What to Do Before You Buy a Handgun
If you’re thinking of buying a handgun, one of the first steps is learning how to become a responsible gun owner. Take the time to research, read, and talk to others before you choose a firearm.
Consider why you are buying a handgun. Most often it is for self-defense.
Ask yourself: “Am I ready to take this step?” Just as importantly, are you ready to take training and ongoing learning required to keep your skills current.
When you own a handgun, you have made a commitment to be a responsible owner of a lethal weapon. This means knowing how to care for your weapon, how to use it competently, and how to store it safely.
If you are not prepared to kill an attacker then perhaps you should explore other self-defense options like nonlethal weapons or self-defense courses to protect and defend yourself and your family. Owning a concealed carry weapon requires not only physical readiness but also mental preparedness.
Consider these qualities when deciding whether to purchase a concealed carry firearm.
- Lifetime Commitment
Responsible gun owners invest time and money into owning a weapon. Quality training is a responsibility. Courses and range fees, ammunition, extra magazines, targets, and range gear are expenses on top of a handgun and a holster.
- Gun Safety Preparedness
Can you end someone’s life while defending yourself, your family, and/or your property? Can you draw a gun? Can you make instant life-or-death decisions? Can you keep your cool in high stress situations?
Are you prepared physically and mentally? Have you sought training for defensive-shooting? Are you physically able to shoot accurately and safely?
- Local Laws
Owning a handgun isn’t a snap. Do the research! Find out what is involved with purchasing a gun and getting a concealed carry permit. Find out where your permit is recognized. Does your state require your gun to be registered?
Where are you allowed—and not allowed—to conceal carry? What additional training and registration do you need?
Understand the laws and penalties for breaking them!
- Obligations
As a responsible gun owner, you must be prepared to undergo training and put in practice time needed to become competent with your weapon. In the face of competing priorities of job, family, and other hobbies, you need to find time for example to get to the range regularly.
Safety
Your gun comes with responsibilities. One of them is to make ensure your weapon is stored securely.
Besides safe storage, you need to commit to safe handling of your handgun.
You need to have the tools, equipment and skills necessary to clean and maintain your weapon in top condition.
Social Responsibility
Be prepared for family and friends or disagree with your choice to conceal carry.
This is an issue about which people seem to have strong feelings for and against.
The decision to exercise your second amendment will make you surprising supporters—and enemies.
Your goal is not to convince them but rather to pursue your goal of self-defense. It’s okay to try to educate friends and family about safe gun ownership. But understand their views and beliefs may be far from yours.
