The first time you buy a gun, you may have a lot of questions and concerns about responsible gun ownership. This is especially true if you plan to acquire a concealed-carry permit as well. With these two things in mind, here are some tips for making a purchase that results in a quality gun that suits your needs:
1. Identify Reliable Information
There’s a whole lot of information targeted to gun owners for beginners available online, and it’s important that you recognize trustworthy advice. Here are four ways to verify your online information:
- Look up the company behind the website and check it out with the Better Business Bureau.
- Compare the information with other reputable sites. If the information sounds outlandish and doesn’t line up with other top sites, you should probably avoid it.
- Check out references at the bottom of the article.
- Talk over what you’ve learned with an expert in the field, i.e. an experienced gun owner.
The more you know about what you want and why you want it, the better you can recognize the gun you want.
2. Spend Time Shooting Before Buying
Purchase a membership at a local shooting range to get some experience. Spend time with friends who shoot, so you can try out as many different guns and ammunition as possible. You might also consider enrolling in a shooting course. This way, you don’t have to rely on the opinions of your friends or someone online. The more experience you have with a variety of types of guns the better.
3. Research a Variety of Guns
There are two great ways to figure out which gun is best for you. The first is attending gun shows where experts are on hand to answer all your questions without trying to convince you to make a purchase. At these shows, you can handle the guns and learn more about the concealed-carry options and laws in your area.
The second method of gun research is to shop at a store with a range. This allows you to try out the gun, so you can decide whether you prefer a semiautomatic or a revolver. You’ll have the chance to experiment with kickback and other characteristics of specific guns. If possible, take an experienced gun owner with you to the gun show and the shop.
4. Identify Your Price Range
There are many other factors that may influence your purchase, such as the reputation of the manufacturer and the optional features available with specific guns. However, the most important factor, after you’ve worked through the first three steps, is your budget.
With plenty of information and experience, you’re ready to purchase your first gun. Don’t forget to brush up on gun safety and the laws in your area.
