What to Do When You Get a New Gun
Hey all, we here at True Shot Academy are going to go over what to do when you get a new gun. Shooters of all types can often end up with new firearms after Black Friday and during the holidays. Of course, shooters will also acquire firearms at all times of the year as they see fit. We are going to cover some of the items one should consider getting if they acquire a new gun in addition to other considerations. Without further ado, let’s talk about what to do when you get a new gun.
Different Guns Come with Different Things
It should be noted that different guns come with different things. What this means is that some firearms will come with included accessories and extras while others do not. For example, Gen 5 Glock pistols include three magazines, a speed loader, cleaning rod and bore brush, and simple hard case. Other firearms, such as a Steyr AUG, simply come in a cardboard box with a single magazine. Put plainly, some firearms come with more extras than others, meaning that you may be starting off with few or many extras when you first acquire a new firearm.
Buy Ammo
Naturally, one should buy ammo if they get a new gun. This is especially a good idea if one acquired a firearm in a new caliber as they do not have an existing stock of ammunition. Of course, one should also acquire ammunition to support new firearms even if they have an existing stock of ammo. This will allow a shooter to try different loadings with their new firearm and identify which loading is best for their use cases. Additionally, one can never go wrong with having more ammunition either. In many cases, it is worth it to buy bulk ammo quantities of ammo to prepare for the long and many range days to come. If one chooses to purchase bulk ammo, they ultimately set themselves up for present and future range days.
Buy Magazines
Of course, it is never a bad idea to buy magazines for a firearm, especially if it is a new addition to your collection. As mentioned earlier, different firearms come with different things. This is to say that some firearms will include more magazines than others. Typically, most semi-automatic handguns will include anywhere from one to three magazines. Rifles with detachable magazines generally come with one to two magazines. Of course, some exceptions exist to these values, especially when considering specialty competition-oriented models. At the end of the day, some shooters will start with differing amounts of magazines as firearms include varied amounts of these items. Shooters should buy enough magazines for their intended use case and keep extras on hand in case one experiences failures or issues. A shooter will never go wrong stocking up on magazines.
Buy Accessories
Of course, one can also buy accessories of various types for their new firearm. These types of accessories can range from things such as optics, flashlights, triggers, slings, muzzle devices, and more. Additionally, AR-style and AK type rifles can be outfitted with aftermarket furniture and components such as stocks, grips, and controls. The many accessories on the market can both enhance your shooting experience and provide more enjoyment. With products which provide illumination to those which aid in accurate shooting and firearm retention, there are truly accessories for nearly every end user.
Buy Hearing Protection
In the realm of shooting, one of the most important things to consider is one’s hearing. First time gun owners should invest in quality hearing protection to ensure that this important sense is detected. Existing gun owners should also consider their current hearing protection measures and ensure their equipment is good to go. It unfortunately does not take much for one to permanently damage their sense of hearing. This means that quality hearing protection, whether as in-ear or over ear form or electronic or passive, is an essential part of a shooter’s kit.
Buy Storage Solutions
In most cases, it is worth it to buy storage solutions for your firearms, especially if they are new. As mentioned earlier, some firearms simply come in cardboard boxes. These containers are not intended for long term storage or safe transportation, meaning that one should find a more permanent, viable solution. In other instances, some pistols include simplistic hard cases which cannot carry much besides the pistol and a spare magazine. Examples such as these make it worth considering a more substantial and encompassing storage solution. One can find hard and soft cases which easily accommodate firearms and numerous other items such as ammo and accessories. One could consider investing in a range bag that will carry firearms, ammo, tools, hearing protection, and other necessary items for range use.
Buy Shooting Supplies
One could also buy shooting supplies for use at the range. Items such as targets are notable shooting supplies which are of great benefit to shooters. Targets come in many shapes and sizes, appealing to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Shooters will have a variety of options to consider when it comes to targets. One can acquire reactive targets made from steel or self-healing rubber or traditional cardboard or paper targets. Additionally, shooters can also utilize clay pigeons for target shooting, whether they employ shotguns or not. These types of items are ultimately consumable at the end of the day, meaning that shooters will need to maintain a supply of targets over time. Of course, steel and rubber targets have long service lives but still are subjected to wear and tear over time. In short, these items provide shooters with something to shoot at, an important item for the range.
Train With It
One of the most important things one should do with a new firearm is train with it. This is to say that one should take the time and put forth the effort needed to become proficient with their new firearm. Proficiency is especially important if one intends on employing their firearm in a serious capacity such as self-defense. By becoming proficient with your firearm, one effectively enhances their own safety in addition to those around them. Firearm proficiency means that one will be capable of handling firearms safely and employing them effectively.
Conclusion
And there we have it. Hopefully this guide proves to be helpful to those who have just acquired a new firearm. It is always a good feeling to get a new gun, a feeling made even better when accompanied by appropriate products such as ammo or accessories. While we here at True Shot Ammo do not carry firearms, we do have a wide range of ammo for sale. Our inventory of ammo encompasses popular calibers and gauges such as 9mm, 5.56, 12 gauge, and .22 LR. Additionally, we also carry a variety of optics, triggers, hearing protection, and other goods for shooters. Whether you want to buy bulk ammo or something else to get you set up for the range, we have you covered.
