The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution is the part that protects the right to keep and bear arms in the United States Bill of Rights. There are many anti-gun organizations trying to take that right away from the people. Here are some tips on how to purchase a firearm and buying your first rifle or gun.
Consider your intentions
If your intention is to go hunting for wild game, then you will need to purchase a long rifle or shotgun that has some knockdown power. I recommend a Benelli Supernova 12 Gauge if you’re wanting to buy for waterfowl or turkey hunting. The guns are rock solid and can take on a lot of mud and water when in the swamps.
If you’re needing something for longer ranges, then check out the Remington 700 CDL. It’s a beautifully crafted gun and can knockdown a target from far away.
If you are looking to purchase a gun for self defense and something that you can take with you and conceal easily, then you should look at buying a .9mm pistol. I have held the Sig Sauer P226 .9mm and it feels good in my hands. It’s an all around nice handgun for starters.
Visit your local gun shop
There are many different brands and models on the market today. It’s best if you talk to a gunsmith or someone who knows a lot about firearms in general and ask if they will help. If you’re not sure where some of the gun shops are in town, just search online for ‘gun shops’ in your town and drop by sometime. It’s easier to talk to the owner of a small shop one-on-one rather than a salesman at one of the big boy stores.
Avoid the corporate mess
With over 52,000 federal registered firearm dealers in the United States today, it’s not very hard to acquire a gun. I’ve had far better customer support experiences at some of the smaller gun shops in town, plus it supports the local economy. Especially after seeing the arrow through hand incident at Bass Pro Shops, I don’t think I want to purchase a firearm or hunting bow from them.
Research federal and state gun laws
There are federal gun laws and then there are state gun laws as well. Federal law says an individual 21 years old or older may acquire a handgul or pistol from a licensed dealer in the US. If you’re a gun collector or enthusiast or just want a handgun for your own personal protection then you must be 21. An individual 18 years old or old may acquire a rifle or shotgun from a licensed dealer.
When purchasing any firearm from a licensed US dealer, a background check must be run and you must have a photo ID. The process usually takes about 15 minutes depending on how busy the place of purchase is and the background check phone lines. Also, if you’ve been convicted of a felony or a domestic violence criminal offense then you can say “bye bye” to purchasing that firearm.
Buy from an individual
Unlike most myths, purchasing a gun from a private individual is ok. You usually get the gun for a better price anyway! Under federal law, you are able to purchase a rifle, shotgun or pistol from someone of the same state as long as the purchaser is 18 years of age or older. Most times you must transfer the gun to an authorized dealer in another state if you are wanting to purchase over state lines.
Attend a gun show
It’s very easy to go to a gun show in the US and acquire a fully automatic assault rifle without a background check. I’m not saying it’s the recommended thing to do, but it is very easy to acquire a weapon of such sort at gun shows. Going to gun shows are also fun whether you buy a gun or not. You usually come out with a bag full of stickers, hats and other goodies.
These must know tips should help you purchase the firearm that you’ve been wanting to buy or need. What other tips do you have for purchasing a firearm?
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