First Time Gun Owner Checklist [Essential Items]

Getting your very first gun is an exciting experience. However, with all the adrenaline and nervousness, first-time gun buyers can easily forget to purchase an essential item or prepare themselves properly, which could make their journey into the world of gun ownership even more thrilling, comfortable, and safe.

Luckily, today that is just what we are going to do for you by preparing this first-time gun owner checklist, and making sure you have and know everything you need.

First-Time Gun Owner Checklist

Have your gun permit/legal documentation
Read the owner’s manual
Learn about secure firearm storage
Get a gun-cleaning kit
Prepare ear and eye protection
Supply with quality ammunition
Go through firearms training
Buy a good holster
Acquire a gun case for transportation

1. Have Your Gun Permit/Legal Documentation

Of course, for you to legally possess and own a firearm, you need to have obtained the proper permits and documentation your local jurisdiction requires.

Don’t forget to always check your local laws. For example, did you know that some areas necessitate a law enforcement permit to legally have a firearm in your home?

In all cases, it is your responsibility to learn about and follow your local laws, that way you can avoid any unwanted problems in the future.

2. Read the Owner Manual

This might sound like something you don’t need to do. However, the manual is there for a reason, and would only benefit you to get familiar with the contents.

In case you bought your new firearm from a gun store or online dealer, it will come with the factory packaging and the owner’s manual.

Alternatively, buying a gun second-hand or used from a dealer means that it will most likely not come with an owner’s manual.

Nevertheless, every reputable manufacturer will provide an owner’s manual free of charge upon request. Additionally, many have them available online too.

3. Learn About Secure Firearm Storage

It is essential to know how to store your firearms when you are not using them. It is irresponsible to just leave your guns lying around. Furthermore, some jurisdictions will hold you partially responsible, if your gun gets stolen from your home and used for crime.

The best option for this purpose is to get a gun safe or gun cabinet. Sure, you can also opt to use trigger locks or cable locks, however they are not that reliable, since they can easily be bypassed.

4. Get a Gun Cleaning Kit

First-time gun buyers should know that cleaning their guns regularly will keep their firearms functioning properly, and increase their longevity. Although there are no strict rules regarding gun cleaning, it is recommended that you should clean it every time you use it or, at minimum, after every trip to the shooting range.

If you do not plan on shooting your gun, though, cleaning is not that necessary. That said, it is still advisable, to clean and/or maintain your firearm once a month.

You will need a gun cleaning kit with gun oil, rods, solvents, and cotton swabs.

5. Prepare Ear and Eye Protection

Again, this is not something required by the law, but both ear and eye protection are something you will forever be grateful for. You see, these accessories are absolutely vital in order to prevent injury while shooting.

Guns are very loud, especially indoors, so permanent hearing damage is not out of the question. And that’s not something that can only happen after years of shooting, it could easily happen after only one shot.

One of the best ways to protect your hearing is to use high-quality electronic earmuffs that allow you to hear conversations, but isolate loud noises.

As for eye protection, safety glasses will totally get the job done, ensuring that no unwanted particles damage your eyes. Both these accessories for gun owners are not that expensive either, so it is better to be safe than sorry.

6. Supply With Quality Ammunition

Due to their excitement, first-time gun owners might forget to supply themselves with a sufficient amount of quality ammo. Yet, this is something that you should definitely do.

The exact amount though depends on the purpose of your firearm – if you have a hunting firearm, and intend to only use it a couple of times a year, then a couple of boxes should suffice.

On the other hand, if you are planning to delve into sports shooting, or visit a shooting range often to practice, then it would probably be a smart move to buy ammo in bulk – 500–1000 rounds.

7. Go Through Firearms Training

If you are one of those first-time gun buyers with no previous experience in using firearms, it’d be wise to go through some firearms training.

Remember that guns are a serious matter, and should be handed with safety. A professional instructor can help you get acquainted with the basics of shooting – loading, unloading, shooting stance, recoil, etc.

There are various classes for defensive firearm use, sports shooting, hunting, and competitive – so make sure to check out which are available near you, and sign yourself up for some lessons before you start shooting on your own.

8. Buy a Good Holster

In case you have purchased a handgun for self-defense/concealed carry, then you will definitely need a good holster. Carrying your gun in your pockets or purse is not the best idea.

The purpose of the holster is to provide a reliable and safe place to protect your gun and prevent anything from making contact with the trigger.

9. Acquire a Gun Case for Transportation

Another one of those things that will probably not come to mind when you are purchasing your first gun is transportation.

Sooner or later, you might need to take your firearms with you somewhere, and for that to happen safely and properly, you will need a proper gun case. It is not advisable to just throw your guns in the back seat or the trunk – this can both damage them and expose you to potential and accidental firings.

Nowadays, while most new guns come with some kind of hard or zippered soft case, however, it is not impossible to get a firearm in a cardboard shipping box. Keep in mind that rifles and shotguns need to be transported in a protective case of some sort to prevent scratches and dings that can damage them.

Summary

Buying your first gun is a special moment that requires some preparation. Hopefully, our gun tips are useful and help guide first-time gun owners through the buying process.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask our qualified team in the comment section below.

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