So you want to purchase a firearm...

[MrDig]

One of the reasons I am posting this is the fact that I see one too many ____ brand is the only ______ caliber, rifle/shotgun/handgun to buy statements.
So I am trying to assemble a list of questions someone should ask themselves and others when puchasing a firearm.

The first one is, What is your intended use of this firearm?
Reason, A Home Defense weapon and a Target/Race gun are not always interchangeable.

Second, What is your Budget?
Reason, I'm sorry to say it but someone wanting a Home Defense gun with Three kids and rent to pay may have less to spend than a bachelor/ette with more discretionary income. I have to admit I have settled on a firearm due to budget. I knew there were better guns available but purchased one in my budget range.

Third, What level of experience do you have with firearms? ( Could easily be first question )
Have you had a Safety Training course? or are you a Retired Master Sergent wanting to change from basic tactical weapons to say precision target shooting.

Fourth, (Actually an add on to Q. 1 ) What level of participation in Shooting sports do you intend.
Lots of practice at the range? Or Basic familiarization and then leave the gun in a safe place until a bad guy is in your house. If hunting will you shoot during the off season?

These questions are not specific in order and or written in stone, Feel free to change or add but I think I have a good group to start with.

 

[redranger1]

Here is a thought often overlooked when purchasing a firearm and it is high maintenance or low? Ask yourself how do you take care of your car? Do you wash it and keep the oil changed and the interior spotless? If so then you likely dont need to spend the extra cash on a stainless unless you have the money and just have to have one. On the other hand if you have 20k miles and no oil change, a gravel bar under you brake pedal, and camo carpet from coffee stains then you should get a stainless gun.

Optics is also something else to consider, even if you think you might want them later get a gun that has been drilled and tapped.

 

[Low-Sci]

Maybe service life should be another category.

How often will you be shooting the weapon, in rough number of rounds per year? Some stuff wears out faster than others. Maybe that's a problem for you and maybe it isn't. Maybe you can foot the bill for replacement parts now, just so you're ready when it happens.

 

[Zen21Tao]

I think the number one question should be:

1. How does it feel in your hands.

Chances are you are going to shoot best with the gun that feels best to you. Plus, an enjoyable natural feeling gun is the difference between having fun and enjoyment practicing at the range each week and seeing range time as a necessary event you have to suffer through each week.

 

[MrDig]

Zen you missed the point entirely....I think, the questions are to be asked before a specific firearm is recommended let alone handled. The questions are designed to find firearms to recommend, then fit and form.