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In the past few years, the firearms community has gained more new members than in any other period in history. More people are becoming interested in self-defense, hunting, and recreational shooting. And, of course, as a result, more people are buying guns for the first time. The proper, safe, and legal use of firearms requires that you understand some important principles, and we at Liberty Safe are proud to help.
For the purposes of this article, we’re going to assume you already have your first gun. In other words, you have already bought or been given a firearm and are a first-time gun owner (or are re-entering the shooting sports after a long hiatus). But if you haven’t bought your first gun yet and are in the process of preparing to buy your first firearm, we’ll still give you some great tips in the lower portion of this article. For a deeper dive, you can also read our articles on questions to ask when buying a gun and what do I need to buy a gun.
So, for first-time gun owners, let’s review a few key points and tips that can make things go smoothly as you enter the exciting and fun world of firearms ownership.
Please note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. You are responsible for researching the legal and safe use of firearms in your jurisdiction. Neither Liberty Safe nor the author assumes any liability for the use or misuse of this information.
These rules are important for anyone who owns or uses firearms, but for new gun owners, it’s especially important to learn and practice the four rules of gun safety. We’ve all heard stories of accidental shootings where the gun just went off, or the person didn’t know it was loaded. In 100% of these cases, proper knowledge of safe gun handling would have prevented these tragedies. There are lots of different ways to elaborate the four basic gun safety rules, but in general, these are the key points:
If you’re a new gun owner handling your unloaded gun at home, practice good trigger discipline and muzzle awareness. Never point your gun at yourself, your pets, or anyone else who isn’t trying to harm you, even though you’re sure the gun isn’t loaded. Our handy Gun Owner’s Glossary can be very useful if you are unfamiliar with any firearms-related terms.
First-time gun owners (and everyone else using and handling guns) need to read and understand the owner’s manual for each specific firearm. There are many different types and styles of guns. There are often important differences in operation between different sub-variants of the same brand and type of firearm. Be sure to learn how your specific firearm works and how to handle, load, unload, and operate it safely. The best source for this information is the factory owner’s manual.
If you obtain a new firearm from a local gun store or online dealer, it will usually come with the factory packaging and the owner’s manual. If you bought or were given a used gun from a private individual (where legal) or from a dealer, an owner’s manual may or may not be included. However, every reputable firearms manufacturer will gladly provide an owner’s manual free of charge upon request, and most make their catalog of manuals available online.
It’s vital that you become familiar with your specificfirearm’s features, controls, and functions. Even if you think you know how it works, or if you used to have guns decades ago and are just getting back into it, it’s important that you research your specific firearm model. Updated safety features, multi-function controls, and specific disassembly and reassembly procedures may apply to your gun.
If you are a first-time gun owner and aren’t exactly sure how your firearm works, please don’t handle it much, and in particular, don’t load it until you fully understand how to handle and operate it safely. A gun you don’t know how to operate is potentially more dangerous to you and your family than it is to any threat you may face.
This is an area that can be tricky for new gun owners. Some people assume that since they obtained the gun in a particular area, that it’s still legal to own and carry in that jurisdiction. Or maybe they may have purchased or obtained items like magazines or certain types of ammunition along with their firearm, which may or may not be legal to possess under current regulations. Firearms laws vary GREATLY between states and can even differ between counties or cities within the same state. Read up as much as you can on your local firearms laws and ordinances.
There may be prohibitions on the type or even the specific model of firearm you own. There may also be recent laws enacted that restrict the possession or transfer/sale of certain types of firearm magazines or accessories. Several local governments have recently enacted firearms storage laws, which state certain conditions you must agree to if you want to possess firearms legally in that locality. It is your responsibility to learn and follow all local laws and regulations regarding firearms use and storage. You could potentially be prosecuted for breaking the law, and ignorance of the law is never a valid excuse.
When you get a driver’s license, you must practice a lot to develop proficiency in driving safely. When you use a power tool or a chainsaw, you must learn the proper handling and safety practices and develop the proper skill to use them safely. Similarly, when you have a gun, developing and maintaining safe handling skills and shooting proficiency is important. Shooting is a perishable skill.
One of the best ways to build and maintain proficiency with your newly acquired firearm is to go to a local gun range regularly. Whether an informal outdoor range or a strictly monitored indoor range, you can still practice safe gun handling skills and develop your shooting abilities. You can practice loading and unloading your gun. You can practice proper sight picture, sight alignment, and trigger control. You can practice dry-firing, which is practicing using the trigger and sights of your gun without loading any ammunition. And you can practice live-fire with quality ammunition.
Even if you’re on a tight budget, you should save to purchase enough ammunition to keep your skills fresh. Even one box of ammunition a month can go a long way. If you want to shoot more often and spend less, consider learning how to reload your own ammo. You can save a lot of money and make better-quality ammunition at the same time.
While many new gun owners have bought guns to hunt or target shoot, lots of new gun owners buy firearms with the intent to use them for home defense and/or concealed carry (for personal defense). If you plan to carry concealed, it’s extra important to become very familiar with your local laws about carrying a firearm in a vehicle, and where concealed carry of a weapon (CCW) may be prohibited in your state or city. Our articles on Concealed Carry 101, Best Concealed Carry Holsters, and How to Create Good Concealed Carry Habits can be a big help, also.
This should be a no-brainer, but it’s important to keep your gun (and maybe eventually a larger gun collection) secure and safe from unauthorized access, theft, and damage when not in use. A quality handgun vault or basic gun safe is a great investment and can be surprisingly affordable. As noted above, in some jurisdictions you can be held liable and even criminally charged if you fail to store firearms and ammunition properly.
Regardless of local ordinances, keeping guns and ammunition properly locked up is just a good idea. A properly dehumidified safe can also prevent corrosion, rust, wood cracking, and other environmental damage to firearms, ammunition, other valuables, and even important documents.
So, those are our basic tips for first-time gun owners who have already obtained a gun.
