A lot of things have happened in the world to create a lot of first-time gun buyers. Many of these new firearm owners are interested in home defense and personal protection. If you are looking for your first gun, author Slaton White has five suggestions to consider when walking into a gun store.
Although it wasn’t the only factor, the COVID-19 pandemic spurred Americans to buy guns in record numbers. Gun shops across the country saw many first-time gun buyers enter their stores. Many of these new customers were often overwhelmed by the vast array of available gun types. For many, the buying procedures mandated by state and federal laws were bewildering.
If you’re interested in purchasing your first handgun and don’t really know where to start, you are not alone. Every shooter — from the novice to the skilled professional — started somewhere.
I reached out to retail firearms senior advisor Miles Hall to see if we can offer advice to help make the purchasing process easier. As a former owner of a gun store and range, Hall has helped thousands of first-time buyers select the gun that worked best for them. I had a chance to talk with him a bit and ask the advice he would give to first-time gun buyers.
Constructive Comments
My first question to Hall concerned what new buyers should say to the salesperson behind the counter to ensure the best possible assistance.
“Pretty much all performance-oriented gun shop and ranges are very receptive to questions and directions from their guests,” Hall said. I noted that Hall always called his customers guests. He told me that potential customers are guests because “well, we invited them in, didn’t we?”.
“Be open, honest, and factual regarding your needs and wants,” he continued. “There are no silly or stupid questions. If you are a first-time buyer, proudly say that. If it is for protection, then tell them that, too. If you intend to carry the gun on you, say that.”
Doing so allows the salesperson to help find the guns that are the right size and weight for your needs. For example, a pistol used for home protection only can have different size and weight requirements than one carried concealed. Likewise, your needs may dictate the necessity of certain features the firearm should be equipped with.
Finding the Gun That Fits You
The next topic that came up in my conversation with Hall was the importance of how the gun fits in your hand.
“Fit is a critical element for the safe handling and accurate use of any tool, especially a firearm,” Hall explained. If the handgun doesn’t fit your hands (it can be too big or too small), there’s no way you will be able to use it properly.
“When the team member is ready, they will check to make sure the gun is unloaded and then hand you the firearm, typically grip towards you,” he says.
Many new gun owners often do not know how to handle a gun safely. Gun store personnel know this and will assist you, but bear in mind the following: Grasp the gun firmly around the grip, but keep your finger off of the trigger. Instead, place it outside the trigger guard. Point the gun away from any person. I encourage you to check out our article on safe gun handling. This article goes over the universal rules of gun safety that you need to learn.
“Now you can see if the gun is too heavy or too light,” he says. “Can you cycle the slide on a semi-auto? Does it feel comfortable and secure in your hand? There may be features on the gun you are not sure of, such as ejection or release buttons or de-cockers. Ask about any part of the gun you do not understand. After all, that is what a good team member is there for,” he explained.
Cartridge Selection
The next topic that came up is one those of us in the gun world have heard many times. Does caliber size matter? For the purposes of this article, we interchangeably use the term “caliber size” with cartridge. There are differences, but a good salesperson will understand your meaning.
“In a defense gun, the short answer is that the more powerful the caliber that you can handle, the better,” says Hall. “Any and all ammo size is potentially deadly, but it’s the ‘stopping power’ you are most concerned with.”
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But don’t let this overwhelm you. You don’t need to worry yourself with all of the technical ins and out of ammo. If you find a reputable shop with well-informed employees, your salesperson can help you select which will work best for your needs.
In general terms, the 9x19mm Parabellum (frequently referred to as 9mm) cartridge and .45 ACP cartridge are both good choices for a semi-automatic pistol. In revolvers, the .38 Special and .357 Magnum are both good choices. There are other great handgun cartridges, but these are the most common and all offer enough power for defensive use.
Must-Have Add-Ons?
Buying a gun is a big expense, and there are a lot of costs beyond the gun itself. Transfer fees, taxes, ammo, etc. It all adds up. But what do you really need to purchase with your new pistol?
“Today’s firearms — especially ones like the Springfield XD and [Echelon] series of handguns — are high-quality tools that typically come with safety and performance features designed to provide a lifetime of service,” Hall says. “Once you gain experience shooting by practicing at a range, you can then determine whether you want to add accessories, such as laser sights, to your gun.”
One key accessory for those who intend to carry the gun on their person is a holster. This is also an issue of fit. There is a seemingly infinite variety of carry options out there. Let store personnel assist you in choosing the holster that best fits your lifestyle.
Are you a lefty of a righty? Do you want to carry on your belt, inside the waistband, in a pocket? Dig around and do some research beforehand on places like The Armory Life, and then go in armed with the questions you want to ask.
Safe Storage of Your New Gun
The next topic that came up in our discussion was about how you would store the gun when you are not carrying it, or when it is in a home defense role. Basically, what about safe storage?
“All quality tools need to be safely secured when not in use, and that goes for firearms as well,” Hall says. “For a defense gun, a small quick-access safe is great. Many gun owners will also see the value in a larger safe for the home. Beside your guns and ammo those safes store jewelry, coin collections, cash, important papers, and the like. If you carry in your auto, always bring the gun into the house when you get home. Glove boxes are not secure enough for overnight storage.”
As a gun owner, you also need to be aware of any gun-storage laws that pertain to you. If you are unsure about this, do some research and also ask your retailer.
Bonus Tip
Finally, Hall notes if a nearby store offers rental guns for use on its range, that’s a great way to learn more about the firearms you are interested in. Consider it like taking a car out for a test ride. You’ll also receive valuable instruction on safe loading and unloading procedures and aiming and trigger technique.
So, there you are, five top tips on buying your first handgun. So, find yourself a reputable dealer, go armed with the right questions, and pick out your first handgun.
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