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If you’re new to firearms, you’re likely feeling a little confused.
Maybe you’re scrolling through endless listings, watching review videos, and thinking, “Why does every gun have a name that sounds like a secret code?”
Trust me, you’re not alone, and it’s all part of the journey.
Everyone starts somewhere, and the good news is: choosing your first firearm doesn’t have to feel like an additional problem to solve.
Here are 8 steps you can quickly follow:
It’s easy to get excited, but before you jump to looking at calibers, brands, or anything else, figure out your primary purpose.
Firearms are tools, so you need to make sure you have the right purpose in mind.
Think about what matters most to you. Among the most common beginner goals you’ll find:
- Home defense
- Concealed carry
- Target and sport shooting
- Hunting
- Collecting
Your purpose will narrow your choices instantly. For example, if you want something for home defense, you’ll look at options very differently from someone who wants to go hunting in the mountains.
It might sound obvious, but by doing this, you are saving yourself from the overwhelm of not knowing what works best for your goals.
Firearms aren’t something you can buy blindly, but that doesn’t mean you must become an expert overnight. This is the quick-start version of what beginners need to know about firearm types.
No technical jargon.
Handguns are probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about firearms. Small, portable, and great for both home defense and concealed carry.
Pros: Easy to store, ideal for personal protection, making it popular with new shooters.
Cons: They require practice to shoot accurately, so you’ll spend some time at the range. Again, that’s common sense for any gun.
Have you ever watched a movie with a hunting scene? There’s a chance you are familiar with rifles; they are long guns designed for accuracy.
Pros: Great for hunting, long-distance shooting, and reliability.
Cons: Not exactly something you put in your nightstand.
Shotguns are versatile and powerful.
Pros: Popular for home defense and hunting birds.
Cons: Recoil can be tricky to handle if you’re new to shooting.
Well, yes, it’d be nice to be James Bond and have the latest tech at your disposal, but unless you’re a high-level spy, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on your first purchase.
Your budget isn’t just about the gun itself. There are a few things you want to factor in so you’re not surprised later. Think of it as planning ahead instead of impulse-buying something flashy and then realizing you forgot to budget for the basics.
A beginner-friendly budget needs to consider:
The firearm itself
Most solid beginner options land somewhere between $500 and $700.
You don’t need the most expensive thing on the shelf; you need something reliable, comfortable, and appropriate for your purpose.
Ammunition
You’ll want enough to practice, so it’s better to start with a few hundred rounds to avoid constant emergency ammo runs.
Safety gear
Eye protection, ear protection, maybe even a range bag if you’re feeling fancy.
If you want to be a responsible owner, you need to have the necessary equipment.
Storage
You absolutely need a safe place to keep your firearm. Whether it’s a small lock box or a larger safe, secure storage is essential.
Training
This is the part you’ll actually thank yourself for later.
Good instruction makes everything easier, safer, and way more enjoyable.
You know how some things just feel right in your hand?
Yeah, make sure the firearm you are buying fits that criteria.
Besides the fact that you want to handle something you feel comfortable with, there’s a simple shooting rule: The gun needs to be an extension of your body.
When you pick up a firearm, pay attention to:
- Grip size
- Trigger reach
- Weight and balance
- How the sights line up
- How heavy the slide feels (for semi-auto pistols)
If you can visit a licensed dealer or a shooting range that allows rentals, do it.
Handling a firearm in person tells you more in five seconds than any guide will ever do.
A gun that feels comfortable and intuitive is the gun you’re more likely to train with, and training is where safety and confidence come from.
Caliber is basically the size of the bullet.
You might be forgiven for thinking you need something powerful to make it work, but in all honesty, what you need is something you can shoot at your own rhythm.
Some of the most common….
- 9mm handgun: Lightweight, affordable ammo, manageable recoil
- 22 LR rifle or pistol: Perfect for learning fundamentals
- 20-gauge shotgun: Easier recoil than 12-gauge
- 45 ACP: Known for its power and high stopping capability
- 357: High velocity
Okay, we are jumping into serious business…
Legal aspects
Every state has its own set of rules when it comes to buying, owning, and carrying a firearm, and trust me, they’re all a little different.
One state might ask you for a permit, another might not.
Some places have waiting periods, some have magazine capacity limits, and some have very specific rules about what’s legal for concealed carry.
While it might sound like a lot of research, taking a little time to look up your state’s firearm laws can save you from so many headaches later.
And actually, it’s not that complicated.
When you buy from licensed, verified sellers, like the ones you find on Auction Armory, you’re already starting on the right foot. Following the law isn’t just the responsible thing to do; it also makes your entire buying process way less stressful.
Owning a gun comes with its own set of potential risks, and you want to be as fully prepared as you can.
The worst thing you can do is think the job is done when you buy the gun.
That’d be a total disaster.
Following a proper safety or handling course goes beyond just learning the mechanics; it also shows you how to build the habits that keep you and everyone around you safe.
Here’s what good training gives you:
- Confidence
You stop second-guessing every movement and start feeling like you know what you are doing.
- Safety habits
These become second nature, and automatic good habits are priceless.
- Accuracy
Hitting the target feels awesome. Consistently hitting the target feels even better.
- Decision-making skills
Knowing when to do something is just as important as knowing how.
- Proper handling
Nobody wants to be the person loading their magazine upside down.
By now, you’ve got a solid understanding of what matters. So this is where things finally get exciting: you get to explore. Think of this stage as the point where you will make the most informed decision.
- Read reviews from actual users.
Look for consistent feedback from people who actually own the firearm long-term. Patterns matter more than one loud opinion. - Compare features and pricing.
Two guns can look almost identical but have totally different ergonomics, recoil, durability, or even aftermarket support. Compare side-by-side so you understand what your money is really getting you. - Look at reliability reports.
Every model has a reputation. You want something that works, no matter the circumstances. - Visit a range and rent models if you can
This is, hands down, the best way to know what’s right for you. Nothing replaces the feeling of actually shooting the firearm. Some guns that look perfect on paper feel totally wrong in your hands… and sometimes a model you weren’t even considering becomes your favorite.
Know why you’re buying: Home defense? Range fun? Training? Purpose drives everything.
Fit matters: Grip, reach, recoil, and overall comfort affect confidence and accuracy.
Start simple: You don’t need the most complicated or “tactical” option on day one.
Your budget sets the stage: Quality over hype. Spend smart, not loud.
Reliability first: A good firearm works consistently, not occasionally.
Safety features aren’t optional: Pick something you understand and can operate confidently.
Training changes everything: A solid class beats hours of random YouTube advice.
Compare, research, and test: The more you try, the better your final choice will be.
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