Gun Ownership 101: What You Need to Know Before Buying Your First Firearm

By: Karen Hunter

The first gun someone buys is one they usually become unhappy with. Purchasing your first firearm is a big decision. Many head to their local gun store to make a purchase. Once there, they rely on the knowledge and expertise of whoever is behind the counter. Gun store employees may be well versed in firearms, but most are not knowledgeable instructors who can guide you through the entire process accurately.

Understand the Why

Before purchasing your first firearm, it’s important to understand exactly why you’re choosing to own one. Are you interested in self-defense, hunting, competitive shooting, or simply recreational range time? Your reasons will help shape the type of firearm you should be looking for. A handgun designed for concealed carry will be very different from a precision rifle built for long-distance hunting or a shotgun suited for home protection. Knowing your purpose helps narrow your choices and keeps you focused on firearms that fit your needs rather than getting lost in the endless sea of options available today. 

Being honest about your motivation isn’t just a helpful starting point–it’s a critical step in becoming a responsible gun owner. Different applications come with different training requirements, safety considerations, and legal implications. By identifying your “why”, you’re laying the groundwork for not only choosing the right firearm, but also understanding how it should be handled, stored, and used. This kind of clarity leads to more informed decisions and sets you up for long-term success with your new responsibility. 

Gun Safety

Regardless of the reason you are becoming a firearm owner, understanding gun safety is a non-negotiable point. Your goal should not be just to own a firearm. Your goal needs to incorporate being a responsible gun owner. Responsible gun owners are well-versed in all aspects of gun safety.

If you’re new to firearms or even just feeling unsure about where to start, I highly recommend enrolling in a certified gun safety course. These classes provide a structured and supportive environment where you can learn the fundamentals of firearm handling, storage, and operation. You’ll also get the chance to ask questions, get hands-on experience under the guidance of an instructor, and build a solid foundation of safe habits. Even if you think you already know the basics, a refresher course can be a valuable tool in sharpening your skills and boosting your confidence–especially before making that first purchase. 

How often will you train?

Training is essential, especially when it comes to self-defense and home protection. Before focusing on marksmanship and shooting fundamentals, it is crucial to spend time educating yourself on your gun. Knowing precisely what you have and how it works is crucial to building confident gun-handling skills. A semi-automatic handgun, for example, works differently than a revolver. It requires knowledge of loading magazines, magazine reloads, malfunction clearances, and other related skills. Thoroughly understanding how your firearm works is just as crucial as taking the time to train and learning how to shoot it. If you do not plan on spending a lot of time training and educating yourself with your gun, choose something from a more straightforward platform. You will still need to educate and train, but a more straightforward platform could make you proficient with less time and effort.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintenance and cleaning may not seem like a crucial factor to consider when purchasing a gun, but they do play a significant role. 1911, for example, requires regular cleaning and maintenance checks to perform well, while a Glock can be buried, dug up, and still shot accurately. This isn’t to say one is a better gun than the other. The point is that certain firearms require a more regular maintenance and cleaning routine, while others can go a little longer between cleanings. You want to ensure the gun you choose is one that you can maintain and adequately care for. If your schedule is hectic or you tend to be a procrastinator, select a gun that can withstand a little neglect. 

Factors of Ammunition

Once you have narrowed down a specific platform, you will need to research ammunition. For example, if you opt for a handgun, you will need to decide on a caliber. The most common calibers are 9mm, .45 ACP, and .380, but there are also .22 LR, 10mm, and others. Each caliber has its purpose, advantages, and disadvantages. Price is also a factor. 10mm ammunition costs quite a bit more per round on average. This principle also applies to long gun ammunition. You will have people recommending one over the other with a million reasons why “it is better .” Investing time in researching what you need and why is advantageous before deciding on a firearm.

When you have established what you need and why, your options will seem less overwhelming. You will also be more confident, educated, and ready to discuss options from a knowledgeable perspective. From this point, you can select firearms that fall in the spectrum of your needs and rent them for live fire. Many gun ranges carry firearms you can rent and spend time shooting. Live fire is crucial because you need to feel how the firearm shoots in your hands; holding it and dry firing alone is not enough. 

At the end of the day, choosing the right firearm comes down to what fits your hand comfortably and what you can shoot with confidence and control. What works perfectly for one person may feel completely wrong for another–that’s normal. Firearms are highly individual tools, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why it’s essential to make an educated decision based on your needs, experience, and what feels right to you. Once you’ve made that choice, don’t let it sit in the safe untouched. Regular training and practice are key. A firearm is only as effective and safe as the person handling it, so invest the time to build skill and familiarity–you owe it to yourself and those around you.