Gun sales are surging and many people are interested in purchasing a handgun for the first time. If you haven’t purchased a handgun before and are unsure where to start, you'll want to do a lot of research before you make your first purchase. If you put the question out on social media, be prepared for many opinions, which are likely to confuse you more!
One of my biggest pet peeves is to see friends post: “I’m ready to purchase a handgun, what should I buy?” Followed by, “And it can’t break the bank.” No one on social media knows what your budget is. Everyone is going to have their own opinion based on their personal experience.
Things to consider when purchasing a handgun:
What are you going to use the handgun for?
Is this firearm going to be used for personal protection, home protection, speed shooting, range nights, weekend fun, etc?
Have you shot before?
If you have never fired a pistol before, it is better that you do so under the watchful instruction of a Range Safety Officer at a gun range where you can rent and shoot several pistols until you find the one you like or are comfortable with.
Where are you going to carry this firearm?
Will this firearm be in your pocket, holster, what type of holster, purse, glove box, nightstand, range bag, etc? Or will you simply store it in your safe at home?
Do you know the difference between a hammer and striker fire or a revolver?
Understanding the different types of firearms will help you decide if it is the right choice for you and the appropriate holster to purchase given how and where you will carry a specific pistol.
Do you need training?
Does your state require training or a concealed carry license in order for you to purchase a firearm? Research and understand your state's gun laws.
Who will be shooting this firearm?
Are you going to be the only person in your household who will shoot this firearm? If not, does the firearm have all the safety features you’d like it to have if let’s say, you let your children shoot it under your supervision?
Firearm Considerations for Women
If the firearm is being carried and used by a lady, there are a few extra factors that should be considered. No, the point here is not that women cannot handle the same caliber of firearm as men, but rather that women typically have more of a concern with natural-looking concealability, as well as finer attention to comfort and style.
For all you ladies out there, it is important to first consider how you will be carrying this firearm. If you are open-carrying, there aren't too many limiting factors beyond comfort and functionality.
Now, if you plan to conceal carry, whether you are utilizing some type of women's concealed carry clothing or a concealed carry bag, you do need to consider the size and weight of the pistol to conceal carry without being uncomfortable or the pistol being too obvious. Take some time, do your research, and find a firearm that works for you.
Why are you buying a firearm?
Do you know the laws in your state regarding any of the above questions? These are not simple questions and the purchase of a firearm should be taken very seriously. It is an incredible responsibility to own a firearm.
There are cheap handguns but things seem to go wrong with them and most people hate them very very soon after they buy them. It’s like they purchased a used car on the corner of an intersection in an abandoned parking lot from a guy with slicked-back hair and wonder why the car caught on fire and burnt to the ground before they even made it home because it was such a good deal.
Bonus tip: don’t purchase a used firearm unless you know the person personally. Make sure to have the firearm inspected by a professional who knows what they are doing.
Check out our post: Firearms for Beginners: Guns, Scopes, Ammo and Ranges and Gun Safety: What You MUST Know Before Handling Any Gun
Reading reviews online only gives you a slight picture of how the firearm operates and handles. Everyone has a different opinion. A friend recently purchased a firearm and loves it. There was so much hype surrounding the little item that everyone wanted one before it even came out.
I was working the gun counter at Sportsman’s Warehouse when we finally got the same one in stock. It felt like absolute garbage in my hands and I really hated showing it to people. These customers came in with their minds made up. I could have put a different firearm in their hands which would have fit their hands like gloves.
A year of hype around a pistol that pinches your hand is what they bought without trying one out.
That is my personal experience which may be completely different from yours. It is more important that it is comfortable for you to shoot.
Where to buy a handgun legally
You can purchase a handgun legally at a licensed firearms dealer, also known as a gun store. These stores are required to follow federal and state laws regarding the sale of firearms, including conducting background checks on buyers. You can also purchase a handgun through a private sale, but it is important to ensure that the seller is legally allowed to sell firearms and that the transaction follows all applicable laws.
