So, you bought your first gun – Now What?

So, you bought your first gun – congratulations! You may be wondering what to do next. Buying a gun is simply the first step in a longer process to join the 30% of Americans that are happy gun owners.   Whether you bought a revolver or a pistol, here are some things to consider as a first-time gun owner.

Safety First – Always

Without a doubt, the first thing that should always be...  safety. Before you head to the range, you should have a plan for where you will be storing your new weapon.

As a responsible gun owner, you have to ensure that your gun does not fall into the wrong hands – whether it be a curious toddler or a criminal breaking into your home. Remember what your gun is capable of, and it is your responsibility to prevent accidents from happening.

You need a safe that is solid, secure, and located somewhere that it is not easily accessible. It should not be a place where children can easily reach it, and the safe should be locked at all times.

Aside from storage, there are four primary rules of safety that you must memorize, follow and teach others! 

1. Point the Barrel in a Safe Direction

 Never point the barrel of your gun at anything you don't intend to shoot. Regardless of your experience with firearms, always aim the barrel in a safe direction.  Once around gunsm you will begin to hear point the muzzle down-range.  Simply referring to a safe direction where a target would be.  Keep in mind that pointing the gun upwards is not safe, as if it were to discharge, that bullet muct come down, and it will at a speed similar to that going up... deadly,  Pointing down may be better, but even them think... think about the floor.  Is it rock, concrete... what effect will it have on the bullet?  Will it bounce up and hit someone or something?  Overall, there is a lot of thinking when handling firearms.  

2. Treat Every Gun Like Its Loaded

Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume that there is no ammunition in the chamber – even if you think you left it unloaded. Everytime you pickup a gun... check it.  Drop the magazine in a postol and Rack the slide back and check to see that no ammo is in the chamber.   Evrytime you receive a gun from someone or pass it along... follow the same steps to assure that the gun is empty.

3. Do Not Put Your Finger on the Trigger Until you are Ready to Shoot

Keeping your finger off the trigger is the best way to prevent an accident – always keep it outside of the trigger guard unless you are ready to fire and destroy anything it hits.

4. Be Sure of Your Target – and What Is Behind It!

When you point your gun, always be sure of what your target is AND what is besides it and behind it.  Not all shots are perfect, so you may miss.  You may shoot in... through... and out your victim.  You do not want to hit an innocent person or property.  Remember, your are responsible for every bullet that leaves your gun, morally and monitarily.  If you destroy it, you will pay for it.

Ammunition

Ammo is made out of four components: the case, primer, propellant, and the projectile. The case can be made out of various materials like brass or nickel, and the primer is what ignites the propellant. The projectile is the bullet itself.

The type of ammo you need to purchase depends on the type of gun that you have. Ammunition is identified by its measurements, like 22mm, 9mm, 45mm, which reflects the size of the bullet – and each firearm can only use one size. Before you purchase any ammo, make sure you understand what size your gun needs.

You also have many choices when it comes to types of ammo, and some are designed for target shooting while others are used for self-defense. Here are a few different types of ammunition:

• Soft Point.  A led bullet more commonly used in olders guns.  Think western movies.  The full led bullet is soft and depsoits residue in the pistol chamber requiring more frequent cleaning.
• Metal Jacket aka Ball Ammo - usually a lead bullect covered (jacketed) in brass.  This is typically used for target shooting.
• Armor Piercing (AP): has a core made out of alloy.
• Hollow Point (HP): has a hollow tip that expands on contact.  This is a great defensive round, since it produces significantly more damage to the victim as the bullet expends ripping the body.

Essential Accessories

After you’ve safely stored your gun and purchased ammunition, you can consider some additional accessories that you need as a gun owner.

If you plan to carry your firearm outside of your home, you need a holster. The size of your gun and whether you intend to conceal-carry it dictates the type of holster you need.  Two terms to be aware of are:

1. Inside the Waistband - IWB - A hostler that is worn tucked inside the waistband for ood concealment
2. Outside the Waistband - OWB - A holster worn on outside of the waistband, commonly hung from the belt.  Think Police or western style.

If you plan on frequenting the range, you will also need proper personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes:

1. "Eyes and Ears"

• Protective eyewear - a good anti-shatter wrap around set of glasses, which are clear, tinted yellow or sunglasses.  When shooting, there is a literal explosion just inches from your eyes... Protect Them!
• Hearing protection. Guns are loud, so you should consider (mandatory at ranges) buying "ears."  The ears are the earmuffs, earplugs, or both.

2. Additional magazines for pistols, which allow you to concentrate on shooting more without reloading inbetween.
3. Arange bag to carry your PPE, firearm, ammunition and extra magazines.

To make your range experience easier, you can also purchase speed loaders for revolvers or pistols to help you load your cylinder or magazines faster. Shell caddies are also great for shotgun shells!

Training, Training, Training!

So, now you’ve got your new gun, ammunition, and all the accessories you desired – and it’s time to start training! Training is the only way to become the best shooter that you can be and is the most essential step to take after purchasing your first firearm.

Not only does professional training help you become a better shot, but it is also a matter of safety. You can only safely handle a gun if you know how to use it properly – so you must work with a professional that can teach you the ins and outs of your weapon.

This doesn’t just include how to fire it. You must be able to handle it confidently, clean it, and maintain it.

DTT (Defensive Tactical Training of Scottsdale is here to help!
Our expert trainers work with everyone from beginners to experts, in both handgun and long gun training.
We will walk you through all the steps of new gun ownership, and we are committed to ensuring safe and responsible firearm training for life.

If you are brand new to guns, consider starting with our SimCo class. This will provide maximum safety and comfort and is a great first step before proceeding to a range with live fire.

Regardless, if you are new, or just looking to freshen up your skills, our trainers will help you stay up to date with regulations and on top of your game.

Let DTT guide you on the path to becoming a better defender. We will provide you with all the knowledge and practice you need to learn how to use your new firearm and to be a confident gun owner and a better defender. 

Contact DTT today to learn more about our Defensive Tactical Training, as well as our NRA and USCCA approved training courses! Whether this is your first time shooting a gun, or you’ve had some experience, you can start with our SimCo class and move on and improve with each additional course.