5 Basics for New Handgun Owners

If you’re new to handgun ownership, there are quite a few important things you’ll want to keep in mind. The firearms safety and training experts from Gun Safety Training Pros, your premier choice for gun classes online, offer some essential handgun basics for beginners that can help you maximize your experience as a new handgun owner.

1. Get Comfortable with Handling Your Handgun

It can take some time to get familiar with your particular type of handgun so you’re comfortable with how it feels when you handle it, shoot it, and experience the recoil. The primary goal when getting comfortable with the feel of your handgun is to be able to grip it firmly while keeping your hand and fingers steady. 

2. Understand Your Options with Ammunition

Selecting ammunition can be confusing for new handgun owners. Even if you’re starting with a pretty basic model, you’ll have several ammo options to choose from. In general , the cheapest ammunition is full metal jacket (FMJ), but other types of ammo also have benefits you should take into account. For example, the commonly preferred choice of ammunition for self-defense is hollow points because they expand when they hit their targets.

3. Be Aware of the Caliber of Ammo

When it comes to caliber, 9mm is the most popular, and it’s typically recommended for new handgun owners. With the 9mm size, benefits include higher-capacity magazines and mild recoil. In addition, 9mm ammunition is easier to control and lighter, which makes learning to shoot and practicing easier.

4. Get in the Habit of Maintaining Your Handgun

As with any other piece of machinery, your handgun won’t be much of an asset if it’s not properly maintained. One good place to start is by buying a holster that enables you to carry your handgun safely without damaging it. In addition, you should know how to:

• Load and unload your handgun safely
• Take your handgun apart safely when its components need to be inspected, cleaned, or replaced
• Clean all your handgun’s components on a regular basis

You should also maintain your handgun by storing it securely and safely to prevent unintentional dropping as well as other actions that could harm it or make it unsafe for you to use.

5. Practice as Much as Possible

In some states, such as Texas, handgun owners can obtain licenses to carry their handguns. These licenses typically require passing an in-person proficiency test, which requires a lot of practice. Even if your primary objective isn’t getting a license, you should still practice as much as possible to continue improving your shooting and gun-handling skills. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at shooting with accuracy and handling your gun safely and responsibly. 

Whether you’re new to handgun ownership or you’ve owned handguns for years, safety should always be your top priority. If you’d like to learn more about gun safety from experienced professionals at a top-tier school of firearms, reach out to the experts at Gun Safety Training Pros. Contact us today at [email protected].

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