Aside from police officers and military personnel, 44 percent of Americans own a gun at home. There are various reasons for owning a gun. Some people want protection and security, while others enjoy target shooting and hunting.
Whatever the case is, gun ownership is a complicated topic. You need to understand the laws, gun license, type of guns, gun safety, and other information before owning one. Fortunately, we got you covered in this article; here are nine things to know before you buy a gun.
1. Know What You Want to Do With the Gun
Knowing what you want to do with the gun can help you navigate the gun shop. It helps the staff in guiding you to pick the right firearm. This is mainly because there are different types of guns out there, such as:
Handguns/Pistols
These are compacted weapons with short barrels. They are very accurate and carry a huge punch. This is mainly because of the rifling within their thick barrels, which are engineered to bear a significant amount of pressure.
Because of their petite size, they are easy to carry and can even be fired with one hand. They are ideal for self-defense, protection, and range shooting.
Shotguns
These firearms have lengthy barrels with a smooth bore rather than rifling, which allows the ammunition to spin. Because the barrel is narrower than a handgun, it can not withstand as much pressure. These are the most effective rifles for skeet shooting and bird hunting.
Rifles
If you need a weapon for long-range hunting, a rifle is the best option. It has a long, rifled barrel with robust, pressure-resistant walls. In comparison to a shotgun, a rifle is more precise and capable of firing long distant.
Semi-Automatic Rifle
This is a gun that self-loads and repeats after each fire, automatically cycling a fresh cartridge. Unlike a fully automatic weapon, the rifle’s trigger must be manually released. The sear and hammer reset before pulling the trigger to discharge another shot.
2. Research Your Gun Laws
As a first-time gun purchaser, you should familiarize yourself with the firearms legislation in your state. What is legal in one state may be illegal in another. Even if you are just acquiring a gun to defend your house and family, you do not want to risk violating any gun regulations.
Each state is free to determine whether or not to give out the licenses. Certain states authorize open carry with or without a permit. Conceal carry regulations vary by state, and some do not require any authorizations, like:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Vermont
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
There are a few effective methods for learning more about your state’s or town’s gun regulations. You might search for the gun regulations in your state and municipality online. A competent gun dealer will also inform you of the steps necessary to acquire a firearm legally.
3. Make Sure You Can Buy a Gun Legally?
While the Second Amendment guarantees US residents the freedom to bear arms, but not all Americans have the legal rights to do that. The FBI has extensive data on possible gun purchasers through its databases, which it uses to conduct background checks.
To prevent any problems while purchasing your first gun, please examine the following factors that may exclude you from buying one:
- Convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in the past
- Being dismissed from the military
- Being accused but not yet convicted of a severe offense
- Being a law-abiding fugitive
- State Prohibition due to drug or alcohol abuse
- Having a restraining order issued against you
- Incarcerated in a mental hospital
If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible to purchase a gun, check with the staff at the gun shop before submitting your application for your gun permit.
4. Test Before Purchasing
You wouldn’t buy a vehicle without taking it for a test drive. The same is true when purchasing your first gun. It’s advisable to rent one and practice at a shooting range.
After a couple of practices, you should get an idea about which guns are suitable for you. If none of the firearms works, then consider finding another store.
5. Make Sure the Gun Is Not Too Heavy
Contrast the gun’s feel to those of other firearms. Is the rifle in your hand too light or too heavy? Take a tight hold on the gun’s grip.
Keep your fingers away from the trigger guard. Check to see whether you can switch the safety lock with ease. You want to ensure that the gun is not too heavy for you to operate.
6. Know the Requirements for Purchasing a Gun
Almost all states require you to provide a legitimate picture ID. This means that you will need a driver’s license or a current government-issued identification card, such as a military ID.
7. Background Verification
In all states, you must fill out and sign an ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Form). This form will certify that you are legally qualified to acquire a firearm. You are also obligated by law to complete it accurately and honestly.
Not only is the gun dealer obliged to evaluate your information, but they are also required to submit it to the FBI for a background check. The FBI may withhold a yes or no decision until it receives new information. If the FBI does not provide a ruling within three days, a default proceeding occurs, in which the licensed dealer may sell the handgun to the applicant.
8. Maintaining Your Gun Properly
A gun is an investment, so you want to safeguard it. Environmental factors, such as humidity, dust, and oil from your hands can rust, corrode, or tarnish the gunmetal. If it becomes wet while you’re outside, you should dry it immediately.
9. Store Your Gun Properly
You’ll want to protect your handgun against theft or from young children. The most effective method is to purchase a gun vault or gun safe. Make sure that you are the only one who knows the combination or has the key to access the firearm.
Where to Buy a Gun
Buying a gun isn’t as simple as buying a bag of potato chips. You have to be aware of the laws, licensure, forms, and other factors. Depending on where you live, you also want to ensure that it’s legal.
Once you have everything down, it’s time to find a reliable place to get a gun. You want to purchase from a store with a good reputation and excellent reviews. If you want to know where to buy a gun, contact us today for more information.
