5 Questions to Ask Before Purchase a Gun?

Thinking about buying a new gun? Whether it’s your first purchase or your hundredth, you’re likely to have a lot of questions. With so many different styles and calibers to choose from, it’s crucial to take the right steps to ensure you find the handgun that’s best for you.

When it comes to handguns, the sheer variety of options can be overwhelming. Do you prefer a hammer or striker-fired action? A revolver or a semi-automatic? Should the frame be made of polymer or steel? Do you want a full-size model or a compact one?

These are just a few of the decisions you’ll face, and that doesn’t even touch on factors like the manufacturer or the ongoing caliber debate.

Questions to Ask Before Purchase a Gun:

Trying to select which pistol is best for you based on those questions might easily lead down too many rabbit holes and become irritating. Instead of chasing your tail and getting lost in the weeds of surface inquiries, consider answering fundamental questions that will help you determine which pistol is best for you.

First: What Is My Goal?

The first and most important question to ask is, “Why?” Why are you purchasing a firearm? Is it for target shooting, competitive shooting, everyday carry, or home defense?

Knowing the answer to this question can quickly narrow down your options, eliminating firearms that aren’t suitable for your needs. While it’s possible to use your primary home defense gun for competitive shooting, it’s not ideal to use a competition-specific gun for home defense. These are two different purposes, so it’s essential to clearly define how you plan to use your handgun in order to choose the right one for the job.

Second: What is my financial situation?

As unfortunate as it may be, the solution to this question will also provide answers to many other questions. While we all want the most blinged-out firearm to be the envy of our friends, the truth is that we can’t always afford it. Knowing what we can afford will save us a lot of heartache in the long run. More importantly, it can assist in narrowing the pool of candidates and possibilities.

One thing to remember is that your budget does not only include the gun. Budgeting should include items such as ammunition and accessories. Holsters for everyday carry firearms, extra magazines, and even fast loaders for revolvers are all expenses that must be budgeted for. It doesn’t matter whether you bought a gun within your budget if you can’t afford to carry or shoot it. While identifying the goal of your purchase might help you reduce some extraneous costs, a gun is never a one-time buy, so plan for the subsequent costs as well.

Third: Am I Comfortable with It?

To a large extent, the answer to this question often comes down to personal preference. However, it can also help eliminate certain gun designs and calibers.

Some firearms may only be available in calibers you don’t like or that don’t feel right in that particular gun. For example, a .45 caliber round can feel drastically different when fired from a steel-framed pistol compared to a polymer one. Similarly, a .40 caliber might feel uncomfortable when shot from a striker-fired pistol, but great when fired from a hammer-action model. You may even find you enjoy a particular gun in one caliber but dislike it in another. Never hesitate to say, “That gun isn’t for me”—if it doesn’t feel right from the start, it’s unlikely it will grow on you.

If you’re not comfortable with the firearm, you’re not going to carry it, practice with it, or compete with it. No matter the reason you bought it, if it doesn’t fit, you won’t use it.

So, if it feels too big or too small in your hands, is too powerful, or simply doesn’t feel right ergonomically, pass it up. Regardless of its reputation, popularity, or endorsements from famous shooters, if it’s not for you, it’s not for you.

Fourth: Can I Photograph It?

This question works with the prior one. Besides being comfortable with your new gun in terms of the previously described aspects, you must also be able to shoot it efficiently. This applies to firearms with which you are otherwise familiar. No matter how fantastic the pistol feels to you, if you’re more accurate with another gun, this one might not be the best choice for you.

Every gun has natural tendencies, points of aim, and points of impact. When all other variables are considered, the gun with which you are naturally better at shooting is the preferable pick. Certain firearms are more natural to hold and manipulate for some persons than others. While this isn’t a significant point of differentiation, if you find you shoot better with particular gun models, it’s a good idea to limit your options to those.

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This is especially true if you are new to the game. New shooters must make the most of their shooting time, and if you’re naturally a better shot with a specific sort of pistol, that can help you progress. If you’re continuously shooting slightly off, it might lead to annoyance and, eventually, a problem. If you are frustrated every time you go to the range, it becomes a negative rather than an enjoyable pastime. Your urge to continue diminishes over time.

Fifth: What is my level of expertise?

Regardless of the gun’s intended use, a beginner shooter will have very different requirements than an experienced one.

Consider the barrel length. A rookie shooter can require a longer barrel than an experienced shooter. Even novice shooters who are reasonably accurate may have minor poor habits that would be magnified by a smaller barrel. When the distance between the sights is reduced, the intricacies of grip and sight alignment become far more critical than when the barrel is longer.

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An expert shooter, on the other hand, may require more modularity and accessories than a rookie shooter. Adding accessories to the gun to meet specific demands can increase the weight of the handgun, which a more proficient shooter may be able to manage better. Advanced shooters may also add weight or accessories to specific areas to aid in certain tasks, like an as faster draw or target acquisition, although this may cause a novice to develop poor habits. You never want your gun to compensate for things you might be doing incorrectly, and some modifications can disguise poor basics. Learn those first, and then add the extras.

This question about skill level relates to all elements of gun ownership. It’s not a case of separating novices from sophisticated guns; rather, it’s an attempt to determine which pistol best meets your needs. Just because you’re new to competitive shooting doesn’t imply you can’t compete; newcomers enter the circuit all the time.

Also, just because you’ve only shot competition doesn’t mean you need to purchase a beginner-level defensive firearm. Taking your ability level into account merely helps you fine-tune your option. If you’ve answered all of the other questions and are trying to decide between different firearms, you can narrow down your options by eliminating guns that aren’t relevant to your skill level.

While these aren’t the only concerns you should have, they can help you limit your options. Remember, there is no such thing as the ideal firearm. However, there may be a suitable gun for you. Whatever you get, remember to train with it, be careful, and have fun.

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) to consider when buying a gun:

1. What will I primarily use the gun for?

  • Understanding the primary purpose of the firearm—whether for self-defense, target shooting, competitive shooting, or hunting—will help narrow down your options. Different uses require different features and specifications, so clarify your goals before purchasing.

2. What caliber should I choose?

  • The caliber of a firearm impacts its recoil, stopping power, and accuracy. Consider how comfortable you are with various calibers and how they suit your intended purpose. Try different calibers at a shooting range to find what feels best for you.

3. Should I choose a revolver or a semi-automatic pistol?

  • Revolvers are known for simplicity and reliability, while semi-automatics offer higher capacity and quicker reloading. Your choice will depend on your needs, experience level, and intended use.

4. How does the gun feel in my hand?

  • Comfort is key when selecting a firearm. Ensure that the grip feels natural and that the firearm fits well in your hand. If it feels too large, small, or uncomfortable, it’s unlikely you’ll enjoy using it.

5. What is my budget?

  • Setting a budget will help narrow your options and ensure you’re choosing a firearm that fits your financial situation. Don’t forget to factor in the costs of ammunition, accessories, and training.

Can you buy a gun through Amazon?

NO, Amazon prohibits the listing or sale of all firearms

What do I need to buy a gun in Oklahoma?

The only requirements are as follows:

1. You must be 21 years old
2. You must show proof of residency
3. You must pass a federal background check.

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