What a New Gun Owner Really Wants to Know

STORY AND PHOTOS BY HEIDI LYN RAO

What a New Gun Owner Really Wants to Know

An increasing number of individuals are exploring their options to purchase a firearm for the very first time. Many of these people did not grow up in a household with firearms. As adults, they have either married into firearms, have a circle of friends who are firearm enthusiasts, or have kids who are expressing an interest in learning about guns and a desire to enter the shooting sports.

When someone is ready to make a purchase, he or she typically has lots of questions. Oftentimes, the receiver of these questions is the salesperson working behind the gun counter. Sometimes, this individual is very knowledgeable and can help a new gun enthusiast navigate through his or her abundant inquiries. Other times, a beginner may be faced with someone delivering advanced suggestions, being too technical with language, confusing terminology, and ultimately talking “over their head” with all this information overload.
A note about terminology: firearms are indeed their own language. Many words used to describe the parts of the firearm, operation, maintenance, and ammunition are only defined in the firearm context. When talking to a new shooter, or anyone for that matter, it is important to be mindful when referring to guns as “firearms” and not “weapons.” There are three groups of people who use weapons: law enforcement, military, and criminals. To a new shooter or someone just being introduced to guns, always refer to a gun as a firearm, pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle, etc. The word “weapon” can have very negative connotations as it is defined as something used to inflict serious bodily injury or death. Any time we hear the word “weapon” used on the news or across social media, there is always violence, crime, and death surrounding the story. This can be a turn-off to responsible gun owners who are using firearms for recreational purposes, hunting, and competitive shooting.

Sadly, all this information given across the counter at the point of purchase usually makes no sense. The new gun owner might just nod their head in a confused state of “agreement.” What a new gun owner wants to know and what someone who is more experienced with firearms “thinks” the new gun owner wants to know are usually two totally different things. One of the biggest mistakes that many firearm aficionados make is failing to dial back their own knowledge level to that of a novice. In reality, what a new gun owner really wants to know is very simple and basic. ‘Their questions include:

• How do I stay safe with and around firearms?
• How do I know which is the correct gun to buy?
• How do I know the correct ammunition to use?
• How do I operate this gun?
• How do I shoot it?
• How do I take care of it?
• How do I store it?
• Where can I go for more information and proper training?

HOW DO I STAY SAFE WITH AND AROUND FIREARMS?

Fortunately, a new gun owner usually has the desire to learn the safe handling, operation, and storage of their firearm. This is typically a new gun owner’s first concern. It is their fear of being unsafe or that the gun is dangerous on its own that has probably prevented them from owning one in the first place.

Many new gun owners are receptive to the idea of taking an NRA Basic Pistol, Rifle, or Shotgun Course. The National Rifle Association is nationally recognized as the gold standard for safe firearm training, developing hundreds of thousands of safe, ethical, responsible shooters and instructors since 1871. Regardless of when the new gun owner chooses to take a course, it is his or her responsibility to learn and understand basic firearm safety.

NRA RULES FOR SAFE GUN HANDLING

1. Always Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction.

Virtually every incident and accident would be prevented if everyone followed this cardinal rule of gun safety and controlled the muzzle or end of the barrel. A projectile shot from a handgun can travel up to 4 miles. Some rifle projectiles can travel up to 7 miles. Three hundred yards is usually the safe fallout range for shotgun pellets. There is nowhere in North America where you can guarantee that no one is “downrange” from you. If you are “there,” someone else might be too. We should always think about where the safest direction would be if the firearm were to go off. Remember, your safe direction may change with every step you take.

2. Always Keep your Finger off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot.

This is normally referred to as indexing. ‘This means keeping your index or trigger finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. A good way to explain this is to keep your index finger above the trigger and parallel with the barrel or slide. The only time your finger touches the trigger is when your firearm is pointed at your target and you are ready to shoot.

3. Always Keep the Gun Unloaded Until Ready To Use.

‘This does not mean the gun you carry for personal protection because, by definition, it is ready to use. This means any firearm that you are no longer in direct control of. Anytime you pick up a firearm, always point it in a safe direction with your finger off the trigger before you check to make sure it is unloaded. You always want to make sure your firearm is unloaded and the ammunition is separate to ensure no one has access to it when you are not present. The best way to store, transport, and handle your firearm is with it pointed in a safe direction and unloaded.

There are two major causes of firearm accidents: Ignorance and Carelessness. Ignorance is a lack of knowledge. You don’t know what you don’t know. A new firearm owner has not yet learned these rules for safe gun handling or the proper and safe way to handle, operate, clean, and store a firearm. Carelessness is a poor or improper attitude. If one is careless while handling firearms, he or she is not applying the rules for safe gun handling nor observing the proper and safe way to handle, operate, clean, and store a firearm. Either one of these circumstances can lead to firearm accidents.

‘The new firearm owner is not yet comfortable with handling firearms safely. He or she must learn what their safe direction is and know where the muzzle of their firearm is pointed at all times. They must be taught to practice “trigger discipline” and always keep their finger off the trigger and parallel with the barrel and consciously be mindful of where their finger is placed at all times. They must learn how to confirm they have a safe direction to shoot. When they are ready to touch the trigger, they must ensure they are lined up with their target and verify nothing is in the flight path of their projectile or beyond it. Handling a firearm comes with practice, experience, training, and discipline. A responsible gun owner must strive for safety and proper handling to prevent accidents.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH IS THE CORRECT GUN TO BUY?

There are many reasons an individual chooses to purchase a firearm. The first question a new gun owner must ask themselves is how they intend to use the firearm and for what purpose. Deciding on the category of firearm is the next area to consider, such as rifles, handguns or shotguns, based upon their intended use. Once he or she decides why, the choices and options to explore are unlimited. One may be interested in beginning with recreational shooting opportunities where they visit the range and enjoy shooting with family and friends. Others may decide to join a competitive shooting league, club, or match. Hunting is another reason to purchase a varicty of firearms, depending on the species being hunted. Many people appreciate the history of firearms and enjoy collecting them. More and more people are purchasing their first firearm so they can protect themselves and their families. My favorite reason why people choose to buy a gun is because they can! As a law-abiding American citizen, you have the individual right to arm yourself, and the 2nd Amendment firmly establishes the govemment cannot infringe on that right.

In just twenty-seven words, the Second Amendment solidifies one of America’s most fundamental freedoms the right to keep and bear arms:

“A WELL REGULATED MILITIA, BEING NECESSARY TO THE SECURITY OF A FREE STATE, THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KEEP AND BEAR ARMS, SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED.”

After determining what your purpose will be, there are several factors to consider when deciding which firearm to purchase. First, consult reputable firearm dealers, and when it comes time to purchase your gun, buy from a trustworthy store or source. Reach out to knowledgeable shooters in the arena in which you are most interested, such as competitive shooting, collecting, or hunting. Talk to several individuals so you have a variety of feedback, comments, and suggestions for the gun you are considering. Keep in mind that cost and your budget will be a determining factor in what you decide to purchase.

Determine the availability and price of the ammunition for the caliber or gauge you are researching. Explore the reputation of the manufacturer and if they stand behind their products if warranty work, repair, or parts are needed. Whenever possible, try to handle the firearm prior to purchasing. Determine how it feels in your hands or mounted on your shoulder. Firearm ergonomics play a huge role in comfort and the desire to continue shooting. It is important that the gun “fits” the shooter and that it is the proper size and weight that is most comfortable.

Ideally, find others in your community who may have similar firearms you are considering, and test fire different makes and models to see which is best for you. Some people like recoil, while others do not. What feels good in the hands of one shooter may be uncomfortable and awkward in the hands of another. Everyone has different physical features and abilities. Research how simple or complex the firearm is to operate and maintain to see if that is the best choice for you. ‘This is a big investment, so choose your firearm comfortably and wisely.

HOW DO I KNOW THE CORRECT AMMUNITION TO USE?

One of the first things a new shooter wants to know is how to purchase the correct ammunition for their firearm. Even though the new gun owner was undoubtedly told at the point of sale which ammunition his or her new firearm shoots, it was probably not explained to their satisfaction. There are quite a few details about variations between acceptable ammunition that can be safely used in a firearm.

A new gun owner must first learn how to identify a firearm. ‘The lata stamp on the barrel of a firearm indicates the correct ammunition that can be used in that particular gun or what that firearm can safely accept for safe shooting. Next, match the data stamp on the barrel to the correct ammunition caliber (for handguns and ifles) or gauge (for shotguns). Not only can this information be found on the box of ammunition, but it is also printed on the head stamp on all of the ammunition or base of each of the cartridges (for handguns and rifles) and shells (for shotguns). The head stamp on the base of the cartridge or shell should match the data stamp on the firearm. A new gun comes with a lot of paperwork, including the owner’s manual, which will state the correct ammunition to safely be used in that firearm.

There may also be variations between the ammunition that is acceptable to use in the gun. For example, the most common handgun caliber purchased today is the 9mm. ‘There are several names for the same cartridge, such as 9mm Luger, 9mm Parabellum, and X19. Likewise, a.45 caliber semi-automatic cartridge can have a headstamp .45 ACP or.45 Auto. A .357 revolver can safely accept not only .357 Rem magnum ammunition but it can also accept 38 Special ammo. Always check the owner’s manual to confirm or reach out to the manufacturer for clarification.

HOW DO I OPERATE THIS GUN?

All firearms are unique and depending on the type of action, will determine how to safely operate the gun. All firearms have their own type of safety mechanism. Some of these include a manual safety, tang or slide safety, cross bolt, hammer block, half cock, trigger safety, grip, etc. Safeties need to be understood and used properly for the safe operation of the gun.

Handguns consist of pistols and revolvers. The common types of serni-autornatic pistols are single-action, traditional double-action, doubleaction-only, and striker-fire. The types of common revolvers are single-action, double-action, and double-action-only revolvers.

There are several different action types of rifles. You can choose from the more common types like bolt action, semi-automatic, lever action, slide, or pump action. There are several others that are less commonly encountered in the field or on the range. These rifle action types include the falling block, rolling block, and hinge action, which includes the over and under, side-by-side, and single- or double-barrel rifles.

There are several types of shotgun actions. These include the semi-automatic, pump, bolt, hinge, or break action, including the over and under, side-by-side, single or double-barrel shotguns.

Depending on which type of firearm you purchase, it is extremely important to learn the operations of each. All firearms are sold with an owner’s manual, and this guide will have everything you need to know about the firearm and safe operations of it. A reputable manufacturer will usually have a website with additional resources, guides, and, oftentimes, educational videos that provide step-by-step instructions on how to safely load, operate, unload, clean, and store the firearm. When in doubt, always consult a knowledgeable shooter or reputable dealer for more information and answers to your questions.

HOW DO I SHOOT IT?

This might be the first tire a new shooter experiences the sights, sounds, and smells of a gun range. It can seem intimidating to a new shooter, but finding a qualified instructor will help tailor to one’s specific needs to reduce anxiety, build knowledge, comfort, and confidence, and most importantly, properly teach someone the safe and proper way to handle a firearm and apply the correct shooting fundamentals.

An NRA-certified Firearms Instructor has been properly trained by a comprehensive curriculum through national standards. ‘They know what to look for to improve the techniques of their students, how to involve the shooter and provide feedback for a successful day at the range. There are five fundamentals of shooting: aiming, breath control, hold control, trigger control, and follow through. If an untrained firearms instructor overlooks just one of these shooting fundamentals, then they are failing to properly instruct a new shooter. Likewise, if any one of these fundamentals is not applied, shooting proficiency will not develop.

There are other difficulties a shooter may experience. Oftentimes, these difficulties are only recognized by a qualified and trained instructor, who can, in turn provide the corrective feedback in a positive manner to improve a shooting technique. Some of these challenges a brand new, or even an experienced, shooter may encounter are using their non-dominant eye, having difficulty concentrating or relaxing, assuming an incorrect shooting position which results in improper sight alignment and sight picture and incorrect trigger control, and not properly following through after the shot.

It is best to seek the guidance of a properly trained instructor so improper techniques are not developed and sustained. Beginning shooters usually make the best “students” since they have no bad habits to break and can be instructed with a clean slate to build upon!

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF IT?

Most new gun owners want to know how
to properly clean their gun. It is extremely important to keep a firearm clean so that it is maintained in good operational condition. ‘The most important rule for safe gun cleaning is to check, double-check, and triple-check that your firearm is unloaded. Ammunition should be stored separately and away from where you plan to clean your gun, and nowhere in sight.

If the new gun owner has a revolver, the cylinder and all moving points need lubrication. If the individual has a semiautomatic pistol, he or she should learn how to field strip the gun or break it down as far as the owner’s manual advises. One should never go beyond a simple field strip or as far as the manual tells the gun owner to disassemble. If someone is ever in doubt or has issues with disassembly or reassembly, a reputable gunsmith should always be consulted.

HOW DO I STORE IT?

Safely storing your firearm is one of the most important aspects of responsible gun ownership. This is something that the new gun owner wants to know but often forgets to ask about. It is especially important if new gun owners have young children in the house, a spouse who is not trained in the safe and proper use of the gun, or if they often entertain guests where firearms are present.

A new gun owner must understand that “hiding” a gun is not “securing” a gun. There are several types of gun locks, trigger locks, storage devices such as lock boxes, and gun safes on the market today. These devices are designed so the gun is locked and helps prevent any unauthorized person from gaining access to the firearm.

Ammunition storage is equally as important. Always store ammunition separately from firearms and keep the ammunition in the original factory box or carton. Store it in a cool, dry place and avoid storage in a high-temperature location such as an attic or garage. Avoid exposing ammunition to water or solvents, petroleum products, bore cleaner, ammonia, or other chemicals, which can cause deterioration of the components and result in a malfunction when shooting. Avoid touching the cartridges because the oils and salty residue of your fingers may cause corrosion. Always ensure ammunition is stored in a location not accessible to children or other unauthorized individuals.

WHERE CAN I GO FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PROPER TRAINING?

For those of us who have been around firearms for many years or longer, we oftentimes take it for granted what it was like being a first-timer. New firearm owners are beginners, and there are a lot of questions and concerns that arise through the eyes of a new gun owner. It is praiseworthy if they seek knowledge and proper information by finding a basic firearm course offered by a certified NRA Instructor. They are generally seeking hands-on educational training opportunities to help guide them along their journey. A new firearm enthusiast will continue their journey if they have a positive first experience among other like-minded individuals. Having a relaxed, comfortable, supportive, and encouraging classroom and range environment will only make these new participants feel more comfortable with the topic, and as a result, they will become a more knowledgeable and responsible firearm enthusiast.

Houston Safari Club Foundation has always taken firearm safety and proper training seriously. HSCF is now offering introductory classes on a varicty of topics to introduce more women to the different types of firearms and shooting sports. Basic marksmanship skills are taught through hands-on instruction and quality range time. ‘These opportunities not only build confidence but also improve marksmanship.

For more information, check the HSCF calendar and be on the lookout for special announcements with upcoming events. Feel free to reach out and offer your suggestions and new ideas for upcoming topics! *

Contact: Joe Betar: [email protected]
Heidi Rao: [email protected]

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