If you are thinking of buying a gun, the best thing you can do is educate yourself before you walk into the gun store or up to the gun counter of that big outdoor retailer. To that end, here are a few tips that will help you get started on what can be a daunting journey into the world of gun ownership.

The first bit of advice is to head to a shooting range that offers training and will allow you to rent guns. Pay for an hour of instructor time and rent a couple different guns. You are looking for something that feels good in your hand that is also easy and comfortable to carry all day. Bigger guns feel better in your hand (most of the time) but smaller guns are easier to carry. So you will want to balance those two elements. Remember, too, that you are asking for advice. The instructor or employee at the gun store does not get to dictate which gun you should buy. If you feel like you are getting pressured, be ready to walk away. There are plenty of places that can sell you a great gun. Your personal defense is just that … personal. Find a gun that works for you.

Gun Owner’s Shopping List

  • The gun: Of course. You are becoming a gun owner now. It starts with the gun.
  • Ammo: Get the right chambering and the right style of ammo for what you’re doing. Training ammo is typically full metal jacket (less expensive), and defensive ammo is typically jacketed hollow-point (better performance). Buy some of each.
  • A storage option: Most guns come in some sort of box or hard plastic case. You need secure storage beyond that. A small personal gun safe is great. But you can be creative. In a pinch you could secure your pistol by running a small cable-style gun lock down through the barrel, then running another cable lock through that and locking the entire unit to your bed frame. On second thought, get the small personal gun safe or a stout lockable metal box and store the gun there. It WILL be easier.
  • Ear protection and eye protection: You should plan on taking your gun to the range regularly to practice and train. You will need both.
  • A cleaning kit: Don’t go overboard just yet. Get a small cleaning kit suitable for the gun you just bought. The instructions are inside. You got this.
  • A holster: This also includes other means of carry, such as off-body products like fanny packs or concealed carry purses. If you plan to carry your gun for personal defense, you should use a good holster or place the gun securely (in a holster) inside some other carry option. Make sure you use something that covers and protects the trigger guard. Note: After you carry your gun for a while you will want a better gun belt. It’s not mandatory on Day 1, but you will notice the difference a good belt makes when carrying a holstered gun.

That’s it. That’s all you really need to get started as a new gun owner. But remember this: You can buy all the best gear in the world, but if you don’t get training, you will not be able to protect yourself or your loved ones. You need education and training. You need to learn more than you know right now about the laws and about the actions you can legally take to protect yourself. That’s the real investment you are about to make.