1st Time Firearm Owners Guide for Success
Who this note is for?
This is addressed to someone who has never owned a firearm before and would like to know where to start with mindset, gear and training in a non-biased or non-sponsored manner. This note serves as practical, real world experience from another individual who has been on this path for over a decade. It contains advice on mental preparation, first firearm selection, safe firearm storage, and quality firearm training schools.
The most important place to begin when discussing firearms is your mindset. Take a moment to reflect on what you are embarking on. Firearm ownership is the ultimate responsibility, as with every interaction you are introducing the potential for lethality. Do not take this lightly. Know that firearms are intended for the preservation of innocent life. In choosing to carry a firearm, you will be faced with the consequences of your actions. Even in the best self defense cases, there are lingering effects that cannot be understated. You own every single bullet that leaves the barrel of the gun, there is no forgiveness for mistakes.
4 Rules of Firearm Safety
In the presence of firearms, there are 4 rules that must be followed at all times, in all circumstances and all situations. These rules cannot be disregarded or forgotten for any reason. Read them carefully and commit each to memory before picking up a firearm. Once you can recite them exactly, then can you begin to handle firearms and put these rules into strict, uncompromising practice.
1. Treat Every Firearm as if it is loaded.
>>There is no such thing as a “safe” firearm. Even it it is unloaded, and a mechanical safety is on, the firearm is still treated as if it is loaded at all times. This preserves a heightened level of awareness you should have while handling a firearm. The proper method for verifying a firearm is unloaded is opening the action and physically feeling that the chamber is empty with your finger.
2. Never allow the muzzle of the firearm to cross anything you are not willing to destroy.
>>As stated before, you own every bullet that comes out of your gun. If the muzzle is pointed at anything that you value, human or material, you are forfeiting that object, forever. Do not for any reason point a gun at anything that you are not willing to destroy. A common tactic is to imagine a laser coming out of the barrel, and anything that laser touches is vaporized. Be mindful of your muzzle at all times.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are aligned with your target, and you have the intent to fire.
>>It is natural to feel inclined to put your finger on the trigger of a firearm. However, the only time it should be there is after you’ve selected a target, aligned your sights and are preparing to squeeze the trigger. Any other time is unacceptable, even with a manual safety engaged. When picking up a firearm your finger should always be straight and outside of the trigger guard, make this a habit immediately.
4. Always know your target and what is beyond your target.
>>Guns are powerful tools. Bullets can penetrate several materials including walls, vehicles, trees and more. It is important to know what you are shooting at, as well as what is beyond your intended target. Pass through rounds are often powerful enough to be lethal. For target shooting, use paper and wood to hold your target. Be wary of using hard materials like steel for practice, it can be done safely however if done improperly you risk ricochet and injury. Shooting into a dedicated dirt berm that is large enough to catch bullets from a variety of angles is ideal.
Choosing a Firearm
There is an overabundance of information related to firearms. Most of this information is targeted to sell you something you don’t need, be mindful of that. This section will review practical utilitarian options for the first time firearm owner. The best way to narrow down the options, is to first ask what is the purpose of the firearm? If your intent is personal and home defense, the semi-automatic handgun is an ideal candidate due to it’s ability to be carried concealed when away from the home. Why not a rifle or shotgun? Those options are not able to be carried outside the home in most cases and therefore if you are only starting with one option for self defense, the handgun is most versatile. Depending on where you live, you likely may need to defend yourself in public more so than inside your own home. If you are completely new to firearms and have apprehension about your physical abilities consider a Ruger 10/22 for the simplest and easiest transition into shooting. It is low cost, easy to hold, easy to operate and has no recoil.
To narrow down handgun options, consider these two leading brands carried by Military and Law Enforcement around the world, Glock and Sig Sauer. There are other reputable brands including Ruger, Smith & Wesson, CZ, Walther, H&K and Springfield Armory, however the proven record of Glock and Sig, including the availability of spare parts is unparalleled. You will always find parts and repair help on these products in nearly every gun shop in America. They are among the most reliable brands in the world. In addition you will be able to find numerous options for holsters and other aftermarket accessories for these firearms which is an advantage you may not have with other brands.
To select a model, the next logical step is to choose a caliber and for self defense 9mm is the best choice. It has the appropriate level of stopping power with quality ammunition and also has ample magazine capacity. All of the below options are chambered in 9mm Luger.
Glock Models to Consider:
Glock pistols are manufactured in “generations”, think model years with minor variations between them. Consider Gen 5 Glocks, although any previous generation is acceptable. Gen 6 is the latest generation launched at the end of 2025, likely a fine option as well but it has not been tested in the field to the degree previous generations have.
1. Glock Model 19
Capacity 15 Rounds
2. Glock Model 48
Capacity 10 Rounds
3. Glock Model 43X
Capacity 10 Rounds
Sig Sauer Models to Consider:
The Sig P365 series of pistols come in a variety of sizes and configurations. The listed options are highly regarded for their reliability and simple controls
1. P365 Xmacro
Capacity 17 Rounds
2. P365 XL
Capacity 12 Rounds
3. P365X
Capacity 10 Rounds
In any of these firearms only use factory new OEM magazines in the correct capacity for the gun. For ammunition, use full metal jacket factory loaded rounds for target practice and training. For defense, find quality hollow point rounds from Hornady, Speer, or Federal.
All of these choices are nearly identical in functionality. The best way to choose is to find an indoor range that has these firearms as rentals and give them a try yourself. Or find a friend that perhaps owns one and ask them to go to the range if they are willing to let you try theirs. These options are proper for either male or female shooters, although preferences will still be personal. In the world of handguns, smaller does not equal less recoil, in fact it’s the opposite. Women are typically inclined to select smaller guns because they feel they are less intimidating and will be easier to handle. Do not fall for this fallacy. A larger gun shooting 9mm will be much more comfortable and easier to control with less felt recoil than a smaller gun. Why? More mass to absorb recoil, and more surface area to keep a proper grip on the gun. Subcompact pistols are not ideal, especially for new shooters.
Support Gear
The next two items are nearly as important as the gun you choose. A quality holster that holds your gun securely as well as a proper belt that can support the weight of a handgun are paramount. Important characteristics of a holster are its ability to hold it’s shape, protect the trigger, and retain the firearm. The key to a good belt is one that fits your holster loops properly and is unable to fold flat long ways (rigid). You will likely have several holsters for the same gun over time. This is due to different accessories like weapon lights and red dots as well as different carrying styles like inside the waistband and outside the waistband.
Holster Brands
NSR Tactical https://www.nsrtactical.com/
Tenicor Holsters https://tenicor.com/
Haley Strategic https://haleystrategic.com/
Gun Belt
Special Operations Equipment 1 1/2“ EDC Belt – Gold standard in gun belts
Tourniquet
If you are carrying a firearm, consider carrying a tourniquet. This is a simple life saving device you may need. Train on how to properly apply a tourniquet.
North American Rescue
https://www.narescue.com/cat-tourniquet
Firearm Storage
Security is paramount. Understand that every safe is possible to break into, and the purpose of a safe is to act as a deterrent to slow down potential thieves.
**Minimum Security level: **These options primarily offer denial of access to kids.
StopBox https://stopboxusa.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopjDITRLYEMUouGxwU0HxC4viBX1YfKeEs59mDhQfqBDqoEbOWe
or Vaultek https://vaulteksafe.com/vaultek-rugged-smart-safes/#compare
Medium Security level
Secure It Safe
These safes are configurable and can be bolted to a floor or wall which adds a level of security the above safes do not have. These are great if you plan to move or rent your primary residence. They offer denial of access to kids with limited resistance to thieves but no fire protection.
https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/
Max Security level:
Liberty Safe
These safes are the ultimate in security as well as fire protection. It is best to find a local store to view the safes in person and also handle final delivery and install.
Training
Training is the most important part of firearm ownership that many ignore. A fraction of a percent of firearm owners pursue legitimate training. Ego plays a large role in this as many are inclined to believe that their experience and knowledge far exceed their capabilities. Your local concealed carry class (CCW) is not sufficient. The qualifications are far too low for true competency. If anything, a local CCW class held by your law enforcement agency would be an alternative to the options below to receive pertinent information surrounding legal obligations with firearms in your jurisdiction. Beyond that, training is best suited to companies that specialize in teaching firearm skills. Law Enforcement, Military and Civilians alike trust schools like these to enhance their competency with firearms:
Haley Strategic https://haleystrategic.com/train
Tactical Response https://www.tacticalresponse.com/
Warrior Poet Society https://warriorpoetsupplyco.com/train1/
Costa Ludus https://costaludus.com/training/
Thunder Ranch https://www.traintr.com/
Closing
With the advice in this guide you will be in a strong position owning a quality firearm, with proper support equipment and most importantly if you receive training from any of the listed schools you will have the utmost education in handling firearms competently. The road to firearm ownership begins with your decision to start learning and never stops.
“*The Final Weapon is the Mind, all else is supplemental.” - J. Steinbeck*
Stay Free!
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