Lesson 5: Purchasing a Firearm

In this lesson you will learn the factors associated with choosing the correct firearm to suit your needs, legal considerations and good purchasing practices. Also check out our blog, “How To: Buying A Firearm, Firearm Recommendations & FFL Transfers”.

Everyday Carry vs. Home Defense

DSC_7785.jpg

A good Everyday Carry (EDC) firearm typically has three key features:

  1. Size and convenience of carry. Generally speaking, pistols and revolvers are more convenient for EDC than rifles and shotguns.

  2. Ability to conceal. Ask yourself, “Do you have a holster for this firearm? How do seasonal changes affect your ability to conceal your firearm”? It may be easier to carry a full-sized pistol during colder months where you’re able to use layers and large clothing to conceal your firearm. Conversely, sub-compact and compact firearms are usually easier to carry during warmer months when you’re typically wearing cooler clothing and less layers.

  3. Ability to manipulate and reload. Ask yourself, “Are you able to quickly reload this firearm? Have you practiced drawing from your holster? Have you incorporated malfunctions into your training?”

DSC_3408.jpg

A good Home Defense Firearm typically has three key features:

  1. Higher magazine capacity. In the event of a home invasion, you may find yourself facing multiple attackers. Be sure your home defense firearm has the capacity to hold several cartridges and/or extra magazines.

  2. Caliber that doesn’t over penetrate. Remember that you are responsible for the bullet until it stops. Some rifle calibers like .308 or 30-06 are better suited for long range or long distance shooting.

  3. Low light conditions. Low-light considerations may be equally important for everyday carry especially if you find yourself working or traveling at night. You may want to consider purchasing some sort of light fixture or sights suited for low light shooting. Tritium or “night sights” are commonly recommended for both EDC and home defense firearms.

Let’s Get Legal

Gun laws vary by state and typically change after every election. As a gun owner, it is your responsibility to remain informed of your state and local gun laws. Some states require classes and extensive background checks before purchasing a firearm. Your local gun range is usually a good resource for firearms classes and information about purchasing firearms. Click here to see more information on specific gun laws organized by state. Make sure you thoroughly understand the laws associated with purchasing, carrying and transporting your firearms.

The ATF is the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The ATF's responsibilities include the investigation and prevention of federal offenses involving the unlawful use, manufacture, and possession of firearms and explosives; acts of arson and bombings; and illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. The ATF also regulates, via licensing, the sale, possession, and transportation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives in interstate commerce.

An FFL is a Federal Firearms License. An authorized FFL dealer is legally able to sell firearms. Make sure you’re purchasing your firearm from an authorized dealer. Gun ranges, gun stores and some sporting goods stores are usually FFL’s. Some states allow private sales where a gun owner can sell a firearm to another person. You’re also able to purchase firearms online and have them transferred to your local FFL dealer where they conduct your background check and give you your firearm.

When you purchase a firearm from an authorized FFL dealer, you are required to complete ATF Form 4473. This form asks questions about drug use, criminal background and mental health history. After you complete the form, the authorized dealer will submit your information to The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to complete a federal background check. Most checks take no more than 30 minutes to complete.

There is no “GIRL” gun

Like vehicles, firearms come in all sizes, shapes and colors. Firearms however, are not assigned genders. There is no “girl” gun. In Lesson 3 you learned about calibers and firearm sizes. There is a common stereotype that women should purchase smaller caliber or sub-compact firearms because they have smaller hands. While a comfortable grip is important, smaller hands and smaller calibers aren’t mutually exclusive. Smaller framed firearms actually cause MORE felt recoil than full-sized firearms. This means that buying a Glock 42 (.380 caliber) won’t reduce your chances of feeling recoil. It actually means that you’ll have to work harder and practice more often to learn how to manage the recoil. You can learn which firearm works best for you by taking several firearms classes, identifying your firearm needs and trying out different firearm brands, sizes and calibers. Remember that any person can effectively operate any firearm with the proper knowledge and attitude.

Lasers, Gadgets and Lights…..oh my!

laser.jpg
suppressor.jpg

Don’t rush to purchase expensive gadgets and accessories until you have mastered shooting fundamentals. Instead, think about investing in a range membership and practice ammunition. As you continue to grow as a gun owner, your firearm needs and preferences may change.

Once you’re ready to purchase accessories, be sure to read customer reviews and thoroughly research each product. Some gun ranges also have rental firearms so you may be able to test out a product before you make a purchase.

Additional Considerations

There are a few things you’ll have to decide when purchasing a firearm:

  1. Whats your budget? Handguns range from prices as low as $170 and as expensive as $2,000. Remember, this firearm may be used to defend your life one day. The less-expensive option may not be worth the hassle of dealing with constant maintenance issues and malfunctions. On the converse, firearms worth thousands of dollars may not perform any better than their less-expensive counterparts. Check out a list of recommended firearms here.

  2. External Safety. Some feel that having an external safety is imperative for keeping firearms inaccessible to unauthorized users. Unfortunately it may be easy to forget to disengage the safety in the chaos of an attack, rendering the firearm useless. If you decide to purchase a firearm without a safety, be sure to strictly exercise the 3 main safety rules you learned in Lesson 1.

  3. Family Considerations. Be sure to consider your household in your firearm purchase decision. Does your household know how to safely operate the firearm in case of an emergency? Have you identified the authorized users in your home? Also research safe storage options you learned about in Lesson 8.

Sources:

https://www.gunstocarry.com

https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/nics

https://www.atf.gov/about/what-we-do

https://www.atf.gov/resource-center/docs/0501-firearms-top-10-qaspdf/download

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/docs/4473-part-1-firearms-transaction-record-over-counter-atf-form-53009/download

https://www.pewpewtactical.com/best-handgun-beginners-home-defense/