Essential Purchases for New Gun Owners
As a new gun owner, it’s crucial to prioritize your purchases to ensure safety, compliance with laws, and effective use of your firearm. We’ve categorized these items into Critical, Important, and Nice to Have to help you make informed decisions.
Critical Items
These items should be your top priority as a new gun owner. They are essential for safe handling, storage, and maintenance of your firearm.
Disclaimer: Please note that to support our site and services, many (but not all) of these links below are affiliate links that we will be reimbursed for. You are under no obligation to choose these items, they are just sample recommendations. But we would appreciate the support!
1. Safety Equipment
Safety should always be your primary concern when handling firearms. Essential safety equipment includes:
- Gun safe or lockbox: Secure storage is not just a responsibility; in many places, it’s the law. A quality gun safe or lockbox prevents unauthorized access and protects your firearm from theft.
- Trigger locks: These provide an additional layer of security, especially if you have children in the home.
- Eye protection: Always wear impact-resistant shooting glasses to protect your eyes from ejected casings, debris, and potential ricochets. I like these goggles that prevent fogging while shooting.
- Ear protection: Firearms are loud enough to cause permanent hearing damage. Invest in quality earmuffs or earplugs rated for shooting. I like Walker Over the Ear electronic ear protection, which allows you to turn on a frequency that filters out loud noises while allowing you to hear conversation. Just keep in mind you will need batteries.
2. Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper maintenance ensures your firearm functions reliably and safely. Key items include:
- Cleaning kit: A basic kit should include bore brushes, cleaning rods, patches, and solvent. Here is a basic cleaning kit to get started.
- Gun oil and lubricants: These keep your firearm’s moving parts functioning smoothly and protect against rust. I like to use Lucas Gun Oil, especially because this has a great dispenser bottle that can be refilled. Remember – a little goes a long way!
3. Training and Practice
Safe and effective firearm use requires regular practice. Essential training aids include:
- Dry fire training aids: These allow you to practice trigger control and sight alignment without live ammunition. Mantis X and Mantis Laser Academy are two popular laser sighted training aids, which allow you to practice at home. I love using these systems often.
- Snap caps: These dummy rounds protect your firing pin during dry fire practice and can help diagnose issues like flinching. I like to use caps that have bright orange tips, so that it’s clear it’s not live ammunition. Here is a basic 10 round kit.
Important Items
While not as critical as the above, these items significantly enhance your experience and capabilities as a gun owner.
1. Ammunition and Storage
- Proper ammunition for your firearm: Always use the correct caliber and type of ammunition specified for your gun.
- Ammo cans or storage containers: These protect your ammunition from moisture and extend its shelf life.
2. Holsters and Carrying Equipment
- Quality holster for concealed carry: If you plan to carry concealed, invest in a comfortable, secure holster designed for your specific firearm.
- Range bag or case: A dedicated bag or case makes transporting your firearm and accessories to the range safer and more convenient.
3. Accessories for Your Firearm
- Extra magazines: Having spare magazines allows for quicker reloading during practice and ensures you have backups.
- Magazine loader: These tools can save your thumbs and make loading magazines faster and easier, especially for high-capacity magazines.
4. First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
- First aid kit: A basic kit should be part of your range bag for minor injuries.
- Trauma kit with tourniquets: While we hope you’ll never need it, a trauma kit can be lifesaving in worst-case scenarios.
5. Educational Resources
- Firearms training courses: Professional instruction is invaluable for developing safe handling skills and accurate shooting techniques. Check out the courses we offer that can help you become more proficient.
- Gun laws and regulations guidebook: Stay informed about local and federal laws regarding firearm ownership, transportation, and use.
Nice to Have Items
These items, while not essential, can enhance your shooting experience and skills.
1. Range Essentials
- Staple gun and staples for targets: These allow you to easily set up your own targets at outdoor ranges.
- Shooting rest or sandbags: These aids can help improve your accuracy, especially when sighting in a new firearm or optic.
2. Additional Firearms to Consider
As you become more experienced, you might consider expanding your collection:
- Home defense shotgun: Often recommended for home protection due to its effectiveness and lower risk of over-penetration.
- Practical pistol for concealed carry: If you plan to carry regularly, a compact or subcompact pistol might be more suitable than your first firearm.
- .22 LR rifle or pistol: These firearms use inexpensive ammunition, making them great for frequent practice to improve fundamental skills.
Remember, responsible gun ownership is an ongoing commitment to safety, training, and legal compliance. Prioritize your purchases based on your specific needs and always put safety first.
