Buying your first gun is a big step, and it’s easy to feel unsure about what comes next. There’s more to responsible gun ownership than simply owning a firearm. Here are seven essential things to do after purchasing your first gun to ensure you’re both safe and prepared.
1. Memorize the Four Rules of Gun Safety

Every gun owner should know the four basic rules of gun safety by heart. These aren’t just suggestions; they’re rules that can save lives. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction.
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.
- Be aware of your target, what’s behind it, and what’s around it.
Before doing anything else, make sure these rules are ingrained in your mind. Following them will keep you and others safe.
2. Take It to the Range and Practice

Many people buy a gun and leave it locked up, untouched. Don’t let your first time using it be during a high-stress situation. Go to a range, test it out, and get a feel for how it handles. This will give you confidence in your abilities and help ensure everything works as expected. Practice with self-defense ammo, too, since different types of ammunition can affect performance.
3. Study Your Firearm Inside and Out

Understanding your gun’s parts, functionality, and mechanics is essential. Read the instruction manual, and don’t skip over the fine print. Watch tutorials online and learn how to clean, maintain, and troubleshoot your firearm. The internet is packed with videos and guides tailored to specific models, and learning your gun’s mechanics will make you a more confident and knowledgeable owner.
4. Get Self-Defense Training

Learning to shoot accurately under stress is another skill entirely, and training can help you develop this. Many certified firearm instructors offer beginner-friendly courses that teach the basics of shooting under pressure. Hands-on training will help you feel prepared to handle real-life situations effectively and responsibly and hopefully diffuse a situation before drawing your firearm.
5. Know the Laws

Gun laws vary significantly by state, and understanding them will keep you out of legal trouble. Research your state’s regulations on ownership, storage, transport, and use of firearms. If you plan to travel with your gun, make sure you understand the laws of each state you’ll pass through, as gun laws can differ dramatically. This will also help you understand the complexities and restrictions of gun ownership in the U.S.
6. Get Concealed Carry and Self-Defense Insurance

If your state allows it, consider getting a concealed carry permit. Even if you don’t plan to carry your firearm regularly, having the permit allows you to do so legally when you need it. Additionally, self-defense insurance, such as that offered by organizations like the USCCA, can provide coverage for legal costs should you ever need to use your gun in self-defense. This kind of insurance offers peace of mind, as it can cover legal representation, bail, and court fees.
7. Join a Second Amendment Rights Group

Protecting the right to bear arms requires community support, and joining a Second Amendment rights organization can connect you with other responsible gun owners. Many of these groups provide education, legislative updates, and advocacy for gun rights. Whether it’s a national group or a local organization, consider supporting their efforts to preserve the rights and responsibilities of gun owners.
Why Preparation and Education Matter

Buying a gun is only the first step in the journey of responsible firearm ownership. Gun ownership brings serious responsibilities, and being unprepared can lead to mistakes or even accidents. Learning how to use, maintain, and store your firearm, combined with understanding the law, ensures you’re ready to act responsibly in any situation.
Embrace the Learning Process

Each step in this list gives you valuable skills and knowledge that will make you a more capable and conscientious gun owner. Responsible gun ownership is about more than just having a firearm – it’s about building the confidence and understanding necessary to handle your gun safely and effectively.
Building Confidence in Your Skills

Taking these actions helps you develop a level of comfort with your firearm, making you more confident in using it safely and effectively. Each bit of knowledge, from knowing the safety rules to getting training, empowers you to use your gun with precision and responsibility.
By following these steps, you’re not just preparing yourself for self-defense; you’re becoming part of a community of educated, responsible gun owners who are equipped to advocate for their rights and uphold the values of safety and preparedness.
Changing Public Perceptions

What are your thoughts? How do you think increased knowledge and training could change public perceptions of gun ownership? What aspects of firearm safety or training do you believe are most often overlooked, and why? How can new gun owners be encouraged to take ongoing training seriously, even after they feel comfortable with their firearms?

Ed spent his childhood in the backwoods of Maine, where harsh winters taught him the value of survival skills. With a background in bushcraft and off-grid living, Ed has honed his expertise in fire-making, hunting, and wild foraging. He writes from personal experience, sharing practical tips and hands-on techniques to thrive in any outdoor environment. Whether it’s primitive camping or full-scale survival, Ed’s advice is grounded in real-life challenges.