What to Consider Before Buying Your First Gun
Posted on: 30 April 2018
Before buying your first gun, you obviously want to check on the local laws that dictate the type and size of gun you're allowed to own, how a gun should be kept in the home and other such regulations. This is especially important for pistols versus hunting rifles, as not every area allows a homeowner to keep any type of handgun in their home, while other areas might allow certain pistols that are meant for pest control on a property. Once you've found out the actual laws in your area, note a few other considerations to keep in mind about buying your first gun.
Size
A gun meant for target practice or for long-range shooting should have a longer barrel. This offers more control over the trajectory of the bullet as it travels that longer distance. Note, too, that a smaller gun with a shorter barrel will create more recoil since the gun won't absorb as much of that movement. This can make a smaller gun more difficult for someone to control if they have less physical strength. If you've never held a gun before, it might be recommended that you learn how to shoot with a larger gun that has a longer barrel and then move on to a smaller handgun, if desired.
Calibre
The calibre of the bullet will also affect how the gun responds in your hand. A lower calibre will mean less recoil and less of a bang when you fire the gun. For first-time shooters, it can be good to start with a lower calibre bullet so that you're not as startled by the response of the gun. Once you're accustomed to shooting, you might note that a larger calibre of bullet may be needed for hunting and pest control, as very small calibres may do little to stop a larger animal in its tracks. Practice with the smaller calibre at first, but then move on to a larger size bullet if you plan on hunting for sport or for controlling wildlife on your property.
Loading
When choosing any weapon, be sure you know how it loads. Some hunting rifles need to have the hammer pulled back before firing. Others only need loading of each bullet, and some handguns work with a magazine that holds several bullets. The more moving parts to operate, the more involved it is to actually fire the gun, so be sure you choose a gun that you can easily manage when hunting or protecting your property.
You can visit gun shops to get a better idea of what sort of gun will be good for you as a first-time owner.
Share