Buying Weapons: 11 Tips for the First-Time Buyer

How to Overcome Fear of Guns

Written by: Jay Chambers 10/03/19 Minutemanreview.com

How should you pick your first weapon? It’s a question giving many first-time weapon buyers a very hard time, and rightfully so. Guns are devices you need to choose and use carefully, which is why you can’t go with just any product.

There are many weapons on the market, going from cheaper models to pricier ones, or from pocket-sized ones to whole rifles that can intimidate anyone. It’s only normal to feel overwhelmed with the number of guns you have to choose from, but it’s not impossible.

This article will give you 11 tips to help you pick your first weapon.

1. Make Some Research

Of course, you can’t attempt to choose a weapon if you don’t know too much about weapons in the first place. This isn’t about brands as it’s about the type of guns or calibers. Each gun model is created in a certain way and can be used for specific purposes. Concurrently, they are so different from each other as some models are more effective compared to others.

Before you dive in, try doing your homework and learn as much about guns as you can. It will save you from potentially buying the wrong type of weapon.

• Think Whether You’ll Be Able to Shoot

There is one rule going among shooters, which goes like this: “Do not point your gun at anything you are not ready to destroy.” So, this should make you ask yourself whether you’d be capable of pulling the trigger in a dangerous situation or not. Would you injure or possibly kill someone else to protect yourself or your family?

These are important things you should consider, as you need to be ready to do it before you buy a gun. Simply pointing the gun without shooting could make things more dangerous for you, as the perpetrator may have a weapon himself.

• Find Your Purpose

What do you need the gun for? It’s important to know that not all weapons work for any purpose. Some are meant for hunting or target shooting, whereas others are used for self-defense.

Basically, you need to have an idea of how you will use the gun. If you want to hunt, then you will need a revolver. Even then, you have to figure whether you want a large, medium or small game for the ammunition. Also, you’ll have to find out if you want to make it more highly effective, by adding sniper scopes, for instance.

If you need something for self-defense, you should go for a handgun, and also think whether you want to keep it in your gun safe or take it with you as concealed carry. Find a purpose before you get the gun.

• Trust Rules, Not Opinions

Although it’s not wrong to ask for advice from someone who owns a gun, it’s ideal to separate opinions from facts. A lot of gun owners may say that a certain caliber is the best for self-defense, while another group will tell you how a different caliber is much better.

Make sure you talk to a professional who can tell you actual rules and facts, and not show their bias towards specific models.

1. Be Skeptical About Used Guns

If you are not in a good place with your finances right now, you may consider buying a used gun. However, you need to be very careful with second-hand guns, especially if they’re for self-defense.

Although some guns are lucky to come with only a few scratches, you never know how you’ll end up with a malfunctioning item, particularly if the seller is a stranger. Get your gun properly checked just to make sure.

• Look for the Best Price

Whether you are short of cash right now, or you want to go for a pricier gun that seems safer, you have to look for the best price at all times. More often than not, it’s not recommended to go with a very cheap gun. It can not only be unsafe but also of low quality and bound to break easily.

Also, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to afford a quality weapon. There are a lot of guns coming at decent prices for all budgets. Just make sure you always compare the price versus quality, so you know it’s worth it.

• Find a Good Store

When shopping for guns, it’s always better to buy from someone who has knowledge and experience with them and can give you proper advice. That means you have to find a store where you know you’re going to get the best deal from a qualified person.

Whereas some large chain store employees know enough about weapons, it’s not always the case. You may be better off with a passionate person who owns a small gun shop but has grown up around guns. Do your research to find the best store.

• Don’t Rush

Don’t try to hurry with buying a gun simply because you can’t wait to own one, or there’s some limited time offer for a weapon you know nothing about. You may come to regret it later on, which is why you should be careful and choose something you like instead. You’ll see that you’ll be happier if you do an effort to research a gun and buy it only if it offers what you are looking for. Hurrying tends to ruin everything, most of the time.

• Trust Your Hands

You shouldn’t expect just any weapon to work for you. Simply put, your hands have a specific size and force, and although some weapons will be suitable from other points of view, you may just not have enough strength to handle them.

For example, big guns will be difficult to handle for small hands, while small grips will feel awkward for people with big hands. Test a gun before you invest in it.

• Get Some Training

You’re not born automatically knowing the secrets of handling weapons. Also, just because you have the right to own a gun, it doesn’t mean you should own one if you’re unable to use it properly.

Therefore, get some gun training prior to purchasing your first weapon. You should have knowledge when it comes to its usage and safety.

• Consider Additional Features

Depending on your purpose, you may want to consider some additional features before you buy a gun. If you need it for hunting, you want it to be as highly effective as possible. So, a way to do what would be through scopes, which help you have a more accurate shot from a long range. A Schmidt Bender PMII 3-12×50 L/P could be a good example of an effective scope, but there are more models depending on your preferences, as well as what rifle you own.

For handguns or any other gun, you might also want to consider gun locks, or systems that don’t allow anyone to use them – this is for your family’s safety, and even yours. Look into the additional features available and choose something that fits, where it applies.

Final Thoughts

Being a first-time buyer for anything can cause you some trouble, but guidance will always make things much easier for you. These tips should ease the burden you have as a first-time weapon buyer, and get you ready to explore your gun options.