How to Decide Which Firearm is Best For You

30% of adults in the United States report owning a firearm.

A firearm can be useful for a variety of hobbies as well as for protection. If you’re thinking about buying a firearm, there are a few factors you’ll want to think about.

Choosing a firearm is a big decision as they’re powerful and dangerous if used incorrectly.

Also, since firearms aren’t inexpensive, it’s important to choose the right one to avoid wasting money. So, which firearm should you choose? Here is what you should keep in mind:

Table of Contents

What You Need the Firearm For

The largest factor that will influence your firearm choice will be what you plan to use it for.

For example, if you’re investing in guns for self-defense, you probably don’t need a shotgun. A handgun would be a great choice instead. It’s small enough to be taken with you and it has enough firepower to defend you.

If you’re a new hunter, you may choose a shotgun as it makes hitting your target a lot easier. If you’re in a tactical shooting competition, you may choose an assault rifle for the best precision.

Think about what you are going to be using a firearm for and do a little bit more research on the pros and cons of each choice.

What Is Your Price Limit?

Once you’ve determined the type of gun you need, next you’ll want to set a budget.

This will enable you to easily search for firearms in your price limit. Remember that you’ll need to purchase ammo, a target, a license, and other accessories along with your firearm if you don’t already have one.

Factor these extras into your budget.

Practice Using Firearms at a Shooting Range

Before you pay for a firearm, you’ll want to know how your options work.

This enables you to find a firearm that fits well in your grip as well as your experience level. If you get a firearm that’s too bulky, hard to shoot, or awkward to carry, you may regret the investment you just made.

Test out the firearms you’re looking at before pulling the trigger on your final purchase.

Determine the Caliber

If you’ve decided on a pistol, you’ll want to choose the best caliber for your needs.

The caliber impacts the speed that the bullet travels as well as the ammo you will use. You want to have a fair understanding of your caliber so you know what accessories to get with the firearm.

This will make repurchasing much easier as well. If you decide later on that you want something more powerful, you can use your current caliber as a reference point.