When it comes to buying a handgun for the first time, it can be daunting, especially if you are at all inexperienced when it comes to handguns. There are so many options available that it can become rather overwhelming at first glance.

 

The first step to deciding to purchase a handgun is to figure out what exactly it will be used for. Will it be used in hunting scenarios? As conceal and carry protection? Target practice? What the primary use will be often helps to determine what type of handgun you will want to purchase.

 

It is often recommended that you choose a common caliber as your first firearm. Simply because, the more common the caliber, the easier, and often cheaper it will be to later purchase more ammunition as you need it.

 

Once you have it narrowed down to what caliber and maybe even type you are interested in, it often helps to shop around and check out prices. This is easily done by simply doing some searching online. Finding the manufacturer's suggested retail price (or MSRP) on the company website can offer a starting point and from there, you can check local stores or even online stores if that is a route you wish to take. Gunbroker.com, GunsAmerica.com, and GunsWatcher.com are three particular websites that are popular when it comes to checking out gun prices. These websites give you the option of inputting the model of gun you might be interested in and allows you to see prices of it, both new and used, all over the country. Keep in mind, however, that going this route, will typically result in shipping fees as well as transfer fees that are not included in the original shown price. In some cases, this results in shopping locally being the best option for finding the gun you may want.

 

Do a little bit of your own research. Check into the manufacturer brand and make sure it is not only reputable, but that the particular model of firearm is a good one as well. It does no good to find a good price, if the firearm itself is cheaply made. Along with this, it is also recommended that potential buyers check into reviews given by customers, as a guideline for what they personally thought of different firearms you may be interested in. In this, however, it is important to also understand that everyone has their opinions. Just because someone else raves and loves a particular firearm, does not necessarily mean you will jump up and down with excitement and love it all the same.

Along with this, if you are choosing to purchase from a gun shop that sells used firearms, it is best that you check with that specific shop to ensure that they have personally tested the firearm. While most do follow a testing process, occasionally a firearm will slip through the standards and will be a dud. You should not be afraid to ask as many questions as you feel necessary to get an answer you feel is good enough for you.

The next step is to feel the handgun in your hands. Despite everything looking perfect on paper, if the firearm does not feel right in your hands, there is no point in purchasing it. What feels comfortable in someone else's hands may feel too big or small in yours. If

 

Most importantly, when you are shopping around for a handgun, it is important to remember that it is absolutely fine to take your time. In fact, it is suggested. Shop around, make sure you are truly comfortable and happy with the purchase you will be making. Try to avoid getting caught up in the act of buying a good deal and focus on what you are interested in buying instead. If at all possible, find someone who may own the firearm you are interested in, and take it out to shoot with. Equally, there are many firing ranges that allow customers to rent different firearms to practice shooting with. This will give you a true feel all that is involved in the particular handgun you are looking at before making a big decision and purchasing it for yourself.