Welcome to our beginner-friendly guide to owning a firearm. You recently became a gun owner, and you just purchased your first firearm. Firstly, congratulations!
A rifle, shotgun, pistol, or even a shotgun you purchase for the first time is a great affirmation of the right to bear arms guaranteed by the Second Amendment.
The purchase of one’s first firearm is both a joy and a source of confusion. In addition to protecting yourself and your family, you also have the opportunity to build community and have fun doing it.
As a new gun owner, you join the 100 million Americans who own, responsibly use, and trust their firearms. Today, you can take steps that will help you learn to use your firearm safely and effectively, even while under quarantine.
Guns are purchased for various reasons, but there are general guidelines that every new gun owner should follow to make sure they maintain their love of firearms and protect themselves. So, what are you going to do now?
1. Basics Of Gun Safety
Let’s take a look at some gun safety basics.
You should never point your gun at anything that you have no intention of destroying. You are hands and legs are included. Instilling this will require practice, so keep your eyes on the prize and move cautiously.
Consider all firearms to be loaded. The same thing applies whether you are at home, at a range, or at a competition. Every gun should be handled as if it were loaded, no matter where you are.
Be aware of what lies behind your target. As soon as you have your sights on the target, keep your finger on the trigger. If you don’t have your targets in sight, remove your finger from the trigger.
Don’t freak out. The ability to deal with high-stress situations will require practice. It is the responsibility of the new gun owner to put this into practice, especially if the firearm will be used for self-defense.
2. Enjoy Your New Hobby
It can be really fun to shoot guns. You can improve your shooting skills through something like joining a gun club. It will introduce you to various types of guns and gun safety techniques so that you can become a responsible gun owner.
Also, you will find a lot of helpful information here to consider when purchasing your next gun! Finally, join a community where your passion can be turned into a hobby.
3. Practice
Initially, you may feel awkward holding a firearm since you are just a new gun owner. Shooting on the range will only make this easier, so get out there and start shooting! Learn how to disassemble and reassemble your gun.
Consider taking classes on home defense and learning how to look down your glock sights properly. Should an emergency situation arise, all of these steps will be helpful to you.
The proper handling of guns and your shooting accuracy can only be improved through training, which is absolutely true. The same is true when dealing with pistols, as even the most experienced gun owners can get tripped up by them.
4. Know The Laws
The laws surrounding concealed and open carry in a state should be considered by new gun owners. There are states with more relaxed gun laws than others, and states do not permit open carry.
Take your gun with you only after doing your research. If you have a firearm on you, you should also research how to notify the police. Do not break the law, as this could result in severe fines, jail time, or other penalties.
5. Responsibilities
Gun owners often purchase a new firearm only to use it for home defense or carry it legally. There is no guarantee that this gun will impact only you. You may have thought that it would affect only you. However, that is not the case.
Guns affect everyone they come into contact with, whether they remain locked in safes at home or are carried around. Therefore, the importance of securing the device (at home or on your body) cannot be overstated.
6. Read the Manual
The user manual that comes along with a new firearm also needs to be read carefully and understood by the owner. Almost all manufacturers offer their user manuals online.
Even if the firearm purchased was a used one, you can still find the manual online. It is important to read and understand the manual. Knowing how to load and unload a firearm is crucial for all gun owners.
Safely use the firearm’s safety mechanisms and remember to follow the four basic rules of firearm safety.NSSF strongly encourages those who purchase a firearm to familiarize themselves with it if local or state laws do not restrict their travel.
Get the new purchase in front of the people working at your local range. Gun range operators generally strive to ensure that new gun owners have a positive and safe firearms experience.
7. Get A Gun Safe
Responsible gun ownership includes storing your gun safely and securely when it isn’t used or accessible. Guns for competitions, ranges, and carry are all considered.
An unsupervised firearm can pose a risk to an untrained person in your house if you have company or even other family members. It is possible to get your guns stolen both inside and outside the home.
For gun owners, there are many options to secure firearms that meet their lifestyle requirements. Gun enthusiasts and collectors have their preference for the large, elaborate cases, but small safes for smaller spaces as well as crib-sized options are available.
8. Using Holsters
To keep your weapon safe, carry it in a secure holster. Each time you hold a gun, you may experience a feeling of power. Be respectful of that power. As a responsible individual, you need to take all measures possible to prevent accidents.
In addition, you must avoid being careless. Make an effort to represent the firearms community well. In order to become more comfortable with that responsibility, training will be your best tool.
9. Extra Tips
The National Shooting Sports Foundation preaches the following Commandments of Firearm Safety. They are:
- Make sure you use the right ammunition.
- Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction if it fails to fire.
- Check your gun again after you unload it.
- When shooting on the range, wear ear and eye protection.
- Check the barrel for obstructions before shooting.
- A firearm’s muzzle should never be viewed from below.
- Make sure your firearm is not altered or modified, and have it serviced regularly.
- Learn how your firearm works and how to handle it.
10. Join A Gun Range
A place to practice and learn with your gun is necessary once you have it. Despite the benefit of shooting in one’s backyard, it is a place that many people do not feel is safe or legal to do so. Learning to shoot well and safely means finding a local gun range that is safe and accommodating.
Each range has its own set of rules and etiquette, including public and private ranges, indoor and outdoor ranges.
Final Words
It’s an unforgettable experience to enter a gun shop for the first time and purchase your first weapon. Smart shoppers spend hours researching and shooting before buying a gun to make sure it suits their needs and purpose. However, how will you handle that gun when you have to take it home?
Many first-time gun buyers already have a distinct idea of what they want from their weapon and how they want to use it.
It’s more difficult to determine what you require after obtaining the weapon and determining what steps to take next. We hope to cover all the information new gun owners need in this guide.