Once I buy my first handgun, then what?

[whatever]

When I make the decision of which gun to buy (thanks for all of the suggestions by the way), what types of accessories should I get? Should I get some type of carrying box/bag to transport it to the range in? Should I buy extra magazine (if it is an auto)? Will I be able to find these things at a gunshow? What are some things vendors will try to sell me that I don't need?

What are the things I'll need once I have a handgun?

Also, are gun shows good places to buy ammo or should I go to a gun shop/sporting goods store?

 

[Chipperman]

If it is an auto, you should have 3 or more mags. If it is a wheelgun, then some moonclips or a couple of speedloaders. If you are legally able to carry, you should get a good carry holster. A good lockable box is also a great idea.
Buy lots of ammo and don't forget some training.

You can get any of the above (except maybe the training) at a show.
You are probably better off just getting the ammo at the show. There are usually good deals there. Deals on accessories are harder to come by at shows. You may just want to get a holster, mags and case at the local gun shop. If you don't want to patronize them, then look online.

Good Luck!

 

[Greybeard]

"Once I buy my first handgun, then what?"

First things first. Get training from qualified instructor. NRA "First Steps" Orientation is a good place to do just that - get oriented with your new gun.

Or consider a class *before* you buy a gun. I've had lots of folks who did not do this and say " ****, I wish I knew some of that before I spent the money on this thing. "

 

[Majic]

First safety training if you haven't already.
Next get your safety equipment (safety glasses, hearing protection).
Then the cleaning supplies.
Alot of handguns comes with a factory case that can double as a storage/carrying case. If yours don't then decide between the soft or hard cover aftermarket cases.
Next what is the intended use of the handgun? Multiple magazines or speedloaders/moonclips for revolvers are not always needed.
Don't worry about a holster at first. Take plenty of time researching that subject before you buy.
And practice ammo. Don't go out and buy 500 rounds at first. Just a couple of boxes of different brands till you find what performs the best in your handgun (not every handgun functions well with all types of ammo). Then get a bulk supply of that choice.

 

[Black Majik]

Good suggestions so far...

Since you're a new shooter, I think the best thing to do is to get some training. This will teach you the fundamentals of pistol shooting before bad habits come in.

Ammo. The BA/UU/R approach is highly recommended. That is, Buy ammo, use up, repeat. This simply states that practice makes perfect. You dont need too many accesories, just enjoy the gun and shoot it often. The gun only plays a small fraction of how well you shoot. Your skill, practice and training is what makes you a better shooter. For practice ammo may I suggest Winchester White box value packs? Look em' up at your local Wally world/Wal-Mart

Cleaning kits. So many to choose from, so many lubes and preferences. Do a search on here, theres many combinations of cleaning supplies people like to use.

For locakble cases, my suggestion is the Winchester cases. I currently use three that I keep my pistols/rifles/shotguns in. They're great cases that have dual 3 digit combination locks on them. Theres one that has room for 2 pistols, and a small slot for some supplies/accessories. I usually keep spare magazines cleaning cloth and earplugs in there. Great cases.

BTW, READ YOUR MANUAL. Its a helpful reminder of the 4 rules along with a few others. It should also show you how to field strip your pistol for cleaning and maintenance.

Good luck.

 

[boofus]

Get a cleaning kit, with a nylon or bronze brush. A big pack of patches and some kind of solvent. Hoppes #9 nitro or Breakfree is what I usually use, but everyone has their own favorites. Get the cleaning stuff after you get the gun so you know what size/caliber to buy. Doesn't have to be exact, a .45 patch can usually be crammed into a 9mm or .380 barrel.

Before trying out the gun, field strip it like it shows in the manual and give it a good cleaning and lubing.

Get some eye and ear protection and maybe gloves too. The hearing protection you can borrow from ranges usually isn't that great. Get an extra pair for the wifey too if she is going to shoot it.

 

[Penforhire]

Basic training should come before you purchase. Local ranges should offer a half-day class.

Definitely the safety gear (glasses & muffs) next.

Consider how you're going to store the weapon at home. A standard lock box is fine for range transport and dead storage. But if you want to use the weapon for self defense at home you might want to consider something like the GunVault (Google it for a website). Maybe a holster to carry it on you when you're home.

 

[Waitone]

--Beginners training, hands down best use of money.

--Ballistic grade safety glasses.

--Highest NRR muffs you can find.

--Highest NRR rated plugs you can find

--Double up on hearing.

--Hardside case with a keyed lock.

Shoot for a couple of months. What you need will be quite evident by that time.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Once I buy my first handgun, then what?

Make sure you're an N.R.A. member: there's no point in buying a gun you can't keep.

http://www.nra.org

 

[lee n. field]

what types of accessories should I get? Should I get some type of carrying box/bag to transport it to the range in? Should I buy extra magazine (if it is an auto)? Will I be able to find these things at a gunshow? What are some things vendors will try to sell me that I don't need?

The things you'll need:

The gun, if bought new, will probably come with a carrying box. If not, a Doskocil plastic generic pistol case is cheap.

Secure storage for the home.

A holster, appropriate to your intended use. Cost varies from ~$15 for an Uncle Mike's nylon belt holster, up.

Extra magazines, or speedloaders. Carriers for same. Prices vary from inexpensive (Makarov magazines, for example, go for way less than $10) to way more than you'd expect for a simple shaped steel tube, spring and some plastic bits.

Ammo, lots of it. Get it where you can. Good deals can be had online (but mind the shipping charge). I wouldn't buy Bubba's reloads from a gun show. (I don't trust anybody's reloading but mine.)

Instruction.

 

[Gunrunner]

Try to take the time to get a good feel for any of the choices you make, whether that be trying the guns in your hand at a store, or actually shooting them at a range. There's a lot of ranges that rent different firearms.
You may already have fired some of the guns you're interested in. If not, try to do so. And if the gun will be used as a concealed carry, make sure your choice is one you will feel comfortable wearing all the time.
Best of luck.

 

[Zach S]

Mags if its an auto, moonclips/speedstrips/speedloaders if its a wheelgun. I like to have four for each firearm, why four, I dont know.

El Cheapo (nylon) holster and/or pistol rug.

Good holster for CC, if you have that option and plan on CCing.

Glasses. El Cheapo or expesive doesn't matter, as long as theyre Z87.1.

Earplugs and/or muffs. I dont double up for my 45s or 9mm, but I do for a .223 indoors... I suggest keeping both handy, I primarily use plugs, that way its easier to double up.

Cleaning supplies. Mine consist of whats left of old tshirts, break-free, and boresnakes. I dont reccomend my cleaning habits, since I dont have any...

Wal-mart sells a little stack-on lockbox made out of 16 or 18 gauge steel, not really secure, but its cheap, easily hidden, and gets the job done. Doesn't do it as well as a mini-vault though.

Decent hardcase, especially if you transport your siderm in the trunk of your car, and especially if your trunk looks like mine (floorjack, spare tire, two toolboxs, car parts, ect).

Lots of ammo and some training.

 

[Bob79]

Practice

Practice, and then after that practice some more. If its your first gun I would say the minimum is 400-500 rounds.

It should have come with a case, if not get one or a bag.

Eye and ear protection, don't get yellow glasses (when you have to shoot some one a magic yellow filter won't appear)

Get a gun cleaning kit, some solvent, and oil.

If you're gonna carry concealed, GET A QUALITY HOLSTER.

Get good quality carry rounds, that you know function in your gun.

If semi-auto, then have 2 mags (min) that you use for when you carry (rotate them). Then get however many mags you want for PRACTICE ONLY. Ones you can drop at the RANGE only where it doesn't matter if they break, I would have 2 at minimum for range use.

My 2 cents.

 

[OEF_VET]

My list of necessary accessories:

1) Training. This is non-negotiable, it is a MUST-HAVE!

2) Ammo and lots of it. Buy small quantities of several brands at first to find out what your gun likes best. As was said before, if possible, avoid buying Bubba's reloads at the gun show. You don't know Bubba, and if there's a problem, Bubba won't be able to back up his ammo like a major manufacturer.

3) Ear & Eye protection. Don't go cheap here, your senses of sight and hearing are worth the investment. Imagine not being able to look at your kids/wife/gf/favorite car, or hearing the sound of their voice/motor, just because you were a cheapskate.

4) A cleaning kit of some kind. It's ok to start out with a basic kit from Wal-Mart, which should run less than $10. These will get the job done for now.

5) If your weapon doesn't come with a case, buy something to store it in. Even a $5 Doskocil case is better than just tossing the gun into your sock drawer. If you have kids, spend the money on some form of lockable safe.

6) Mags / Speedloaders. Get at least one or two extras. If money is an issue, you may want to check out the prices of additional mags before you buy your gun, as this may help influence your decision. If you only have $500, why buy a $475 gun that uses $75 mags?

7) Holster. A cheap Uncle Mike's is good for using at the range or for occassional carry. However, for regular carry, you should consider putting the money into a good quality leather holster, along with a sturdy belt. Also, check out a mag/speedloader pouch to carry your back-up ammo.

8) A range bag / box. You'll need something to carry your ammo and eye/ear protection to the range. An old ammo can will work for now, and they can be bought at the gunshow for as little as $5. Eventually, you'll want something better that will protect your investment.

Hope this helps.
Frank

 

[rbuck82]

I don't have anything new to add here. Just be sure you know how to be safe and how to use your firearms and accessories before you try it. That's for your safety and the safety of those around you. A safety class is invaluable and so is a lot of product knowledge. I'd say your best bet is to find someone you trust who is already knowledgable about firearms who can go with you to shows and shops, and who can go shooting with you to help you out along the way. It'll make you feel much better and likely prevent bad habits before they start. Only after enough knowledge can you feel confident buying and using your guns.

 

[Brian Williams]

We all forgot that you need to figure which one you want next.

 

[stealthmode]

yeah learn how it operates and then practice alot and have fun because hopefully it wont be your last gun

 

[Bainx]

Since I can't add to any advise above, I will repeat:
Go over and over the four safety rules

 

[.45Ruger]

1. The training is a great idea
2. I would reccomend at least 3 magazines
3. A good quality holster designed for that gun
4. Eye and Ear protection are a must
5. Buy the self defence ammo you intend to use in the gun and fire at least 100 rounds to make sure the gun/ammo combination work well together and that you can control it.
6. Join a gun club and have some fun.