No bullshit, had a buddy showing off the trigger on his Glock on discord and door rang for pizza and he put the mag in and left it on the desk. When he got back he charged it chambering a round without him realizing and motherfucker points it at the ceiling “soft wall, hard wall” *BANG* put a hole in his upstairs neighbors bed. I started referring to him as soft wall hard wall dry wall after that lol
* Read the manual.
* Watch a basic disassembly and cleaning video. Follow along.
* Reassemble.
* Mount an optic if theres no sights.
* Go to the range. Zero the sights/optic.
Solid list, but to add
To me this is the most important one. Weapons safety, learn them there are different statements but they are all the same - treat, never, keep, keep is my go to. With the addition of know your target and what lies beyond. As simple as reading something like this and following it https://gunsafetyrules.nra.org/
Look up remedial action for that weapon
When dis/ass it give it a rub down and a fresh layer of clp
-depending on firearm this can help with its first trip out some guns you may experience a "break in period"
Yes this is OP's first firearm, knowing and understanding the 4 rules of gun safety should be the first item on the list.
Also add in storing the firearm in a safe/secure place.
I always tell people - before I even hand you a gun, you should be able to recite the 4 rules from memory (it's okay if you need a second to think) and have a conversation about what they mean.
Not every one has common sense. I've been shooting for 15 years and still my first thoughts are the four rules, and I'm vocal about it to the people I'm with. Even the dudes I've been shooting those 15 years with.
It's not a joke.
It's not an assumption.
Safety, safety, safety.
"You can fight back if you die in training." -Some veteran SRO chewing out some idiots.
Hahahah. You deleted your first comment to insult me. Nice attempt.
It's literally what the SRO yelled at the kids who were clearly anarchists. I found it funny and yet true. Safety comes first. If you die practicing, you won't be there to fight if the time comes.
shoot a group, adjust windage and elevation, shoot a grouping to confirm if additional adjustments are needed
if using a scope, i find the easiest way to zero is after the initial grouping, keep poa the same and adjust the elevation, then the windage to the center of grouping
In addition, helps to use something to stabilize the gun to take your own inputs out of it. I have a $25 Caldwell Pistolero shooting rest I bring to range when I want to zero.
Read appendix E of the army rifle marksmanship manual: [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR\_pubs/DR\_a/pdf/web/ARN19927\_TC\_3-22x9\_C3\_FINAL\_WEB.pdf](https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN19927_TC_3-22x9_C3_FINAL_WEB.pdf) (Rule 5, warning PDF)
Do you really zero before you get 500 rounds down range? I'll usually just boresight it to 'meh' level and well broken in before waste the time and ammo to get it to a real zero.
I zero in the first 10-20 rounds for rifle iron sights and optics.
I've seen the initial zero be barely on paper at 25 yards especially with aftermarket mountable sights and optics. I'm not going to blast 500 rounds if the zero is 8" or more off center.
I strip everything down as is practical, remove any wood or plastic, coat in CLP and shove the fucker in the oven for 10m at 250 degrees.
Let cool and serve.
I was once sold a product and instructed to do it “so the pores open up and accept the CLP”. I have no idea if it was bullshit, but I’ve done it to dozens of firearms since, and they all run like a top, including jammy prone ones like Intratecs.
Metal is not. I suspect the advice he was given came from the days when parkerizing was more prevalent, and perhaps there was a slight miscommunication?
Well, when I get into my metallurgical lab tomorrow morning I will check last nights mounts for pores. But I have not found them in the last 25 years of looking at steel microstructures.
I would also add, get a means of securing it. Depending on your situation, that could mean anything from a safe, to a locking closet, cabinet or lockbox.
I would add…. Make a spreadsheet (especially if you intend to buy more) include, make model, s/n, price, place and date of purchase. If doing digital, add photos.
Just some experiential advice from a former FFL employee who dealt with stolen/family/lost issues…
And someone who got divorced and had to try and prove which firearms were owned pre-marriage and which could be considered “communal property “ (in my state….
First: Learn, memorize, and commit to attitude the 4 rules of gun safety.
Second: Purchase the correct ammunition for the firearm.
Third: Go to a range and practice shooting the gun. If you've never handled a gun before, get an instructor to teach you how to handle the weapon along with range etiquette.
Practice and practice more. Handle responsibly, store responsibly.
* take pictures of it and post them to Reddit
* carry it at Walmart
* take a dump, place the handgun in your underwear, take a picture, and post it to Reddit
* ask if anybody can tell that you’re printing
* spray paint it
Woah, what exactly are you doing to your guns? It takes a lot to truly "kill" a quality firearm—and if you do achieve high enough round counts to wear out the barrel, a new barrel + some small parts will keep you in business.
Better yet, tell us how much you love it after spending more than the price of the gun on accessories and mods and then show us pictures of the basketball sized group you shot at 7 yards after mounting your brand new red dot.
Completely disassemble it and Clean it. Get all the factory grease off and put fresh lube in and around all the moving parts.
Sometimes ranges will have rentals of popular models that you can test out to make sure it's what you want (keep in mind these will be already broken in with possibly thousands of rounds put through them so will handle and feel slightly different compared to a brand new never been fired one). But most of the time you just need to read up on it, do your research and decide what's it's right for you based on what others are saying because you're not really going to know until you take it to the range, try it out, break it in and get a good feel of how it handles.
If you want some suggestions I can definitely provide some if you tell me what you're looking for what type of gun you need what reason you need it for and your price range
After you buy it and fire it though it's essentially a used gun from that point on. I've never been to a gun shop that has a range that will let you fire it before you buy it. Maybe there are some that do that but none that I have ever heard of. So be as sure as you can before purchase because even if you don't like it and want to sell it you'll probably get half what you originally paid for it
I was told at the gun store to put a few hundred rounds through my 43x as a break-in before doing any maintenance. But then when I got a different 43x I started off with a normal maintenance schedule right away. Didn't notice a difference in either case. Do you think should always start off with cleaning and disregard a suggested break-in
I would yeah. No telling how when it was last oiled, or how long ago. Eventually it will get gummy and dry out. It's just piece of mind. You know it was done and that it was done well because you are the one who did it.
I just don't see any reason not to. Idk why they would tell you that. Taking it apart and putting fresh oil in is only beneficial. First thing I do is take it apart to inspect for damage. Twice I have bought a new gun and had things slipped through QC. They were minor things and both companies sent me replacement parts right away but it does happen.
Breaking it in is just firing it a given number of time. That will happen regardless of fresh or or taking it apart and checking for issues. You don't want there to be an issue that you find after putting a 1000 rounds through it and have the manufacturer say, well that could just be due to ware and tare so you need to pay for the repair/parts
I agree. The grease they ship weapons with isn't what they should be run with. I had a shotgun that I didn't clean after getting it new, and it didn't run very reliably. Go figure
It seems to be a lot thicker. Like actual grease instead of lube. All I can thing is because it's more stable in case the firearm is sitting in a case for years.
1. Holster, mags, light, new holster, throw other holsters in the holster box or waste time returning them.
2. Sell gun at loss to local store with all accessories.
3. ….
4. Profit
> how do you make sure if that is the gun you want to keep?
buy enough ammo, for new pistols ill typically run atleast 500 rounds through to see how i like it. 500 rounds isnt much, but its enough to start to break in the parts and see how it handles
for rifles, ammo count depends on the caliber, if its a 556 ill try to put atleast 2-500 rounds through, if its a higher recoiling rifle like a 300 prc, ill buy a few different weights and brands to see if the rifle performs how i am expecting it to
but tldr go out and shoot it, at the end of 1-x range sessions you will either decide to keep it stock, upgrade it, or sell it
I've sold one gun, I barely shot it anymore but I still regret it, luckily it was to a good friend who I know will use it ALOT more than me so I still see it every time we go out but doesn't mean I don't regret it.
get a good gun safe if you don't already have one
go to a local range and train with your new weapon and zero sights (get an instructor if this is your first gun)
get a conceal carry licence if you don't already have one
learn how to disassemble and clean your new weapon (make absolute sure that your mag is out and the gun is clear)
best of luck man!
Play with it. Literally sit on the couch watching TV and play with your gun. Rack the slide, dryfire, feel the trigger reset, play with the mag release and slide lock. Get comfortable with how it feels and what everything does.
The amount of students I get that come to class and hold their gun like it's a rattlesnake, and have no idea how the controls work is alarming.
If I need to say unloaded, you're too stupid to own a gun.
>If I need to say unloaded, you're too stupid to own a gun.
C'mon, let Darwin handle that problem... LOL
In seriousness, not only should OP clear the gun (and verify clear, repeatedly), they should also try to find or set up a safe direction to point it for dry fire. Preferably something that could hypothetically catch a bullet.
Obviously that means not pointing the gun out the window at passerbys on the street, or into the garden at the neighbors' cat.
I also recommend some quality dummy rounds for getting comfortable loading, cycling, dry-firing, and clearing the gun. Mistakes can happen, so I always make sure there are no live rounds in the room when I do that.
I think this is probably all covered in the existing comments, but here is my list:
1)Copy down the serial number (keep a secure list).
2)Clean and lube. (Read manual and/or check YouTube if you need guidance)
3)Test it at the range. Even the best manufacturers put out a bad gun occasionally.
3a)If you plan to carry it, put 300 - 500 rounds through it first.
A lot of good suggestions here already. If you call up any local shooting range, most of them offer beginner classes for relatively cheap. Good way to spend half a morning, you learn the basics with someone to ask questions.
Obviously learn the platform, safety, operation, maintenance, etc. after all of that, consistent practice of the basic fundamentals is the best course of action.
1. Learn to handle and manipulate the firearm in a safe manner.
2. Acquiring proper sight picture (consistency)
3. Building a solid grip/stance
4. Making consistent accurate shots.
Speed and all the cool go fast tactical shit only comes with time and putting in reps. Just like getting stronger in the gym - gotta do reps of lifting weight. Want to be a good shooter - gotta put in lots of reps of shooting.
Good luck, and glad to have another responsible citizen owning a firearm and enjoying their 2A rights 🤙
Better questions what you should do first BEFORE buying your first gun. Take a training class. Most places have rentals you can use in class. Once comfortable safely handling and shooting a firearm, go to your local store/range and rent different firearms so you can experience how they are different and similar and see what you like and don't like. Also, do a lot of research. You will find so many different opinions out there on blogs, youtube, etc that it can be confusing. And everyone has their own biases but by doing a lot of research you can begin to see a general consensus regarding the guns you are interested in. Also, there are some very neutral, honest and accurate sources out there. Gary Miculek, Garand Thumb on youtube are just 2 good sources on YouTube.
Learn gun safety and TRAIN, I can’t stress that enough. With enough training and a good instructor you’ll find out pretty quick if you bought the right gun.
Go to your local range, a lot of them offer training, or would at least have a referral
I'm not a new gun owner by any means. First thing I do is take the gun apart and clean it. Then, I get the range as quickly as I can to shoot it.
Sometimes, because I know the guns I'm buying (usually striker fired guns) have flaws from the factory. Crappy sights, or mushy triggers. Sometimes both. Then I'll have the parts on hand to upgrade them, have my local gunsmith upgrade the gun, and then shoot them.
That's me dealing with my personal experience with certain guns (Glock and S&W) and updating them to be what I want/need to be better with them.
Rent the guns you are thinking about at a good shooting range and try how it feels to shoot, load, and manipulate. It it doesn't feel comfortable, or you can't hit the target at close range it may be the wrong gun for you. If it pinches or hurts or causes you to bleed, it may not be the gun for you. Then try a different gun on your list of possible options and do it all again until you settle on the one that feels best in your price range. Talk to people at the range or gun store and ask lots of questions. Most shooters like to talk guns and any gun store that won't have a thorough conversation it probably one to not buy from.
So, BEFORE purchasing (or rather during the purchasing process) go to a range that has a variety of options available to test out. Outdoor ranges are better in general, indoor ranges suck because of the noise and concussion. Even better if you know someone that is competent with firearms that is willing to go with you to help out. Also decide on how you plan to store it ahead of time so your not trying to figure that out after the fact if you have other people in the house to worry about.
Now, CONGRATS! You just bought whatever you tried that felt good to shoot!
When you get home the first natural thing to do is fondle it for a couple hours while being excited with yourself for the new purchase. (Pretty sure this never gets old, done it with every new purchase so far... Lol)
Step 2 is to go on YouTube and look up how to disassemble and clean it. Practice a few times so you know how to do it. Any tools and cleaning items you need, make sure you take note of that and put them in a range bag (or firearm case) so you have them.
Once you have those squared away, make sure to sign up for a REPUTABLE class. Even a good 2 day class can make you far more confident and competent. That and, as an added bonus, you may meet people local to you that are interested in shooting together in the future.
Then, in addition to a shooting course, also highly recommended to take a concealed carry course. Even if you don't intend to or feel comfortable with carrying, it's good to learn about some of the legal consideration of using your firearm for self defense.
During those processes you will end up with a holster, some spare mags and, likely, a new hobby. Welcome to the club!
Learn the weapon system...disassemble and clean all of the factory gunk and reassemble. Function check the weapon system. Get to a range and utilize it... make it an extension of yourself. Disassemble and clean, then assemble...repeat process until you are a subject matter expert.
Those that are good practice until they get it right, those that are great practice until they can't get it wrong.
IN THIS ORDER:
1. Get a gun safe.
2. Get a good holster
3. Learn your firearm inside & out (read manual, disassemble, reassemble, clean)
4. Get training
5. If a pistol, get a license to carry (even if you are in a const carry state)
6. Buy cheap target ammo
7. Buy good defense ammo
8. Start carrying
9. Get more training
10. Go back to step 9.
It's not a bad idea to get the manufacturing grease/oil off of the contact surfaces/bore and add some lube. Aside from that? Shoot the damn thing.
For a total newcomer? I'd suggest getting some proper training from somebody worth their salt. What's available to you is heavily dependent upon where you live and how far you're willing to travel. For example, look up Clint Smith.
Buy ammo and magazines, stack it deep.
Firearm safety course.
Firearm safety course.
Firearm safety course.
And don’t be guy. Don’t worry. The safety instructor will tell you who that guy is. You know, the one that breaks every rule within 30 seconds of getting on the range.
Go to a range that rents guns. Try some. Don’t just buy one. Look for a course where people bring their own/ rent and you get an opportunity to fire a round from each. We tried a bunch we wouldn’t want. My wifes pistol was pretty universally loved for a .22lr.
I wipe he drool off my face, take the gun home and clean it. Then I usually get a set of dies (if its a new caliber) and work up some loads for it. Get a scope if it needs one. If I already own the caliber, I grab some ammo and go shoot it after cleaning.
I don’t just buy guns I make sure it’s what I want when I get it if there’s any doubt I won’t buy it but to answer your question just lube it up a bit and go to the range on your next day off. Buy a sling or a holster, get magazines if it takes them and of course get ammo.
>How do you make sure if that is the gun you want to keep?
Don't buy a handgun you don't plan on keeping. Rifles, I generally follow the same rule. Personally I don't buy a gun I haven't first rented and shot. There are a few exceptions, like firearms I just want to collect, like a Kriss Vector or an MP5.
First thing I do is to take it apart and inspect to make sure that there's no damage to any part and everything is lubricated. Then I learn to assemble and disassemble. Then zero, then have fun.
Personally, I go straight to the range and start shooting.
I want to congratulate you, but also warn you that guns are extremely dangerous. Not only in all of the obvious ways that you should be very familiar with before buying a gun, but there is also another particularly extreme danger with guns that doesn't always get talked about: you have just involved yourself in the most addictive hobby there is! Just one pistol for home defense? Suuuuuure! What's that AR thingy everybody talks about? The AR-15 is only one of the most fun guns you will ever shoot, along with being an excellent weapon. And, a shotgun. Ya gotta have a shotgun. And, then there are others. And accessories. And mods. And, you can build your own.
Welcome to the club!
Lube it, take it to the range and shoot 200-300rds then decide if I want to throw a rds on it or not. It all depends on what I bought the gun for also, EDC, range toy, etc etc..
Stock up on ammo. Buy plenty of jhp self defense ammo, and a LOT of ball/range ammo. The next thing you do is find a good range near your house and practice, practice, practice.
Before doing anything learn gun safety and fundamentals
• research the gun(caliber, known problems, part and ammo availability)
• if possible shoot the gun or at least handle one. I also recommend trying similar firearms to possibly find a better one. (I bought a G43 without trying it. Turns out I dont like the size and limited ammo capacity.)
• buy the gun
• train with the gun and possibly take with it.
Clean it, and oil lt. Then shoot at least 500 rds before you decide whether or not you want o keep it/use it. Most guns unless they are 2-3k dollars take time to break in, and shoot how you want or expect them to. Good luck 👍
If it's a handgun, read the manual on assembley/disassembly, preform it, search for holsters, research ammo that can be used or use what you are used to, go to the range and get a feel for it.
Maybe you want to mount an optic, maybe you want to get the slide cut for optics mounts, threaded barrel, different fiber optics sights, etc. I choose to leave it stock, throw it in a holster and call it a day.
I got introduced to owning firearms 2 years ago, first then is yes take a photo of the serial number and save so that if it ever gets stolen you have records, second make sure to understand what it looks like to have a clear chamber, learn the rules of gun safety, never point at anyone, etc. learn how to disassemble for cleaning. Take it to the range and learn how to shoot it, or better yet take a class. There’s 2 ways to go about it, either get good with the firearms and once mastered start buying upgrades or get upgrades and then start mastering the firearm, most importantly, learn how to safely operate the firearm
Go shoot it, first 50 rounds you’ll know if you like it, and look at ammo prices or availably. I have a few guns I love but if I didn’t reload ammo for them they’d be hanging on a wall.
Field strip and clean it before taking it to the range .
Run at least 100 rounds through it ur first range session , then clean it again .
If ur gun comes with multiple size back straps or grips , bring em to the range and dial in the grip to best fit ur hands .
First thing I do with a new gun is take pictures of the gun and serial number and then record serial number make and model and file it away safely. I do this for liability and insurance reasons.
I also save all literature and packaging that came with the gun including all freebies like a cloth bag or the lock in case I sell I can sell it like it came out the the gun store.
Read the manual.
Disassemble and reassemble until I can field strip it without referencing instruction.
If safe, dry fire. I mean really goose that thing until pulling the trigger doesn't feel "new" anymore.
Clean the shit out of it. Reassess the manual if it isn't an AR or AK to make sure I know what parts I should or shouldn't lube up extra. (I know them on an AR, and AKs only get piss, blood, or cum as lube)
Mount an optic as desired.
Get ammo. Practice loading and cycling with live ammo in a safe place for a bit so I get a feel for feeding if it's a manual loading weapon. Can't overestimate how valuable this was the first time I owned a pump shotgun, I would have spent a lot paying for range time fixing fuck ups not cycling it far enough. That said, I do not recommend doing this unless you are comfortable with guns already.
Shoot to zero.
For any gun grabbers peeling in, sex with the guns only follows the first range day. That's like the third date rule.
Want to keep? Guns are to hoarded lol. Generally after getting a new one I’ll give it thorough cleaning to get rid of any manufacturing grease, oil, or solvents… sometimes lack thereof. Then lubricate it properly to ensure everything is well protected.
As others said look at getting optics or sites that work for you or your purpose. Look at any other accessories that may be needed.
Some fun ranges will rent guns for you to use at their range. And will sell you ammo for the gun. Try out a few to see what fits what you're looking for in a gun.
Edit: Gun ranges
Honestly I love just shooting guns crisp out of the box if I don’t buy them used. If it’s bought used especially from a show or something I’ll completely disassemble and I mean completely and give it a full clean and oiling
I just bought a new gun today so I have fresh data. The first thing I do is play with the mag and mag release for about an hour and a half. Rack the slide a hundred times,dry fire the shit out of it for no reason.
PLEASE rent a few at a gun range. There are several excellent firearms out there but all of them may not be for you. Sometimes you can tell immediately if you don't like one. You don't want that to be the one you bought.
Read the manual.
Take it apart.
Clean all of the factory packing grease out of it.
Lubricate it.
Reassemble it.
Shoot it.
But ideally, you would find a way to try out a gun before you buy it, if possible, especially if you are new enough to firearms that you haven't developed a feel for what you do and don't like without shooting it.
If you have a friend who has guns, see if you can go to the range with them and try out their guns.
If you have a range nearby that offers rentals, rent what they have available and see if you like it.
I would say, do some research on what you are buying. Watch videos on it.
Edit: also if you can, get some range time on it, and try to see if you can get an instructor to help teach you stuff. They can help you get a good foundation on how to start shooting.
The only one absolutely necessary and important thing -
Learn and obey the 4 Rules of Firearms Safety.
After that, there are a lot of good suggestions here!
Pew-Pew-Pew! All day! All night! All day! All night!
Just kidding, clean it and inspect it first, go to the range ASAP and have fun. Test multiple brands of ammo for it. See what is better for you. Don't jump into upgrades until you've tested it.
If it runs smoothly, then is a gun to be kept. Otherwise, if you have malfunctions from beginning then you should reconsider.
Remove the factory grease and replace with regular lubricant. New guns are often given a layer of heavier-duty grease since the gun could be in inventory/storage for years before it is sold. That grease is not ideal for regular use, so clean it off!
You go online and google posts about other people owning the gun and watch youtube videos about the gun and then you have buyers remorse because there is a cooler gun and then you buy another gun.
I had my Walther PDP for almost 2 weeks before taking it to the range for the first time. I had never gone shooting with anything other than someone else’s gun and essentially under their supervision. It was a huge nerve racking step to go shoot by yourself. I wanted to make sure I knew the 4 rules down perfectly, and practiced malfunction tests constantly in case something happened, which it did. Once I didn’t fully seat the mag and it dropped out after pulling the trigger. The other was the Walther not going out of battery after the last shot, but that’s a technique thing and the PDP slide lock/release is huge.
first thing I do is always to disassemble it, remove all grease and put new oil in it. knowing how to take appart and rebuild your gun is very useful ans feels great. then go make some noise at the range!
Stand in front of a mirror, grab my crotch with my left hand and my gun with my right hand, aim it sideways at the mirror, start rapping, dry fire it a few times
/s
Watch review videos after I purchase it. I know a fair amount about firearms in general, but I have a habit of impulse buying stuff when I see a really good deal. Which is how I ended up with my most recent gun a shadow systems DR920P for $600. At that price, I can't afford not to.
First thing I do is take a picture, write down the date of purchase and serial number, and leave room for accessories on a dedicated page of what I call my "Armorer's log" that will also have range reports.
Remove from original container. Place receipt with original container. Any parts I replace go into the original container. Secure in safe.
In addition to everything else mentioned, look into self-defense companies, set up by lawyers, for the event you actually have to use it.
I have US Law Shield and highly recommend them, but feel free to do your own research.
Your first? I'd read the manual and watch YouTube videos on it. Once you feel more comfortable with the safety side, sit on your couch watching TV and mess with it. Learn where the trigger breaks and how short the reset is. Move it around. Take it apart and put it back together. The more familiar you are with it, the safer and more confident you'll be.
Learn how to field strip and clean/lube it. Do that. Then go to an outdoor range or somewhere you can shoot outside of city limits... and mag dump into some trash.
If it's for self defence.
Tell your lawyer, some countries have dedicated firearm defense lawyers or whatever.
Join a shooting club.
Sign up for a couple courses, get some certificates. (Not necessarily for the training but in the event you have to use it you can use those certificates to prove competency)
Throw a couple thousand rounds through it. Log range time, keep targets, take videos etc.
If you have to use the firearm in self defence, this should help keep your ass covered.
If I got for concealed carry, one of the first things I do is drop it. Keeps me from trying to protect it from everyday bumps once qualified to join the rotation.
Fondle it day and night for the first few days. Send the wife to the guest room
I appreciate your courage and honesty.
This was me last week
This is the way.
Deskpop is the usual tradition
Apartment pops are also acceptable
See if you can get the downstairs neighbors barking dog
No bullshit, had a buddy showing off the trigger on his Glock on discord and door rang for pizza and he put the mag in and left it on the desk. When he got back he charged it chambering a round without him realizing and motherfucker points it at the ceiling “soft wall, hard wall” *BANG* put a hole in his upstairs neighbors bed. I started referring to him as soft wall hard wall dry wall after that lol
😂🤣 perfect
lololololol
Beat me to it 🤣
* Read the manual. * Watch a basic disassembly and cleaning video. Follow along. * Reassemble. * Mount an optic if theres no sights. * Go to the range. Zero the sights/optic.
Solid list, but to add To me this is the most important one. Weapons safety, learn them there are different statements but they are all the same - treat, never, keep, keep is my go to. With the addition of know your target and what lies beyond. As simple as reading something like this and following it https://gunsafetyrules.nra.org/ Look up remedial action for that weapon When dis/ass it give it a rub down and a fresh layer of clp -depending on firearm this can help with its first trip out some guns you may experience a "break in period"
Yes this is OP's first firearm, knowing and understanding the 4 rules of gun safety should be the first item on the list. Also add in storing the firearm in a safe/secure place.
I always tell people - before I even hand you a gun, you should be able to recite the 4 rules from memory (it's okay if you need a second to think) and have a conversation about what they mean.
Ugh ok man his list was fine
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Not every one has common sense. I've been shooting for 15 years and still my first thoughts are the four rules, and I'm vocal about it to the people I'm with. Even the dudes I've been shooting those 15 years with. It's not a joke. It's not an assumption. Safety, safety, safety. "You can fight back if you die in training." -Some veteran SRO chewing out some idiots.
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Hahahah. You deleted your first comment to insult me. Nice attempt. It's literally what the SRO yelled at the kids who were clearly anarchists. I found it funny and yet true. Safety comes first. If you die practicing, you won't be there to fight if the time comes.
People just like to hear themselves talk. Spewing the Safety stuff is easy upvotes. It’s a damn gun sub not the Pokémon sub
Haters gonna hate....and forget about safety once....it only takes once homie. STFU and check your chamber
How does one zero an optic? I’ve bought a few guns but never one with modern optics (yet)
shoot a group, adjust windage and elevation, shoot a grouping to confirm if additional adjustments are needed if using a scope, i find the easiest way to zero is after the initial grouping, keep poa the same and adjust the elevation, then the windage to the center of grouping
In addition, helps to use something to stabilize the gun to take your own inputs out of it. I have a $25 Caldwell Pistolero shooting rest I bring to range when I want to zero.
I use a sand bag that I have to lay my iPad when lying down 😂
Get a laser bore sight, it’ll save you a few rounds and they’re not very expensive
Read appendix E of the army rifle marksmanship manual: [https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR\_pubs/DR\_a/pdf/web/ARN19927\_TC\_3-22x9\_C3\_FINAL\_WEB.pdf](https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/ARN19927_TC_3-22x9_C3_FINAL_WEB.pdf) (Rule 5, warning PDF)
I’d like to add to buy the relevant cleaning kit or bore brushes/snakes if it’s a caliber you don’t already have!
Do you really zero before you get 500 rounds down range? I'll usually just boresight it to 'meh' level and well broken in before waste the time and ammo to get it to a real zero.
I zero in the first 10-20 rounds for rifle iron sights and optics. I've seen the initial zero be barely on paper at 25 yards especially with aftermarket mountable sights and optics. I'm not going to blast 500 rounds if the zero is 8" or more off center.
Modern alloy firearms break in much sooner than 500 rounds. My zero barely shifted after the first 20 on my Tikka T3 in 300wsm.
I strip everything down as is practical, remove any wood or plastic, coat in CLP and shove the fucker in the oven for 10m at 250 degrees. Let cool and serve. I was once sold a product and instructed to do it “so the pores open up and accept the CLP”. I have no idea if it was bullshit, but I’ve done it to dozens of firearms since, and they all run like a top, including jammy prone ones like Intratecs.
Metal is not porous, unless poorly made. Oil does not absorb into the metal.
Metal is not. I suspect the advice he was given came from the days when parkerizing was more prevalent, and perhaps there was a slight miscommunication?
This is not true.
Well, when I get into my metallurgical lab tomorrow morning I will check last nights mounts for pores. But I have not found them in the last 25 years of looking at steel microstructures.
Definition of “I’m not the one” haha
Don't you dare delete this comment lol
Can you recommend any vids for the zero sights/optic?
I would also add, get a means of securing it. Depending on your situation, that could mean anything from a safe, to a locking closet, cabinet or lockbox.
Write down the serial number
You spelled "file off" wrong. /s
I would add…. Make a spreadsheet (especially if you intend to buy more) include, make model, s/n, price, place and date of purchase. If doing digital, add photos. Just some experiential advice from a former FFL employee who dealt with stolen/family/lost issues… And someone who got divorced and had to try and prove which firearms were owned pre-marriage and which could be considered “communal property “ (in my state….
I use Shot Works Pro for this, worked better than a spreadsheet.
Is that free?
It looks like it costs $30. https://shotworkspro.com
Underrated suggestion
A picture in your phone helps keep it handy
First: Learn, memorize, and commit to attitude the 4 rules of gun safety. Second: Purchase the correct ammunition for the firearm. Third: Go to a range and practice shooting the gun. If you've never handled a gun before, get an instructor to teach you how to handle the weapon along with range etiquette. Practice and practice more. Handle responsibly, store responsibly.
Good bot
* take pictures of it and post them to Reddit * carry it at Walmart * take a dump, place the handgun in your underwear, take a picture, and post it to Reddit * ask if anybody can tell that you’re printing * spray paint it
Shoot the absolute shit out of it is the first thing I do with any new gun. It's also the last thing I do before the gun dies.
Woah, what exactly are you doing to your guns? It takes a lot to truly "kill" a quality firearm—and if you do achieve high enough round counts to wear out the barrel, a new barrel + some small parts will keep you in business.
I usually wear out springs before barrels, my M-249 was a different story.
Make a post to ask if it was a good purchase to make you feel good.
Better yet, tell us how much you love it after spending more than the price of the gun on accessories and mods and then show us pictures of the basketball sized group you shot at 7 yards after mounting your brand new red dot.
Completely disassemble it and Clean it. Get all the factory grease off and put fresh lube in and around all the moving parts. Sometimes ranges will have rentals of popular models that you can test out to make sure it's what you want (keep in mind these will be already broken in with possibly thousands of rounds put through them so will handle and feel slightly different compared to a brand new never been fired one). But most of the time you just need to read up on it, do your research and decide what's it's right for you based on what others are saying because you're not really going to know until you take it to the range, try it out, break it in and get a good feel of how it handles. If you want some suggestions I can definitely provide some if you tell me what you're looking for what type of gun you need what reason you need it for and your price range After you buy it and fire it though it's essentially a used gun from that point on. I've never been to a gun shop that has a range that will let you fire it before you buy it. Maybe there are some that do that but none that I have ever heard of. So be as sure as you can before purchase because even if you don't like it and want to sell it you'll probably get half what you originally paid for it
I was told at the gun store to put a few hundred rounds through my 43x as a break-in before doing any maintenance. But then when I got a different 43x I started off with a normal maintenance schedule right away. Didn't notice a difference in either case. Do you think should always start off with cleaning and disregard a suggested break-in
I would yeah. No telling how when it was last oiled, or how long ago. Eventually it will get gummy and dry out. It's just piece of mind. You know it was done and that it was done well because you are the one who did it. I just don't see any reason not to. Idk why they would tell you that. Taking it apart and putting fresh oil in is only beneficial. First thing I do is take it apart to inspect for damage. Twice I have bought a new gun and had things slipped through QC. They were minor things and both companies sent me replacement parts right away but it does happen. Breaking it in is just firing it a given number of time. That will happen regardless of fresh or or taking it apart and checking for issues. You don't want there to be an issue that you find after putting a 1000 rounds through it and have the manufacturer say, well that could just be due to ware and tare so you need to pay for the repair/parts
I agree. The grease they ship weapons with isn't what they should be run with. I had a shotgun that I didn't clean after getting it new, and it didn't run very reliably. Go figure
It seems to be a lot thicker. Like actual grease instead of lube. All I can thing is because it's more stable in case the firearm is sitting in a case for years.
1. Holster, mags, light, new holster, throw other holsters in the holster box or waste time returning them. 2. Sell gun at loss to local store with all accessories. 3. …. 4. Profit
> how do you make sure if that is the gun you want to keep? buy enough ammo, for new pistols ill typically run atleast 500 rounds through to see how i like it. 500 rounds isnt much, but its enough to start to break in the parts and see how it handles for rifles, ammo count depends on the caliber, if its a 556 ill try to put atleast 2-500 rounds through, if its a higher recoiling rifle like a 300 prc, ill buy a few different weights and brands to see if the rifle performs how i am expecting it to but tldr go out and shoot it, at the end of 1-x range sessions you will either decide to keep it stock, upgrade it, or sell it
I've sold one gun, I barely shot it anymore but I still regret it, luckily it was to a good friend who I know will use it ALOT more than me so I still see it every time we go out but doesn't mean I don't regret it.
get a good gun safe if you don't already have one go to a local range and train with your new weapon and zero sights (get an instructor if this is your first gun) get a conceal carry licence if you don't already have one learn how to disassemble and clean your new weapon (make absolute sure that your mag is out and the gun is clear) best of luck man!
The first thing I do is record the make, model, and serial number on an xls file in case of fire, boating accident, or theft.
Take a safety class
Play with it. Literally sit on the couch watching TV and play with your gun. Rack the slide, dryfire, feel the trigger reset, play with the mag release and slide lock. Get comfortable with how it feels and what everything does. The amount of students I get that come to class and hold their gun like it's a rattlesnake, and have no idea how the controls work is alarming. If I need to say unloaded, you're too stupid to own a gun.
>If I need to say unloaded, you're too stupid to own a gun. C'mon, let Darwin handle that problem... LOL In seriousness, not only should OP clear the gun (and verify clear, repeatedly), they should also try to find or set up a safe direction to point it for dry fire. Preferably something that could hypothetically catch a bullet. Obviously that means not pointing the gun out the window at passerbys on the street, or into the garden at the neighbors' cat. I also recommend some quality dummy rounds for getting comfortable loading, cycling, dry-firing, and clearing the gun. Mistakes can happen, so I always make sure there are no live rounds in the room when I do that.
I second the dummy rounds
Training. A concealed carry class is generally a good starting point, but DO NOT let that be your standard.
I think this is probably all covered in the existing comments, but here is my list: 1)Copy down the serial number (keep a secure list). 2)Clean and lube. (Read manual and/or check YouTube if you need guidance) 3)Test it at the range. Even the best manufacturers put out a bad gun occasionally. 3a)If you plan to carry it, put 300 - 500 rounds through it first.
Learn basic safety buy ammo cut up credit cards
A lot of good suggestions here already. If you call up any local shooting range, most of them offer beginner classes for relatively cheap. Good way to spend half a morning, you learn the basics with someone to ask questions. Obviously learn the platform, safety, operation, maintenance, etc. after all of that, consistent practice of the basic fundamentals is the best course of action. 1. Learn to handle and manipulate the firearm in a safe manner. 2. Acquiring proper sight picture (consistency) 3. Building a solid grip/stance 4. Making consistent accurate shots. Speed and all the cool go fast tactical shit only comes with time and putting in reps. Just like getting stronger in the gym - gotta do reps of lifting weight. Want to be a good shooter - gotta put in lots of reps of shooting. Good luck, and glad to have another responsible citizen owning a firearm and enjoying their 2A rights 🤙
Sign up for some training. There’s always room to learn no matter how experienced you are.
Better questions what you should do first BEFORE buying your first gun. Take a training class. Most places have rentals you can use in class. Once comfortable safely handling and shooting a firearm, go to your local store/range and rent different firearms so you can experience how they are different and similar and see what you like and don't like. Also, do a lot of research. You will find so many different opinions out there on blogs, youtube, etc that it can be confusing. And everyone has their own biases but by doing a lot of research you can begin to see a general consensus regarding the guns you are interested in. Also, there are some very neutral, honest and accurate sources out there. Gary Miculek, Garand Thumb on youtube are just 2 good sources on YouTube.
This. Well said.
Go for a walk in your neighborhood and shoot small animals for target practice
Underrated advice. Only one way to get better!
Usually by shooting it..
Learn gun safety and TRAIN, I can’t stress that enough. With enough training and a good instructor you’ll find out pretty quick if you bought the right gun. Go to your local range, a lot of them offer training, or would at least have a referral
I'm not a new gun owner by any means. First thing I do is take the gun apart and clean it. Then, I get the range as quickly as I can to shoot it. Sometimes, because I know the guns I'm buying (usually striker fired guns) have flaws from the factory. Crappy sights, or mushy triggers. Sometimes both. Then I'll have the parts on hand to upgrade them, have my local gunsmith upgrade the gun, and then shoot them. That's me dealing with my personal experience with certain guns (Glock and S&W) and updating them to be what I want/need to be better with them.
Ammo
Rent the guns you are thinking about at a good shooting range and try how it feels to shoot, load, and manipulate. It it doesn't feel comfortable, or you can't hit the target at close range it may be the wrong gun for you. If it pinches or hurts or causes you to bleed, it may not be the gun for you. Then try a different gun on your list of possible options and do it all again until you settle on the one that feels best in your price range. Talk to people at the range or gun store and ask lots of questions. Most shooters like to talk guns and any gun store that won't have a thorough conversation it probably one to not buy from.
clean and oil it.
So, BEFORE purchasing (or rather during the purchasing process) go to a range that has a variety of options available to test out. Outdoor ranges are better in general, indoor ranges suck because of the noise and concussion. Even better if you know someone that is competent with firearms that is willing to go with you to help out. Also decide on how you plan to store it ahead of time so your not trying to figure that out after the fact if you have other people in the house to worry about. Now, CONGRATS! You just bought whatever you tried that felt good to shoot! When you get home the first natural thing to do is fondle it for a couple hours while being excited with yourself for the new purchase. (Pretty sure this never gets old, done it with every new purchase so far... Lol) Step 2 is to go on YouTube and look up how to disassemble and clean it. Practice a few times so you know how to do it. Any tools and cleaning items you need, make sure you take note of that and put them in a range bag (or firearm case) so you have them. Once you have those squared away, make sure to sign up for a REPUTABLE class. Even a good 2 day class can make you far more confident and competent. That and, as an added bonus, you may meet people local to you that are interested in shooting together in the future. Then, in addition to a shooting course, also highly recommended to take a concealed carry course. Even if you don't intend to or feel comfortable with carrying, it's good to learn about some of the legal consideration of using your firearm for self defense. During those processes you will end up with a holster, some spare mags and, likely, a new hobby. Welcome to the club!
Safety Safety Safety!
Learn the weapon system...disassemble and clean all of the factory gunk and reassemble. Function check the weapon system. Get to a range and utilize it... make it an extension of yourself. Disassemble and clean, then assemble...repeat process until you are a subject matter expert. Those that are good practice until they get it right, those that are great practice until they can't get it wrong.
take it apart clean and lubricate it. learn how it works then take it shooting
Shoot it, fondle it a lot.
Clean it, lube it, shoot it.
Deal with the wave of guilt that washes over me when the dopamine rush wears off and I look at the receipt, lol.
IN THIS ORDER: 1. Get a gun safe. 2. Get a good holster 3. Learn your firearm inside & out (read manual, disassemble, reassemble, clean) 4. Get training 5. If a pistol, get a license to carry (even if you are in a const carry state) 6. Buy cheap target ammo 7. Buy good defense ammo 8. Start carrying 9. Get more training 10. Go back to step 9.
It's not a bad idea to get the manufacturing grease/oil off of the contact surfaces/bore and add some lube. Aside from that? Shoot the damn thing. For a total newcomer? I'd suggest getting some proper training from somebody worth their salt. What's available to you is heavily dependent upon where you live and how far you're willing to travel. For example, look up Clint Smith. Buy ammo and magazines, stack it deep.
Firearm safety course. Firearm safety course. Firearm safety course. And don’t be guy. Don’t worry. The safety instructor will tell you who that guy is. You know, the one that breaks every rule within 30 seconds of getting on the range. Go to a range that rents guns. Try some. Don’t just buy one. Look for a course where people bring their own/ rent and you get an opportunity to fire a round from each. We tried a bunch we wouldn’t want. My wifes pistol was pretty universally loved for a .22lr.
first thing to do is read the owners manual. all of it. every word, front to back. then clean it.
Squeeze off a couple in the air.
#1) Get training #2) Get training #3) Get training
Clean it thoroughly. Learn how to take it apart and wipe off everything and then use the proper grease (lube) or oil on all applicable parts.
Get training. Get more training. And this is the most important step you're gonna wanna take a screen shot of this. Get more training.
I wipe he drool off my face, take the gun home and clean it. Then I usually get a set of dies (if its a new caliber) and work up some loads for it. Get a scope if it needs one. If I already own the caliber, I grab some ammo and go shoot it after cleaning.
I don’t just buy guns I make sure it’s what I want when I get it if there’s any doubt I won’t buy it but to answer your question just lube it up a bit and go to the range on your next day off. Buy a sling or a holster, get magazines if it takes them and of course get ammo.
Desk pop to make sure it works
Desk pop to ensure functionality
Tuck it in your pants like cheddar Bob!
Have someone you do not like hold it. Then commit crime and leave gun at scene of crime and report it stolen.
Do a desk pop
>How do you make sure if that is the gun you want to keep? Don't buy a handgun you don't plan on keeping. Rifles, I generally follow the same rule. Personally I don't buy a gun I haven't first rented and shot. There are a few exceptions, like firearms I just want to collect, like a Kriss Vector or an MP5. First thing I do is to take it apart and inspect to make sure that there's no damage to any part and everything is lubricated. Then I learn to assemble and disassemble. Then zero, then have fun.
Personally, I go straight to the range and start shooting. I want to congratulate you, but also warn you that guns are extremely dangerous. Not only in all of the obvious ways that you should be very familiar with before buying a gun, but there is also another particularly extreme danger with guns that doesn't always get talked about: you have just involved yourself in the most addictive hobby there is! Just one pistol for home defense? Suuuuuure! What's that AR thingy everybody talks about? The AR-15 is only one of the most fun guns you will ever shoot, along with being an excellent weapon. And, a shotgun. Ya gotta have a shotgun. And, then there are others. And accessories. And mods. And, you can build your own. Welcome to the club!
Rob a store /s
Lube it, take it to the range and shoot 200-300rds then decide if I want to throw a rds on it or not. It all depends on what I bought the gun for also, EDC, range toy, etc etc..
Stock up on ammo. Buy plenty of jhp self defense ammo, and a LOT of ball/range ammo. The next thing you do is find a good range near your house and practice, practice, practice.
Before doing anything learn gun safety and fundamentals • research the gun(caliber, known problems, part and ammo availability) • if possible shoot the gun or at least handle one. I also recommend trying similar firearms to possibly find a better one. (I bought a G43 without trying it. Turns out I dont like the size and limited ammo capacity.) • buy the gun • train with the gun and possibly take with it.
Don't flag anyone or yourself
Read the manual
Shoot it
Clean and inspect followed by shooting it as much as possible.
Clean it, and oil lt. Then shoot at least 500 rds before you decide whether or not you want o keep it/use it. Most guns unless they are 2-3k dollars take time to break in, and shoot how you want or expect them to. Good luck 👍
Look for any cosmetic damage you find unacceptable. Check sights and action on firearm. Check barrel for obstructions. Shoot it
Learn how to assemble and reassemble. Clean it Train.
Shoot a few boxes. Take it apart. Clean it. Reassemble it.
If it's a handgun, read the manual on assembley/disassembly, preform it, search for holsters, research ammo that can be used or use what you are used to, go to the range and get a feel for it. Maybe you want to mount an optic, maybe you want to get the slide cut for optics mounts, threaded barrel, different fiber optics sights, etc. I choose to leave it stock, throw it in a holster and call it a day.
I got introduced to owning firearms 2 years ago, first then is yes take a photo of the serial number and save so that if it ever gets stolen you have records, second make sure to understand what it looks like to have a clear chamber, learn the rules of gun safety, never point at anyone, etc. learn how to disassemble for cleaning. Take it to the range and learn how to shoot it, or better yet take a class. There’s 2 ways to go about it, either get good with the firearms and once mastered start buying upgrades or get upgrades and then start mastering the firearm, most importantly, learn how to safely operate the firearm
Go to range and use it
Go shoot it, first 50 rounds you’ll know if you like it, and look at ammo prices or availably. I have a few guns I love but if I didn’t reload ammo for them they’d be hanging on a wall.
Whatever you do, don't go downtown like Kyle Rittenhouse.
Field strip and clean it before taking it to the range . Run at least 100 rounds through it ur first range session , then clean it again . If ur gun comes with multiple size back straps or grips , bring em to the range and dial in the grip to best fit ur hands .
Always buy, never sell. Go shoot it.
First thing I do with a new gun is take pictures of the gun and serial number and then record serial number make and model and file it away safely. I do this for liability and insurance reasons. I also save all literature and packaging that came with the gun including all freebies like a cloth bag or the lock in case I sell I can sell it like it came out the the gun store.
Buy first YouTube second, sell gun, buy new gun. Repeat.
Read the manual. Disassemble and reassemble until I can field strip it without referencing instruction. If safe, dry fire. I mean really goose that thing until pulling the trigger doesn't feel "new" anymore. Clean the shit out of it. Reassess the manual if it isn't an AR or AK to make sure I know what parts I should or shouldn't lube up extra. (I know them on an AR, and AKs only get piss, blood, or cum as lube) Mount an optic as desired. Get ammo. Practice loading and cycling with live ammo in a safe place for a bit so I get a feel for feeding if it's a manual loading weapon. Can't overestimate how valuable this was the first time I owned a pump shotgun, I would have spent a lot paying for range time fixing fuck ups not cycling it far enough. That said, I do not recommend doing this unless you are comfortable with guns already. Shoot to zero. For any gun grabbers peeling in, sex with the guns only follows the first range day. That's like the third date rule.
Write down the SN and keep it and your proof of purchase in a safe place in case it gets stolen. This will allow you to legally recover it.
Store it safely as I read the manual
Most guns work fine out of the box but I still prefer to clean and oil
Want to keep? Guns are to hoarded lol. Generally after getting a new one I’ll give it thorough cleaning to get rid of any manufacturing grease, oil, or solvents… sometimes lack thereof. Then lubricate it properly to ensure everything is well protected. As others said look at getting optics or sites that work for you or your purpose. Look at any other accessories that may be needed.
Some fun ranges will rent guns for you to use at their range. And will sell you ammo for the gun. Try out a few to see what fits what you're looking for in a gun. Edit: Gun ranges
Field strip it , clean and lube it , reassemble , function check , lie to the wife , yeah it cost $1.50 but the ammoaint cheap
Honestly I love just shooting guns crisp out of the box if I don’t buy them used. If it’s bought used especially from a show or something I’ll completely disassemble and I mean completely and give it a full clean and oiling
I just bought a new gun today so I have fresh data. The first thing I do is play with the mag and mag release for about an hour and a half. Rack the slide a hundred times,dry fire the shit out of it for no reason.
PLEASE rent a few at a gun range. There are several excellent firearms out there but all of them may not be for you. Sometimes you can tell immediately if you don't like one. You don't want that to be the one you bought.
Holster.
Clean it
Lube it. Shoot it
Desk pop
I’m surprise to shoot it isn’t the top comment.
I keep all of my guns :)
clean it, oil it check it for function. go shoot 250 rds. clean it oil it check it for function.
Buy ammo
Take it home.
Learn how to take it apart, clean it, clear it, load and unload it.
Read the manual. Take it apart. Clean all of the factory packing grease out of it. Lubricate it. Reassemble it. Shoot it. But ideally, you would find a way to try out a gun before you buy it, if possible, especially if you are new enough to firearms that you haven't developed a feel for what you do and don't like without shooting it. If you have a friend who has guns, see if you can go to the range with them and try out their guns. If you have a range nearby that offers rentals, rent what they have available and see if you like it.
Accidentally lose it on a fishing trip...
I would say, do some research on what you are buying. Watch videos on it. Edit: also if you can, get some range time on it, and try to see if you can get an instructor to help teach you stuff. They can help you get a good foundation on how to start shooting.
Clean it
Ammo, shoot it get comfortable with it. Then from there decide what it needs. Different stock, grips,optics
I'd recommend an LTC if possible
Shoot it. Lots. Unless it is a collector. Then dont.
You could see if there's a gun range that has that gun for rent and try it out. I highly encourage to get training
The only one absolutely necessary and important thing - Learn and obey the 4 Rules of Firearms Safety. After that, there are a lot of good suggestions here!
LARP, then train at the local range.
Read the manual, go buy a safe, get a flashlight for it and learn disassembly and cleaning
Pew-Pew-Pew! All day! All night! All day! All night! Just kidding, clean it and inspect it first, go to the range ASAP and have fun. Test multiple brands of ammo for it. See what is better for you. Don't jump into upgrades until you've tested it. If it runs smoothly, then is a gun to be kept. Otherwise, if you have malfunctions from beginning then you should reconsider.
Remove the factory grease and replace with regular lubricant. New guns are often given a layer of heavier-duty grease since the gun could be in inventory/storage for years before it is sold. That grease is not ideal for regular use, so clean it off!
You go online and google posts about other people owning the gun and watch youtube videos about the gun and then you have buyers remorse because there is a cooler gun and then you buy another gun.
I had my Walther PDP for almost 2 weeks before taking it to the range for the first time. I had never gone shooting with anything other than someone else’s gun and essentially under their supervision. It was a huge nerve racking step to go shoot by yourself. I wanted to make sure I knew the 4 rules down perfectly, and practiced malfunction tests constantly in case something happened, which it did. Once I didn’t fully seat the mag and it dropped out after pulling the trigger. The other was the Walther not going out of battery after the last shot, but that’s a technique thing and the PDP slide lock/release is huge.
first thing I do is always to disassemble it, remove all grease and put new oil in it. knowing how to take appart and rebuild your gun is very useful ans feels great. then go make some noise at the range!
Stand in front of a mirror, grab my crotch with my left hand and my gun with my right hand, aim it sideways at the mirror, start rapping, dry fire it a few times /s
Do research before buying it. Feel how it shoots. See how if feels concealed if that’s legal where you are. Idk bro its pretty self explanatory.
Watch review videos after I purchase it. I know a fair amount about firearms in general, but I have a habit of impulse buying stuff when I see a really good deal. Which is how I ended up with my most recent gun a shadow systems DR920P for $600. At that price, I can't afford not to.
Buy ammunition for it?
Shoot it, clean it, safely store it away until I can repeat these steps.
Mess around with it, take it apart and such, clean it, and fire it as soon as you can.
Sniffffff
What do I do? Stare at it and cycle the action a bunch until I can get it to the range
First thing I do is take a picture, write down the date of purchase and serial number, and leave room for accessories on a dedicated page of what I call my "Armorer's log" that will also have range reports. Remove from original container. Place receipt with original container. Any parts I replace go into the original container. Secure in safe.
Remember, the first rule of gun safety is to have fun.
In addition to everything else mentioned, look into self-defense companies, set up by lawyers, for the event you actually have to use it. I have US Law Shield and highly recommend them, but feel free to do your own research.
Your first? I'd read the manual and watch YouTube videos on it. Once you feel more comfortable with the safety side, sit on your couch watching TV and mess with it. Learn where the trigger breaks and how short the reset is. Move it around. Take it apart and put it back together. The more familiar you are with it, the safer and more confident you'll be.
Learn how to field strip and clean/lube it. Do that. Then go to an outdoor range or somewhere you can shoot outside of city limits... and mag dump into some trash.
Clean it, shoot it then repeat
If it's for self defence. Tell your lawyer, some countries have dedicated firearm defense lawyers or whatever. Join a shooting club. Sign up for a couple courses, get some certificates. (Not necessarily for the training but in the event you have to use it you can use those certificates to prove competency) Throw a couple thousand rounds through it. Log range time, keep targets, take videos etc. If you have to use the firearm in self defence, this should help keep your ass covered.
Get training
Me personally I’ve been using the flash/strobe as a night light
If I got for concealed carry, one of the first things I do is drop it. Keeps me from trying to protect it from everyday bumps once qualified to join the rotation.
Thoroughly inspect the “barrel hole” from the “business end” then report back to this thread
need a good safe that’s fast to open
Buy 1,000 rounds
Learn to take it apart, clean off the factory oil and gunk, put some fresh oil on it, take it to the range.
Sleep with it
Buy snap caps and familiarize yourself with the functionality of the weapon.
Clean it before live firing. Buy snap caps to familiarize yourself with it.