That’s perfectly normal and a testament to the importance of experience with handling firearms at a gun shop before purchase. It allows you to get a feeling for a gun and find which one you prefer.

Additionally, you can go to the range and practice with your friends, try out their guns. You can also have them present their case to you as to why you should buy a particular gun based on their own experience.

Final Thoughts

Whatever you do, don’t feel like you need to rush out and buy a gun. It may take time to find the right one, but when you do, you’ll know it. Some people make the mistake of acquiring their carry permit and rushing out to buy a gun.

However, there’s no need to feel rushed. Take your time and conduct research. Talk to your friends, visit your local gun shop, and try handling some guns. Take a gun safety course and get a better feel for firearms.

Once you feel you’re ready to buy a gun, go out and do it. Here’s another great article explaining how to choose a gun, and you might consider bookmarking this article for further reference. And, as always, stay safe!

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