There are several steps a new handgun owner should complete in order to become a responsible and capable shooter.
The first is to determine your reason for wanting the gun in the first place.
Recreational activities such as hunting, competition shooting, or collecting are all legitimate reasons to own a firearm.
Personal defense is another logical reason and usually the one that sparks interest in obtaining a concealed carry permit.
Once you’ve reached that stage, the next logical step is to determine the best gun for your needs. Every day, new models are joining the thousands of pistols already on the market, which can make gun shopping a daunting task for a new shooter.
Searching the Internet for a weapon capable of deadly force probably isn’t a good idea, as author George Harris explains in his article “New to Owning a Gun: In the Beginning” at USConcealedCarry.com:
“A word of caution here is to treat this endeavor seriously by seeking the advice of a professional in the business of firearms training and education. There is so much that you have to be careful about [when it comes to] where you get your education [from].” (Read more at USConcealedCarry.com)
A trained professional will help you become familiar with handling a gun properly and explain why phrases like ‘muzzle management’ and ‘trigger finger discipline’ are important. Another important distinction that’s often confusing to beginners is the difference between a revolver and a semi-automatic. The two firearms have easily distinguishable differences so that the choice largely becomes a matter of preference and necessity.
Once you have selected your gun, there are more choices to be made. Basic cleaning is a must, but learning to field strip your weapon is a skill to master, especially if you are carrying concealed.
Along with maintenance, determining the best ammo for your gun will take time and practice. Generally, .380 ACP works for semi-autos and .38 Special are considered the standard for revolvers. A knowledgeable professional can also determine if your gun is a good fit for you in terms of grip, trigger finger distance, weight, and other features.
However, the best way to learn if a gun is right for you is to shoot it. Many gun shops have their own ranges where you can shoot a few rounds to see if you and your firearm are made for each other. This is also a good time for concealed carry shooters to determine what type of holster will work best.
Becoming a responsible gun owner doesn’t happen as soon as you are handed the permit. It is a training and educational process that should continue as long as you own a gun.