As an instructor, I get a lot of new people asking me what gun they should buy. No doubt that’s an important question and one that’s dependent on many factors. But what I always try to do with potential new gun owners is have them take a step back. Before we talk about what gun to buy, new people need to asked themselves is owning a gun right for me?
Choosing how to keep you and your loved ones safe is an important decision. At first blush, it seems like a simple enough thing. However, there are many nuances to consider, especially when looking at guns. It’s not as simple as saying “well my friend does this, so I will do that too”. For that reason, here are some considerations when deciding to buy a gun for personal protection.
1. Are you willing and able to use the gun to protect yourselves and/or others?
This is the single most important question you have to ask yourself. Owning a gun is not enough. Guns are not magic talismans that will keep you safe with their mere presence. In fact, if you aren’t willing to use it, a gun can become a liability in a self defense situation.
I hear many people say “I’ll just hold the intruder at gun point until the police come”. That is a dangerous way of thinking. Bad guys aren’t like us. They don’t have the same morals and mindset. As soon as they realize you aren’t willing to pull the trigger, they may take your gun away from you.
Before deciding that owning a gun is the right decision for you and your family, spend sometime thinking about the reality of what that means. If the answer to this question is no, there are other options available to you.
2. What are the laws of your state?
While I am a big believer in the Shall Not Be Infringed part of the Second Amendment, that fact is, laws currently exist. Unless you are looking to become a criminal, it is important to know the laws of the state, county, and city you live in. The state’s Attorney General’s website is usually a good place to start.
*If you want to get involved in changing those laws, I have a great article posted on Advocacy over on Primer Peak: https://www.primerpeak.com/second-amendment-advocacy-a-how-to-guide/
3. Can you keep a gun out of the wrong hands?
Owning a gun is more than going to a store and buying one. You have to be able to be a safe and responsible gun owner. All you have to do is search the internet to find countless stories of young people finding an unsecured gun and shooting someone. Remember that you are liable for what happens with your gun so make sure you are able to keep it out of the wrong hands.
4. Can you afford owning a gun?
Owning a gun is not inexpensive. Even if you get one of the less expensive brands, there are many additional costs associated with being a gun owner. You will need a way to store your gun, cleaning supplies, ammunition, and training.
Yes, you need to plan for training. No one is born knowing how to shoot a gun. It isn’t like in the movies, video games, or even shooting bb guns. Learning things like proper grip and sighting from a professional will make you and those around you safer. Along with training, you will need to engage in regular practice. Shooting is a perishable skill and you should plan to go to the range once a month at least.
Some other expenses to consider are any state fees if you plan to get a concealed carry permit, insurance from a company like CCW Safe, and additional gear such as holsters, belts, hearing protection, and eye protection.
5. Know your why
The final thing you have to ask yourself, or maybe it should be the first, is why you are considering owning a gun. There are many reasons people buy guns. Some want a gun for hunting or personal protection. Others want to get into sport or competition shooting (I know people who shoot competitively but don’t carry a gun for personal protection). Sometimes it’s for all three.
Knowing the why behind your decision to get a gun can help drive other decisions in the process. I share a bit about why I decided to become a gun owner in the about section of my website. It can be a very personal decision and one that should not be made lightly.