Firearms

A Beginner’s Guide To Choosing a Gun

Choosing a gun may be a relatively difficult task, especially for newbies in the field. There are a lot of options for firearms out there, and it may get all too confusing.

There are a lot of brand new and secondhand guns available in the market. But, it tends to be a little challenging when deciding which gun would fit you best. The good thing is that we have rounded up factors that will help you choose the right gun.

In this article, we have listed vital factors a beginner should look out for in choosing the right gun.

You've reached your daily free article limit.

Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.

Get Full Ad-Free Access For Just $0.50/Week

Enjoy unlimited digital access to our Military Culture, Defense, and Foreign Policy coverage content and support a veteran owned business. Already a subscriber?

Choosing a gun may be a relatively difficult task, especially for newbies in the field. There are a lot of options for firearms out there, and it may get all too confusing.

There are a lot of brand new and secondhand guns available in the market. But, it tends to be a little challenging when deciding which gun would fit you best. The good thing is that we have rounded up factors that will help you choose the right gun.

In this article, we have listed vital factors a beginner should look out for in choosing the right gun.

The Gun’s Purpose

Before you purchase any gun, you should know for what purpose you will be using it. It could be that you are buying one for hunting, or sports. It could also be that you are buying one for home safety reasons.

It would be best if you took note that different firearms fit different purposes. For instance, rifles are more suitable for sports and hunting, while shotguns are ideal for home safety.

Maintenance

The decision in choosing a gun does not end when you purchase it. It extends to its care and support. A well-maintained firearm fires with ease and better than an unconditioned arm. Thus, in choosing a gun, opt for one that is easy to maintain. Some firearms are high-maintenance and difficult to care for. So, go for firearms that are low-maintenance and care-friendly.

Also, if you are choosing used guns, make sure that these are well-maintained and in good condition.

Good Quality

Good quality guns usually come with a price. Choose guns with brands that hold a reputation for good quality firearms. Stick to guns with trusted names, although you might be paying a hefty amount for it. Top-quality guns with reliable performance usually come from brands like Smith & Wesson, Remington Outdoor, Sturm, Ruger & Co., SIG Sauer, Heckler and Koch, Mossberg, Colt Defense, Beretta, Springfield Armory, Inc., and Savage Arms among others.

Ease of Use and Grip

The size of the grip matters when it comes to the gun’s ease of use. Pocket revolvers may not be ideal for people with large hands.

Similarly, people with small hands should avoid large-size guns. Note that a firearm is your body’s extension. Hence, your hand should comfortably fit and secure your firearm. It should be easy to use and have a snug fit.

Safety Selection

Guns have safety mechanisms. You must be able to operate it safely. Safeties for guns include thumb safeties, trigger safeties, and grip safeties. For beginners, standard thumb safeties for guns are highly recommendable.

Recoil and Caliber

In firing guns, the higher the projectile’s caliber the more the amount of recoil. Given that, you must gauge how much recoil you can handle. For individuals with smaller frames, high caliber guns may not be ideal. Otherwise, they can cause accidental discharge or injury. (Note also that top-caliber firearms tend to be more expensive.)

Warranty

A warranty is a type of guarantee that a manufacturer or similar party makes regarding the condition of its product. It also refers to the terms and situations in which repairs or exchanges will be made if the product does not function as originally described or intended.

Having a warranty is very important, especially for firearms. Numerous situations will demand to call upon the warranty of a gun. This warranty is either offered by the manufacturer, the company that made the product, or by the retailer who sold the gun. In firearms, the warranty usually includes gun repair and replacement. Although rare, some used guns still have warranties. This is often a good sign of a reputable seller and firearm.

Takeaway

Purchasing a gun is not like buying clothes. It takes a lot more than going over the rack and picking out what style suits you. It requires a lot of thinking and a lot of research. Indeed, a lot of research must first be made before actually stepping into a gun shop, or ordering one online. Articles like this come in handy for gun newbies. The above key factors are essential so that you get reasonable value for your money. Not only that, but it is crucial to ensure also your safety and the safety of others. These are considerations that come with owning a gun.

Furthermore, in purchasing firearms, ensure that the seller is reputable and licensed. Also, when shopping for guns, do not be shy to ask questions: Look for salespeople who are knowledgeable about firearms, and do not hesitate to ask them about guns, their use, and all the other critical points mentioned above. It pays to get additional information for crucial purchases like guns.

 

Editor’s note: This article was written by Tyler Pack. 

About SOFREP News Team View All Posts

The SOFREP News Team is a collective of professional military journalists. Brandon Tyler Webb is the SOFREP News Team's Editor-in-Chief. Guy D. McCardle is the SOFREP News Team's Managing Editor. Brandon and Guy both manage the SOFREP News Team.

COMMENTS

You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.

More from SOFREP

REAL EXPERTS.
REAL NEWS.

Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.

TRY 14 DAYS FREE

Already a subscriber? Log In