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So you have decided to purchase a handgun. But what's subsequent? Opposite to what some people claim, you may't just walk into a store and buy a gun as easily as you can get bread or milk — but even if you happen to may, there are still good reasons to take your time and think carefully throughout the process.

Why Do You Desire a Handgun?

The first question it's worthwhile to reply is "Why do I need a handgun?" Most individuals have one in all three answers: for self-protection, for leisure shooting or for hunting. Most handguns are designed primarily for certainly one of these uses, and if you buy one ill-suited to your wants, you may likely have a disappointing experience.

Self-protection handguns typically have good stopping energy (more on calibers a bit later), streamlined controls and either a high capacity or good concealability. Sporting handguns are often small-caliber, affordable and mechanically easy, although organized shooting sport leagues can require all manner of handguns. Hunting handguns are typically heavy, massive-caliber revolvers that require confidence and experience to handle correctly.

In case you take a while to get really clear on why you desire a handgun and what you want it to do for you, the research and shopping phases will be more productive and enjoyable, and you'll be more satisfied with your purchase within the lengthy run.

Know the Law

In case you live within the U.S., it is advisable know and abide by federal, state and county firearm laws. In cases where laws from completely different jurisdictions contradict each other, the stricter law applies.

The first step in becoming a responsible handgun owner is to develop into thoroughly familiar with these laws. Internet research is an efficient place to start, however it's greatest to cross-reference everything you find towards a number of different sources to ensure the information is accurate. Finally, we recommend checking with your local police department or sheriff's office. They can help you make sure that you understand the law, and most will provide concise pamphlets or web pages that you would be able to reference later.

Certain federal laws are fairly primary and apply to all gun owners in all states. In an effort to buy a handgun legally, it's essential to:

Not have a criminal record, with certain limited exceptions

Pass a strict background check (in case you're shopping for a gun from a licensed firearm supplier; private sellers aren't required to conduct background checks on consumers, but most do anyway)

Not endure from sure mental illnesses that may impair your judgment

Not have undergone treatment for drug or alcohol addiction within the final 5 years

Be a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant

Be no less than 18 if buying from a private seller or 21 if shopping for from a licensed seller (note that in most (if not all) states, the minimum age to carry a handgun in public is 21. Additionally, there is no federal age restriction concerning rifle or shotgun ownership.)

Federal firearm laws do not mandate any particular licensing or training, although many state laws do. Few states require licensing or training so as merely to own a handgun, though most require some form of license or permit with the intention to carry one in public. Some state laws additional distinguish between open and hid carry, and should require licensing for one but not the other.

A small number of states (notably New York and California) will not issue permits to carry a handgun in public unless you possibly can show proof of a credible risk towards your life or property. Although it is authorized to hold a handgun in such places in very limited circumstances, for most people, it's successfully illegal.

Remember to purchase any licenses or permits you'll want before you go shopping to your first handgun.

Concealed Carry

If you plan to purchase a handgun for hid carry, know that there are a few completely different sets of laws that adjust by state. Additionally, you'll want to read our guide on how to choose a hid carry handgun for more information.

Constitutional Carry (or Unrestricted)

This is probably the most permissive hid carry paradigm. Should you can legally own the handgun, you may legally conceal it in public, no license or permit required. However, obtaining a license might confer additional privileges. As an example, in Arizona, you might carry wherever without a permit, besides in bars or eating places that serve alcohol. Obtaining a CCW license means that you can carry in those places as well, with the owner's consent. Note that a CCW permit doesn't override property rights; business owners are free to prohibit weapons on their property for any reason, in the event that they so choose.

Shall-Concern

"Shall-challenge" jurisdictions are these in which the sheriff or other relevant authority will concern CCW permits to anyone who applies for one, barring those who fail to meet basic eligibility criteria.

Could-Problem

In these places, you might or might not receive a permit in the event you apply for one. The government agency that makes these decisions does so on a case-by-case basis and should or could not use goal criteria.

No-Concern

Probably the most restrictive states effectively don't enable civilians to carry at all. Local sheriffs could subject a really small number of permits (usually to their friends and allies), but common citizens should not depend on getting one.

Selecting the Proper Handgun for You

When you know the law and have a strong understanding of what you need to accomplish by owning a handgun, you are ready to start researching particular models.

The question of whether to purchase a revolver or a semi-automated handgun is asked by thousands of people each day. Unfortunately, it's often framed poorly. The question will not be "Which is best?" however "Which is best for me?" Neither is inherently superior, so it's necessary to make the choice with respect to your needs (which aren't precisely the same as anybody else's wants).

Revolvers

If you're a brand-new shooter and you are not but confident in your ability to handle a handgun safely, a revolver may be a good choice. Revolvers are simpler than semi-autos. They have fewer moving parts, so that they malfunction less often, and it's simpler to concentrate on safety and primary shooting fundamentals whenever you're first learning to handle a handgun. You may additionally wish to select a revolver if you happen to're on a good funds, because they are usually less expensive.

Revolver drawbacks embrace low ammunition capacity, sluggish reloads and considerably limited customization options compared to semi-automatics. They make wonderful backup weapons for individuals who carry a semi-auto as their primary self-defense weapon. When you select to carry a revolver as your primary or only defense gun, you'll need to train well and often to mitigate its tactical weaknesses.

Semi-Automatic

Semi-automated handguns are a little harder to use, but they're still perfectly manageable with a bit of apply and patience. With higher ammunition capacities, faster reloads and higher ergonomics, semi-automatics typically make higher self and residential-defense handguns. There are additionally more calibers to choose from, as well as a higher range of accessories and custom parts.

On the downside, high-quality semi-computerized pistols are likely to value more than similarly well-made revolvers. They're additionally more prone than revolvers to malfunctions (although this is far less of a problem as we speak than it was twenty years ago). High-finish semi-automatics made by reputable manufacturers rarely malfunction, if ever. Glock and Heckler & Koch firearms have particularly high quality control standards and are exceptionally reliable.

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