TIPS FOR FIRST TIME FIREARM OWNERS

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Tips For First Time Firearm Owners

By Beth Walker[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”39880″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the nation, people are taking this opportunity to become first time firearm owners. Uncertainty about the future has caused people to realize the importance of being your own first responder and taking the safety of yourself and your family into your own care. Owning a firearm is an amazing step in exercising your Constitutional freedoms, but it does not come without responsibilities. Here are a few tips, reminders, and ideas for first time firearm owners! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Four Rules of Firearms Safety

Always treat your firearm as if it is loaded.

If you own a firearm, you need to respect the ability of the tool. If you are getting ready to dry fire, store your firearm, or clean; do a chamber check to ensure that your firearm is unloaded and there is not a round in the chamber prior to completing these tasks.

Never point your firearm at anything that you are not willing to destroy.

Firearms are tools and they should be treated as such. Pointing your firearm at something indicates that you are ready to pull the trigger (this is try for dry fire and live fire). This rule is especially important if you have children, friends, or family who are either unfamiliar or uncomfortable with firearms. You are setting an examples of the amount of responsibility that you posses and the respect that you have for the capabilities of your tool.

Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready and willing to fire.

This ensure that you will not have an accidental discharge of your firearm. It also ensure that if an accident happens (such as slipping) you will not cause a dangerous situation.

Know your target and what lies beyond it.

Getting in the habit of knowing your target and its surroundings is a crucial step for a firearms owner. This can be a skill that is learned while you practice. Ensure that during practice you have a proper backstop, no one is downrange, and you will be able to safely discharge the firearm at a proper target with no risk. The reason that this skill is so important is because it translates to self defense situations. If you are in the unfortunate situation where you have to defend yourself or your family using your firearm, you want to eliminate the chance of accidental incidents that could be avoided with caution.

Practice, Practice, Practice 

You are only as good as your practice. It is important to take classes, learn from those you trust, and become comfortable with your firearm before you assume that you can use it to your fullest ability. An important lesson is to set all pride and preconceived ideas about your performance aside and learn. Work on the fundamentals until they become second nature and do not worry about increasing speed until you can perform fundamentals almost flawlessly.

Practice at your highest level. If you are faced with a situation that is dangerous and induces adrenaline and stress, your response capabilities will likely decrease significantly. It is important to practice under stress to get your body and mind used to a low level response to these situations. It is always good to dry fire to ensure that you are building your skills even when you are not able to be at the range practicing. Make sure you remove all ammunition from the room you will be dry firing in, double check that your chamber is empty, and that you are pointed in a safe direction.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”39882″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Storage 

When a firearm is purchased, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is stored safely when not in use or being cleaned. This is crucial if you have children or are having visitors to your house. If your house is ever broken into, it also ensures the security of your firearms. 

Purchase a firearm that fits YOUR needs 

Many people have opinions on the best firearm to use for home defense, concealed carry, etc. but none of this matters if you purchase a firearm that does not fit you and what you need. Do research on platform, calibers, ammunition, and ammunition prices. Seek the help of those that you trust in the process and do not rely solely on random youtube videos and articles that have been written about a platform you are considering. 

Know state and local laws 

It is important to know your state and local laws before purchasing a firearm. If you are unsure of regulations, you can check for your laws on the NRA-ILA https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/. 

Learn About the Process 

Every time a firearm is purchased, you must pass a background check. The only exception to this is certain states where a concealed carry permit is proof at the time of sale. Never buy a firearm for someone that is not legally able to do so on their own. This is a serious offense and is not taken lightly. If you buy a firearm, it is your responsibility and you are the legal owner unless the firearm is transferred between individuals who are legally allowed to own. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ gap=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1586811747029-888dfd78-72c3-7″ include=”39885,39886″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Last Reminders 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

Ephesians 6:10-11 

While it is always good to prepare for earthly battles, there is a battle going on in the Spirit that is even greater. Be strong in the Lord, seek Him through prayer, and study Scripture as dutifully as you would prepare for anything that would take place on earth. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”39881″ img_size=”medium” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

10 thoughts on “TIPS FOR FIRST TIME FIREARM OWNERS

  1. Tom taylor says:

    Great article and info! Haven’t been shooting for several years! Will be moving close to a range this summer.
    Thank you…

  2. rachel frampton says:

    My husband is currently looking for a used gun, that he may use for his gu shooting. I’m glad you shared this; I’ll make sure to remind him about the importance of storing his firearm or cleaning it before he gets ready to dry fire. Also, I agree with you that firearms are tools, therefore it should be used responsibly.

  3. Sonia Sweeney says:

    Great article, even as an experienced or avid shooter, it’s great to step back and go over the fundamentals. I’ve been teaching my 15yr old daughter how to handle a firearm, including taking her to the range with me and these are helpful for me to use for her also. You can never be too safe!

  4. Megan Alder says:

    My sister told me that she wants to buy a gun, and since she will be a first-time owner I’m looking for a piece of advice I can share with her. You made a great point when you said firearm owner should treat the gun like if it was loaded, more so if it is. I know this is by far the most important point since we don’t want any of our loved ones, or the incorrect target to be injured.

  5. Alice Carroll says:

    Thanks for the reminder that local laws can sometimes be more specific than state laws when it comes to owning a firearm. I’m thinking about going to a gun shop this weekend and start browsing for my very first gun. There have been two criminal cases filed in my town this year and I think that should be enough to make me inclined to start taking my own safety more seriously.

  6. Levi Armstrong says:

    I agree with what you said that it’s vital to take classes and be comfortable with your chosen firearm before assuming you can use it responsibly. My brother plans to purchase a firearm at a local pwn shop. I’ll call him tonight and suggest he takes gun safety classes first. Thanks!

  7. Kate Hansen says:

    It’s good to know that you should find a place to safely store it. My sister was telling me last night about how she and her husband want to look into getting a gun for their home in case they ever have a break-in, and she wants to make sure that they are safe with it. I’ll make sure to pass his information along to them once they find a gun to get.

  8. Charlotte Fleet says:

    My older sister wants to buy a handgun that she can store safely in her house in case of emergencies. I appreciate your suggestion to seek help and advice from people that you trust during the buying process. I’ll have my sister get help from people she knows who have experience with firearms as she looks for the right handgun.

  9. Eli Richardson says:

    It’s great that you elaborated on purchasing a firearm that fits our needs. I heard that my cousin wants to get a license to buy a firearm for self-protection within the next few months, so I’ll make sure she reads your article first. Thank you for the intake on researching calibers and ammunition prices first.

  10. Mia Evans says:

    Thanks for helping me understand that we have to store a gun safely when we buy one as well as clean it properly. I should look for gun accessories that I can own to keep the firearm safer and free from dirt. It’s the purchase I have been planning to have for the past months now that I live on my own to protect myself from any kind of harm.

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