Buying Your First Firearm: The Complete Guide

Buying your first gun is a big decision. Whether it's for home defense, sport shooting, or hunting, this guide walks you through everything you need to know before making your purchase.

Step 1: Define Your Purpose

Before you start shopping, be honest about why you want a firearm:

  • Home defense — A shotgun or handgun is the most practical choice
  • Concealed carry — A compact or subcompact handgun in 9mm is the standard
  • Target shooting / range fun — A .22 LR rifle or pistol is affordable and easy to learn on
  • Hunting — The right rifle or shotgun depends on the game and terrain
  • General ownership — A versatile 9mm handgun or AR-15 platform covers many bases

Step 2: Understand Firearm Types

Handguns

  • Semi-automatic pistols — Magazine-fed, most popular for self-defense (Glock, S&W M&P, Sig Sauer)
  • Revolvers — Simple and reliable, available in many calibers (S&W, Ruger)

Rifles

  • Bolt-action — Accurate, simple, great for hunting
  • Semi-automatic — AR-15 platform is America's most popular rifle
  • Lever-action — Classic design, great for brush hunting and cowboy action

Shotguns

  • Pump-action — Reliable and affordable (Mossberg 500, Remington 870)
  • Semi-automatic — Less recoil, faster follow-up shots
  • Break-action — Simple, good for beginners and bird hunting

Step 3: Choose a Caliber

For first-time buyers, these calibers offer the best balance of performance and shootability:

  • 9mm — The standard for handguns. Affordable, low recoil, widely available.
  • .22 LR — Perfect for learning. Extremely cheap to shoot and nearly zero recoil.
  • 5.56 NATO / .223 — The standard AR-15 caliber. Low recoil for a rifle.
  • 12 gauge — The most versatile shotgun gauge. Can shoot everything from birdshot to slugs.
  • .308 Winchester — A do-everything hunting rifle caliber.

Step 4: Handle Before You Buy

Never buy a firearm you haven't held. Visit a local gun shop or attend a gun show to:

  • Test the grip and ergonomics
  • Check the weight and balance
  • Operate the controls (safety, slide release, magazine release)
  • If possible, rent and shoot it at a range first

Step 5: The Purchase Process

From an FFL Dealer (Gun Shop or Gun Show)

  1. Choose your firearm
  2. Present valid government-issued photo ID
  3. Complete ATF Form 4473
  4. Pass a NICS background check (usually instant)
  5. Pay and take your firearm home (some states have waiting periods)

Online Purchase

  1. Find the firearm online
  2. Locate a local FFL willing to receive the transfer — use our dealer directory
  3. Complete the purchase and provide the seller with your FFL's information
  4. Pick up at the FFL after completing Form 4473 and background check

After Your Purchase

  • Take a safety course — NRA Basic Pistol or a local range course
  • Practice regularly — Familiarity builds safety and competence
  • Store securely — Get a safe or lock box appropriate for your situation
  • Know your state's laws — Check our state gun law guides

Find firearms, accessories, and expert advice at a gun show near you. Browse our show directory.