[Trell22504]

What I need to know

[c3shooter]

Hi there- and welcome to the forum. When you get a minute, stop by the intro thread, and tell us a bit about yourself.

Your question is so broad, I am going to have to give you a very broad answer-

Know where you should be buying. If you are a total novice, nooby, green as grass, know ZIP about guns, most important thing to know is a good local gun shop. Find folks you can talk to, ask questions, and get good info. First, go shopping for a gun shop. No, they are not all the same.

[danf_fl]

I would also add that you get training on Self Defense and Concealed Carry.

Those courses will help you decide what works for you.

Some gunshops may want to sell you what they have in overstock.

[trip286]

As they said, I'd start with the gun shop. Like a used car dealership, walk out the door if they get pushy or make you uncomfortable. Friendly staff that wants to listen and help sometimes aren't that hard to find, I also like to look for variety in their products. The only thing worse than listening to a fanboy owner, is having a fanboy dealer try to sell you something. Its demoralizing. If I walk in the door and can see at least 5 different makers at a minimum, I feel its worth looking around.

Many gun store owners (always try to meet the owner if you can, if nothing else just to build rapport) are also knowledgeable in their local laws, and many are pretty friendly and don't mind at all if you pick their brain. They don't want to see you on the evening news being arrested for something stupid, and have the anchor mention "oh by the way, it was Joe Bob's Outfitters that the the gun was purchased at" or any kind of similar nonsense.

[ScottA]

Here's an NRA site that can help you find the appropriate training in your area.

NRA Education and Training

If you can be more specific in your questions, please do so. There are a lot of folks on here more than willing to help.

[Jeepergeo]

Originally Posted by Trell22504

What I need to know

Like the others have noted. Take a class or two that covers firearm safety. Don't buy until you have had a class and understand the safety requirements.

[shadamai]

Originally Posted by Jeepergeo

Like the others have noted. Take a class or two that covers firearm safety. Don't buy until you have had a class and understand the safety requirements.

Good advice from everyone. Also, it wouldn't be a bad idea to start researching local and state gun laws for your area. My state, for example, requires you to obtain a permit from the sheriff before you can legally purchase a handgun.

There are some very knowledgeable people on this site who have given me some good advice about some of my purchasing questions and the more specific the questions, the better people can help.

[Trell22504]

Thanks for all of your advice

[Gh0zt36]

Also try to find a gun shop with a firing range so you can rent a couple different models you are looking at. This way you can decide on what you feel most comfortable shooting which is often one of the most important overlooked factors in finding a gun.

[Cattledog]

Originally Posted by shadamai

Good advice from everyone. Also, it wouldn't be a bad idea to start researching local and state gun laws for your area.

This is a great link to state laws. I cuts through legal jargon and its updated as they change. NRA-ILA ::