Choosing a Handgun

For any gun owner, choosing the right gun is extremely important. The first thing a new shooter needs to do is get familiar with handguns. Go out to your local gun store and start looking around. Ask the owner to see the handgun and ask them how to field strip the gun. Get familiar with the weight and the feel. Learn how a handgun operates, whether it is a pistol or a revolver.

After you understand how a firearm operates it's time to go to the range. Go out to your local shooting range and rent the biggest, baddest pistol you can find. Actually that would be the worst thing to do. For a first time shooter guns can seem extremely menacing. Look for the smallest caliber handgun. Usually this well be a little Ruger .22 pistol.  Hand the pistol in your hands and manipulate it until you are comfortable. Now it's time to shoot. First time shooters should always shoot with an expert or coach for the first few times. Develop the skills  and shooting technique necessary to become an accurate marksman.

Once you have become comfortable with shooting a .22 you can then try different calibers. Try out a .380 or 9mm and see how those feel. Once you have the proper shooting techniques you can easily transfer them to any firearm. If you feel confident in your abilities to shoot you can try a revolver. They are slightly harder to shoot because the sights are different.

If you have tried a wide variety of handguns then you are ready to buy your first handgun. Consider the price and availability of your firearm and ammunition. Chose a gun that will fit into your daily life and a gun you are 100% comfortable with. Do not buy a cheap, knock-off brand when choosing a gun. You will get what you pay for and when your life might be on the line you can't spend too much.

Congratulations, you have bought your new firearm. Now what? Practice! The only way you are going to be effective with your new gun is if you practice. I recommend that you shoot at least fifty rounds a month. This will improve your accuracy and comfort with the gun. Pretty soon that new pistol or revolver will feel like a part of your hand.

Storage is extremely important. If you don't have that gun on you it needs to be locked up. A good gun owner is a responsible gun owner.

Buying a gun is a very enjoyable experience. Make it fun and keep it safe.