FIRST PURCHASE CONSIDERATIONS

Approximately 30 percent of adults in the United States own a gun. Are you interested in joining them and purchasing a weapon for self-defense? Are you unsure of what to look for in a firearm?

Step one... familarize yourself with the laws in your area.  To be a good defender, you need not be breaking the law by being possession of an illeagally configured firearms. Here is a link to the NRA Gun Laws so that you can freely lookup the laws in your area. 

Now, If you want to purchase your first firearm but you are not sure what kind to buy or what characteristics to consider, keep reading. Listed below are some of the most important factors the keep in mind.

Ask an Expert

As a first-time firearm buyer, you likely have a lot of questions about the type of gun you should buy. You could spend hours reading conflicting pieces of advice on internet forums, but a more efficient way to go about this (and a way that will likely provide you with more accurate information) is to go directly to the source.

Visit a local gun range or gun shop. While you’re there, talk to a worker about what you’re looking for and ask for recommendations.

The folks working at these facilities are almost always happy to provide guidance and help you narrow down your options. Remember, there are no stupid questions, and there’s no shame in being a beginner or a first-time buyer.

Look at Lifestyle and Physiology

Pistol, revolvers, shotguns, oh my. There are tons of different firearm options to choose from, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you first start shopping.

One way to narrow your search, though, is to think about your lifestyle and physiology. Keep in mind that this is information a professional will likely take into account or ask you about, too.

Are you planning on applying for a concealed carry permit and carrying your weapon at all times so you can defend yourself and others with ease? If so, your physical attributes will be especially important to consider, but smaller does not always mean easier or more concealable.

A larger person, for example, might struggle to comfortably maintain a grip on a firearm with a smaller frame. A smaller person, on the other hand, might find a larger weapon difficult to conceal and wield, especially when they’re just starting to learn and get comfortable shooting.

Think about potential physical limitations, too. If your hand strength is limited, a smaller caliber may be necessary, as it will be easier to handle when shooting. If you have poor eyesight, a red-dot sight may provide a better sight picture… all of these are still choices and enforce getting the proper personalized advice from a qualified person (such as a DTT trainer).

Focus on Feel

It’s best to avoid purchasing a firearm until you can hold it and shoot, so to get an idea of how it feels and acts under your control. This is another reason why visiting a shooting range or gun shop is so valuable. When you go to one of these places, it’s easy for you to hold a variety of weapons and figure out which one feels best to you.

Pay attention to whether or not the weapon fits comfortably in your hand. Can you easily obtain a quick and good master grip? How about the weight? Does it feel too heavy or too light?

When you’re holding the gun, be sure to keep your finger off the trigger (place it outside the trigger guard instead) and never point it toward a person. Ask about any parts of the weapon that you’re unfamiliar with, too. Remember, there are no stupid questions, and it’s better to learn now while you’re in the presence of a professional.

Read Reviews

It’s great to ask for recommendations from an expert when you start shopping. Be sure to do additional research on your own before you make a commitment, though. These days, there are tons of reviews readily available online that can provide more insight into the different self-defense weapons you’re thinking about buying.

When you’re reading reviews, though, pay special attention to the trends. If the majority of the reviews are positive or negative, that matters more than the occasional outlier.

Pay attention to the specifics of the reviews, too. If lots of people are talking about the awkwardness of the magazine release, that’s an important point to consider.

Question the Caliber

A common question among new gun buyers is whether the caliber (the diameter of the barrel and bullets used) of the gun matters. The short answer is yes, especially when you’re purchasing a weapon for self-defense purposes and want something that provides a sufficient amount of power.

At the same time, though, you need to select a caliber that you know you can handle. It’s okay if a certain caliber feels like too much for you or is too expensive for you to maintain. It’s better to start with a smaller caliber and practice with it for a while before leveling up to something else.

Consider the Cost

Firearms can be expensive, and it’s important to remember that there’s more to pay for than just the cost of the weapon itself. There’s the cost of ammunition, holsters and training.

You also should do research to find out how much permits and fees in your area cost before you make your first purchase. This will help you ensure you’re prepared and have budgeted properly.

Try Before You Buy

If possible, try to test out the weapon you’re thinking about buying at a shooting range before you commit to it. In the same way that it’s always best to test drive a car before you buy it, the same is true of guns.

The easiest way to tell if a particular gun is a good self-defense tool for you is to actually try shooting it. This will help you to get more comfortable with the process of loading and unloading it, as well as aiming and learning proper trigger technique.

Sign Up for Firearms Training Today

Now that you know more about what to consider when purchasing your first firearm, do you feel more confident about shopping for one? Gun shopping is not as easy as it may appear… if you want to be the best defender that you can be! I invite you to meet with a DTT trainer and have them help you make a better-informed decision. DTT will help you understand all the variables involved, make suggestions and even work with you at a range. Keep in mind… you really should not buy a gun until you know the 4 Basics of Firearm safety, and how to grip a gun (master grip and support hand), which will make the process safer and eliminate you making the wrong purchase (more common than people like to admit).

It’s not enough just to own a firearm, though. You also need to take lessons and learn how to use it properly.

Contact us today to learn more about our Defensive Tactical Training and NRA and USCCA-approved training courses. We’ll provide you with all the knowledge you need to be a confident defender and learn how to use your new firearm correctly and safely.