Though they may be dangerous, guns are a prominent part of our society. According to a 2020 survey, around 32% of Americans possessed firearms for private use. For some people, they’re necessary for safety, while others enjoy them as a hobby. In either case, getting your first gun is something you should take very seriously. Due to the many issues that surround it, talking about owning a firearm is not the simplest subject.
The varieties of weapons that exist, different rules governing weapon licenses, and assuring safety are just a few of the subjects that require consideration on your part. Here are a few things to know as a prospective first-time gun owner:
1. Decide what type of weapon you want to get
There are a variety of uses for weapons, including those mentioned above. When you walk into a gun store as a potential first-time gun owner, you’re bound to feel like a child left unsupervised in a toy store. You might even become convinced that you want to purchase more than one of the displayed weaponry. You are only at the beginning of your quest, so while there might not be much wrong with feeling that way, you don’t want your very own store of weaponry just yet.
To make your choice easier, consider the following examples of weapons:
a. Handguns or pistols
These are discreet guns that can be stashed about the house for added security because they are small and compact. Don’t let their size fool you, though, since current technology has made these weapons very accurate and powerful. If protection and self-defense are your primary concerns when purchasing a weapon, their ability to be wielded with one hand makes them an excellent choice.
However, if you wish to carry a handgun as a concealed weapon in public, you need to have the right certifications. Luckily, Concealed Coalition makes it incredibly easy to attain a certification online.
b. Automatic rifles
These weapons are regarded as some of the most powerful firearms available on the market, especially for private gun owners. These rifles are used on battlefields all over the world because of their high fire rates, appealing designs, and high pressure while ejecting ammunition. These weapons work well for activities like outdoor or indoor target shooting.
c. Hunting firearms
These rifles are created specifically for hunting, with substantial firepower, smoothbores, and extended barrels. They’re perfect for skeet shooting or trophy hunting, where hunters take down animals or birds, since these rifles don’t build up too much pressure. Due to their particular characteristics, including the barrel dimension and pressure resistance, they are also suitable for long-range targeting.
2. Make sure to know all local laws in your state
When it comes to gun ownership, different US states have different regulations. The rules governing the possession of firearms vary by location, with some being far harsher than others. If you live in one of the following states— Maryland, New York, Minnesota, California, Iowa, or New Jersey—your quest to purchase a weapon might just end here, as it’s illegal to buy a handgun there.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re only purchasing a firearm to defend yourselves or those closest to you—breaking the law is never worth it. After purchasing a firearm, carry permits are also subject to legal restrictions. Some states allow concealed firearms with a permit, while others don’t even require one. In some locations, carrying a weapon in plain view is completely forbidden. You can get advice about these rules from your nearby gun shop or online.
3. Know the factors that can make you ineligible for gun ownership
Of course, there are some circumstances under which you may not have the right to possess or carry a weapon. Some of these include:
- Forfeiting your right to own firearms even though you have been charged but not yet found guilty.
- You’re a fugitive
- You’ve been dishonorably discharged from the military
- You’ve been involuntarily sent to a mental health institution in the nation
- You have a history of drug abuse
- You have an order of protection against you because of threatening behavior, such as domestic violence
- You’ve been convicted of a criminal offense
4. Practice before purchase
Handling any kind of weapon is risky, especially if you’ve never owned one before. That’s why you should visit the gun store and look through its stock to identify the weapons that you’re most comfortable with. If the store has a shooting facility in the back, as is often the case, you have the opportunity to grasp, load, discharge, and even shoot the weapon to test it out.
You might also benefit from interacting with store employees and other long-time gun owners who might be there, as they can offer you insight on which weapon is ideal for you.
Conclusion
Owning a gun entails a lot of personal responsibility. Whatever your motivation for buying a firearm, you must be very careful during the entire process of buying and handling it. Do the necessary research on the regulations, licenses, and categories of weaponry that happen to be available. Before making a choice, make sure you test out several weapons. With all of this in mind, you should have a smooth and enjoyable experience purchasing your first firearm.