Defenseless to Home Defense (part 3)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3 – Purchase and Beyond

Gun Shops

So, I picked a handgun I want. Where do I go from here…?

Visit a local gun shop your state of residence.  Since you can only buy a handgun in your own state its particularly important you go there. Firearms dealers are called a Federal Firearms Licensee or FFL. Hopefully, they will have ones in stock that you like, and you can handle them. Some offer indoor shooting ranges where you can try different guns. Ask your FFL for help, they will be happy to show you firearms that meet your needs.

Gun shop etiquette

• If you are wearing a mask from the pandemic, the freezing weather, or any other reason, expect the shop staff to ask you to remove it momentarily to view your face for security reasons.
• Expect that all staff will be carrying firearms. Do not be alarmed by this. They must protect the firearms in that shop from any kind of theft.
• Ask the counter person to clear any pistol you ask to look at before you touch it. Most clerks will normally do this but if not ask. This ensures its properly unloaded before you touch it to avoid any accidents.
• Never point the firearm at anyone or sweep it across the store. Always keep it pointed in a safe direction such as the floor.
• Ask to handle one firearm at a time. Some shops will let you compare side by side others will not for security reasons.
• Before you start racking the slide or pulling the trigger ask if it is okay.
• Do not joke about illegal things and never ever try to purchase a firearm for another person

Handle the firearm, ask questions. See how it fits your hands. Can you reach the trigger? Does it feel comfortable? Inform the shop keeper you are new to firearms and do not be embarrassed. This is the best way to start learning hands on.

The Purchase

What is the purchase process? Once you select a firearm and decide to buy it, you can expect to pay for your firearm then you will go through the background check process. In all states, the FFL must have you fill out the ATF form 4473 either electronic or paper. Many states also require you to fill out added state paperwork. The papers will ask questions to see if you are qualified to purchase a firearm. The FFL will then process the background check either though the FBI, or your state and/or local police agency, depending on your state’s laws. Once this is complete the dealer gets a Proceed, Delay or Deny decision. The exact process will depend on your state. In some states, you can pick up your firearm same day if you get a proceed others you must wait. Your local gun dealer will be able to explain the process to you.

Other Supplies

In addition to your firearm, you will also need a basic cleaning kit having cleaning supplies including bore cleaner and oil or a combo of both called Cleaner Lubricant Protectant. Lots of people have their thoughts on this but what really matters is keeping your firearm clean and lubricated. Note that lubricants attract dirt so only a light coating is needed at home for defense.

Ownership

Transportation

Understand the laws for transporting and storing the firearm home in your state. In many states, if you do not have a concealed carry license you need to transport your pistol in the trunk of your vehicle unloaded with the ammunition separate. Ask your local dealer the proper way to do this.

What should I do first?

Once you have picked up your firearm, there is a lot to learn. Once you are home, read the manual. If you have a waiting period in your state, ask to take the manual home on your day of purchase. Try to understand it and understand your gun. Seek competent training before you introduce any ammunition in your firearm. Remember the four rules discussed in the first post. First, learn the basics of how to clear your firearm and disassemble it for cleaning. You should clean and lubricate your firearm, they come from the factory with excess lubricants to protect from rust during storage and transport. You will also want to understand your firearm’s operation and characteristic. You can ask your gun shop about how the firearm works or work with your trainer

Storage

All firearms owners are responsible for their firearms. You need to store your firearm following local laws. You should store your firearm so that you keep it out of the hands of untrained people and children. Every person must decide what is the right way to store a pistol in their home. There are many storage devices, safes, locks, and trigger locks. This becomes an issue in access vs security. The faster the access the less secure the pistol is. You could have your firearms stored in a safe that is like Fort Knox Gold Vault, but it will not be very usable to defend your home. On the other hand, you do not want your pistol laying around where a child could get it. This is profoundly serious, and, in some states, you can be convicted of a crime if a child gets your firearm. Finding a balance is the key to making a proper solution. Ask your firearms dealer about storage options, they may sell quick access safes, locks, or storage.

Maintenance

Ideally, you should clean your pistol once per month or as recommend by your manufacturer. If you live in an area with high humidity or a lot of dust you will need to perform maintenance more often. Ensure the pistol is unloaded before you do anything. Clean and lubricate it to prevent rust, stoppage, or excess wear in accordance with the manual. You may not have to clean out your barrel but do want to keep a light coating of oil or lubricant on your pistol to prevent corrosion. Oils from your skin, fingerprints, and moisture in the air are enemies of your pistol as they can start corrosion. Most modern firearms are very durable, take care of your firearm and it will last a lifetime. You should also clean your firearm after each session shooting at your range.

Ammunition

First, always make sure the ammunition you are going to shoot matches that of the firearm you are using. Every Firearm is stamped usually on the barrel for the caliber, check it then check it again against your ammo.

Ammunition can be confusing to buy and there are many kinds of Ammunition in each caliber. You will find ammunition that is marked Full Metal Jacket (FMJ), Total Metal Jacket (TMJ), Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) to name a few.

For defensive use you want to use a quality Jacketed Hollow Point or other Defensive Ammo. This ammo is designed to expand when it hits its intended target putting the energy into the target and not exiting the subject. There are many tests and reviews out there and you should do some research to pick one for you. You should also try a box of them though your gun to make sure they function perfectly. Some of the more common choices include Speer Gold Dot, Winchester Ranger or PDX1, Federal HST, Hornaday Critical Defense and Remington Golden Sabre or Ultimate Defense. Note that some states such as New Jersey prohibit the possession of hollow point ammunition.

FMJ, and TMJ are typically used for practice and shooting ranges. This should not be used for defesne. The ammo may penetrate your subject and continue through the subject. This ammunition is suitable for a target range.

Practice

If possible, try to get to a shooting range at least once a month. This will help you get familiar with your weapon and help you become proficient with it. This added to your training classes will really help as you learn. Focused few minutes are much better than hours long training, as you fatigue your skill level may drop. Use your range time wisely and try to focus on a skill. Remember that in a defensive shooting, accuracy is second to speed, but you still need to hit your target. Think of being able to hit an 8 ½ x 11-inch sheet of paper. If all your rounds can hit inside that paper at 10 yards you are doing well.

–Castle