When purchasing a handgun, be prepared that there are additional accessories you need to purchase to become a prepared handgun owner. If you’re saving money to buy your first firearm and only allot money for the handgun itself, you’re not going to have sufficient funds for all the gun accessories you’ll need. Also, keep in mind that gun laws vary from state to state, and you also need to consider additional licensing and state fees you may have to pay as a firearm owner.
To help you prepare for your first handgun purchase, Colorado Handgun Safety will walk you through everything you’ll need to purchase in addition to the handgun. As the leading handgun safety center on Colorado’s Front Range, our experts help you prepare for every aspect of being a handgun owner and user, including what to purchase when buying a gun. So, before purchasing your first firearm, please read this blog to be prepared for everything you should buy as a responsible handgun owner.
The Price Of Being A Responsible Gun Owner
Sure, you could purchase a basic pistol and call it a day, but to be a responsible gun owner, there are many more variables that you need to consider and purchase. In addition to buying a firearm, additional costs you need to think about include:
- Ammunition
- You should purchase two kinds of ammunition: practice rounds for the gun range and hollow-point rounds for real life. Hollow-point rounds expand on contact, making them perfect for self-defense. Depending on who you talk to, opinions on the amount of ammunition you should have on hand will vary. For the average firearm user, it’s good to start with at least 150 rounds of each. The majority of handguns come with one or two magazines. Magazines are the detachable mechanism that stores your ammunition. Magazines are roughly 35 dollars apiece, and most people recommend having at least one extra magazine on hand to minimize your loading time at the gun range. Plus, if you want to invest in a speed loader, you’re looking at spending roughly another 30 dollars.
- Firearm Accessories
- When it comes to owning a firearm, there are endless accessories you can purchase. As a beginner, you should at least invest in essential firearm accessories, and then you can look into buying more optional accessories in the future. Every firearm owner should purchase a gun cleaning kit, a holster, a safe or lock, eye protection, hearing protection, and a light mount. Having all of these accessories on hand will probably cost you at least 250 dollars. While you may not think a light mount is essential, it’s beneficial for using your firearm at night, like if you think there’s an intruder in your home.
- Gun Classes
- Another crucial aspect of being a responsible firearm owner is making sure you’re investing in your skills and staying up to date on the latest gun laws. The gun classes you enroll in will vary depending on your goals. For example, if you want to apply for your Colorado concealed handgun permit, you’ll need to complete a concealed carry class. Similarly, if you’re going to sharpen your shooting skills, you’ll need to invest in range instruction. Whatever your personal goals are, you want to make sure to enroll in reputable classes taught by certified instructors.
- Administrative Fees
- Again, this will vary depending on your firearm goals and state requirements. For example, if applying for a concealed carry permit, you may need to pay for a background check. You can always speak with a local gun store or sheriff’s office to get a better idea of any administrative fees you can expect to pay.
Expand Your Firearm Knowledge With Colorado Handgun Safety
As a firearm training center with multiple locations on Colorado’s Front Range, Colorado Handgun Safety is committed to helping you learn the ins and outs of gun ownership. From teaching you how to properly store ammunition to helping you understand the additional costs of buying a handgun, we’re here to support and educate you. If you’d like more specific information about what type of firearm accessories are best for your unique needs, please contact our team today!
