Owning a gun means responsibility and freedom. It’s a delicate balance.

On one hand, you have the responsibility of a powerful weapon at your fingertips. On the other hand, you’re exercising the beautiful freedom that the United States and your particular state have afforded you. The two ideas of freedom and responsibility meld together in one piece of metal tucked in the palm of your hand. 

When you buy a gun and become a first-time gun owner, you now have the responsibility of exercising your freedom safely. Keep reading to learn about all the things you need to know for Safe gun ownership. 

1. Know Your Desired Gun Size

Guns come in all sizes. Research which size gun you want and what would work best for your hand. 

For example, a petite woman will want a different gun to tuck into her purse than a burly guy looking for something to shoot at the range. Begin with basic research at a local gun shop or gun show. Ask the experts which gun would work best for your desired needs and size. 

2. Pick the Right Supplier

There are several places where you can find the gun you’re looking for. Local gunshops both big and small may have what you want. To find the best supplier, ask neighbors and coworkers which gun shop has the best reputation. 

Once you’ve checked with your local associates, narrow down the shops by reading reviews online. Online reviewers are brutally honest, both in their praise and criticism. 

Online shopping will also let you see the different prices for the gun you’re looking for. This way, you’ll have some idea of what to expect when you go to the shop in person. 

3. Gun Laws Vary

Gun laws vary from state to state. Thus you may own obtain and own a gun legally in the state where you live, but when you cross state lines, your ownership may no longer be legal.

Research the gun laws for your state. Even if you’re purchasing a gun to keep at home and protect your property, you need to ensure that you’re following local laws. When you break gun laws, even unknowingly, you may not be able to own a gun again. 

State law determines the way you may legally carry a gun. States will have either open carry or concealed carry permits. States that have an open carry law may require a permit. 

4. Not Everyone Can Own a Gun

The Second Amendment gives United States citizens the right to bear a gun. However, not all citizens can legally own a firearm. When you purchase a gun, you’re subject to a background check. 

Here are the reasons that will disqualify you from owning a gun: 

• Serious crime or misdemeanor conviction
• Dishonorable discharge from the military
• Abusing drugs or alcohol
• Being the subject of a restraining order because of dangerous behavior
• Involuntary commitment to a mental institution

Additionally, if you’re a fugitive from justice, you cannot legally own a gun. You can save yourself the embarrassment by not applying to purchase a gun if you have any of these circumstances in your background. 

5. Buying a Gun Takes Time

You typically cannot walk into a store, buy a gun, and walk out a few minutes later. Dealers will require background checks on the spot, and this will take time. The FBI will have to run your information through their database, and then you need to wait for their results. 

Sometimes the purchase can take days. The gunshop owner will require paperwork like an ATF 4473 form. As of November 2020, all gun owners must fill out this paperwork. You can shop here to find your gun of choice and then move into the paperwork part of ownership. 

6. Practice Makes Safe Ownership

Once you’ve finally purchased your gun and brought it home, take classes to learn how to use it. Many gun shops will offer classes at their firing range. Such classes will teach you how to use your gun properly and keep you and others around you safe. 

Some states, such as California, require you to prove you understand how to handle a firearm safely before you can buy it. 

Ultimately, the more time you spend at the range, the more comfortable you will be able to handle your gun. You’ll understand safe practices and be a responsible gun owner. Make a habit of visiting the gun range regularly. 

7. Everyone Needs Training

As you practice at the range, bring your spouse or significant other with you. Train your partner to use your weapon as well so they can do so in an emergency. Your loved one can learn right next to you as you learn about stance, grip, and aim from an expert. 

Teach your significant other how to unload, load, and clean the gun as well. This process will take time, but you will spend valuable time together doing some important work. 

8. Gun Storage Matters

Owning a gun means making an investment. You need to protect your investment from environmental hazards by purchasing proper storage. Don’t just hang your gun in the back window of your pickup. 

Instead, purchase a firearm safe. There are about as many safe options as there are guns available today. You can go with the industrial vault that has a dial lock all the way up to a safe that actually looks like art on your wall.

You can find covert stylish safes that look like wall art and then discretely open to reveal your gun. Keep your gun safe in a vault or safe with a lock, and then don’t lose the key or forget the combination. 

Enjoy the Freedom, Relish the Responsibility

Owning a gun means you’re getting to enjoy the freedom and responsibility that our country affords. Learn the laws of the land, learn how to operate your gun, and then keep your gun safe. 

Following these eight basic guidelines will help you enjoy your time as a gun owner even more. 

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