When you decide to buy your first firearm, it can be both exciting and intimidating. With so much to learn and experience, mistakes can impact your safety, success, and wallet.
I have over two decades of experience in the LAPD as an officer in the field, a firearms instructor at the police academy for 8 years, and a primary writer of the transition course where we trained officers in the transition from revolvers to semiautomatic pistols in 1986.
I have won over 20 major shooting competitions as a professional shooter, to name a few: the NRA Bianchi Cup 4 times, the NRA National Police Championship 4 times, the Canadian National Police Shooting Competition 3 times, and the Australian National Bianchi Cup 2 times.
When it comes to mistakes, I’ve seen them all.
Let’s explore the most common mistakes I’ve witnessed beginners make and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Determining The Why Before Purchasing
The reason why you are buying a firearm impacts what you should buy. Why do you want to buy a firearm? What are the most critical features?
Do you want a handgun for personal defense? Do you want to be able to carry concealed? Is it legal to carry it wherever you live? Are you looking for something easy to shoot, even in a frenzied situation?
If you are looking for a rifle, is it for hunting? If so, are you hunting squirrels or big game? Are you likely shooting at a target less than 500 yards away or at longer distances? Is it for home defense? Is it only for target shooting?
You need to know this before you head to the gun shop.
Mistake #2: Not Trying or Testing a Firearm Before Buying
If you’re new to the world of firearms, you may not realize it’s possible to try before you buy. It’s vitally important to ensure you buy something you are comfortable shooting.
Most indoor ranges have firearms that can be rented. This can be a great way to test out different manufacturers and calibers while paying attention to the recoil and how it feels in your hands.
Many beginners make the mistake of walking into a gun shop and buying what looks “cool” or buying solely based on someone else’s review or recommendation of that firearm.
A firearm is a significant investment. And the costs don’t end at the purchase. There are other things to consider, including the price of ammunition (check out mistake #5!). So you want to ensure you buy what’s right to avoid an expensive mistake.
A critical consideration is whether you have children at home. Do others live with you who would have access to the firearm? You might be looking to buy a security safe for your rifle, shotgun, or handgun; there are many options, and we recommend you invest in one.
You are responsible for whatever transpires with your firearm!
Mistake #3: Not Investing in Quality
As with other products, the manufacturing quality can significantly impact your experience as a firearms owner. While you don’t need to spend thousands on your first firearm, this is not the time to go for the cheapest one in the case at the gun shop.
Cheaper-made weapons are more likely to be inaccurate or jam when you are firing them. That said, more expensive does not always equal higher quality. Research is key!
Focus on quality manufacturers with a well-known history of reliability and performance.
Handgun Manufacturers We Recommend:
- GLOCK
- SIG SAUER
- Smith & Wesson
- H&K
- Ruger
- Walther
- Springfield
- Beretta
Rifle Manufacturers We Recommend:
- Springfield
- FN
- Ruger
- Browning
- Remington
- Weatherby
- Daniel Defense
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Difference in Calibers
Caliber choice significantly impacts your shooting experience. Beginners may not fully understand the differences between calibers and how they affect recoil, accuracy, and cost.
The caliber refers to the diameter of the bullet. The higher the caliber, the larger the bullet. And the larger the bullet, the more recoil you can expect in most cases.
When you go to the range and test firearms, you can quickly tell the difference between a .22 caliber and a .45 caliber in a handgun. In rifles, .223 Remington will feel much different than a .300 Remington, and certainly versus a .30-06 or 12 gauge.
Your why will also influence the caliber weapon you choose. A .223 won’t get you very far if you’re going big-game hunting, but a .30-06 is complete overkill if you want to take care of the annoying squirrels on your bird feeder. Leave the squirrels alone unless you live out in the country without close neighbors!
If you want to conceal carry, a 9mm or smaller is better than a .45.
Research and consult with experienced shooters to choose the correct caliber for your needs. And most importantly, try it out. Your first firearm should be something you can quickly feel comfortable shooting.
Mistake #5: Not Taking Into Consideration the Price of Ammo
When choosing a firearm, beginners often overlook the ongoing cost of ammunition. The price of ammo can add up quickly, especially if you’re practicing regularly.
Research the ammo cost for your chosen caliber and factor it into your budget. Just as with firearms, there are multiple manufacturers of ammunition. Quality ammo is a necessity.
If you’re headed to the range to practice, you can quickly go through 100 rounds. Ammo can range from a few cents to $10+ for each round. You don’t want the price of your ammo to keep you from practicing as much as you need to.
Mistake #6: Buying a Lot of “High Speed” Gear
The firearms industry is full of gear that may seem necessary if you’re a beginner, but very little is. Investing in all the cool accessories is tempting, but it’s best to hold off until you have mastered the basics.
When starting, you need:
- Ammunition
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
- Gun case
If you are buying a rifle, you can add an optic, such as one of our scopes designed to do all the calculations for you, to that list.
Mistake #7: Not Taking a Class to Understand the Basics of Shooting
Many new shooters skip taking a formal class, thinking they can learn independently. While there’s a lot of information online, nothing beats hands-on training from a qualified instructor.
We recommend taking an introductory firearms class before you purchase your first weapon. A good class should focus on safely handling your gun, including:
- Always treat a firearm as if it is loaded
- Always keep the muzzle pointed downrange
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
- How to safely load and unload your weapon
- What to do if your firearm jams or misfires
- How to safely store your weapon
Classes also generally cover local laws and regulations about gun ownership, required licenses, and concealed carry permits.
After you purchase your firearm, you can return for additional classes to teach you proper techniques and how to develop good habits from the start.
A great instructor can save you a lot of time and frustration. They can identify any mistakes you are making or corrections that need to happen to improve your precision and accuracy.
Enjoy the Hunt for Your Perfect Firearm
Firearm ownership is a right guaranteed to you under the Second Amendment. Whether looking for a small handgun for self-defense or a large rifle to take down big game, it’s essential to do your research.
Learn about your options, test out your top choices, and find a local class on safety and techniques.
Always remember: alcohol and drugs don’t mix with firearms! And don’t show off your firearms to friends who come over to socialize. Many accidents occur while showing people who are not proficient with guns!
Even those that are proficient have made the terrible statement, “I didn’t know it was loaded.” So, be overly careful when it comes to guns. Treat them like pet rattlesnakes, and know they can bite when you least suspect it.
Welcome to the world of shooting!
