Common Mistakes Made When Purchasing a Firearm

With recent advances in firearms development, it is easy to get distracted when making the best selection to meet your own personal firearms needs. Add the increase in gun prices in recent years and a mistake can lead to more than just buyer’s remorse or a loss of funds.

For example, if you’re living in the timber country of the upper-midwestern United States, it’s easy to get distracted by a shiny stainless-steel fluted-barrel of a 257 Weatherby Magnum hanging on the dealer’s wall. That particular rifle may not be suited for timber country, and in the process, you have passed on several solid, more dependable deer rifles, at half the price. It is important to know what you’re buying and the purpose and value to you as a working firearm.

Another problem is buying a rifle, handgun, or shotgun that is literally not a good fit. If you’re buying a heavy target chassis rifle for target-work or long-range competition, you’re on the right track. But if looking for a backcountry hunting rifle, you just missed the mark completely. The all-metal rifle is heavy, large, and sharp-edged in design, thus not a good fit as a carry firearm at all. 

How is this fixed? 

Do your research and ask the professionals questions. Don’t simply accept a single opinion. Get a second or even third take on the subject as, at times, the guy behind the gun counter may know less than you do, unfortunately.  

A classic example is buying handguns for home-defense or fieldwork. If you’re going to carry the gun, don’t buy a massive cannon. You will not be able to carry it. Take that from me, I have carried a handgun for more than 50 years and know what I am talking about. 

Big, massive handguns may look great and make you feel 10 feet tall and bulletproof, but try walking with it a few miles or hang it over your shoulder for a week and see how much you like that 5-pound hand cannon.

You might also wish to choose offset iron sights rather than traditional back-up sights. Offsets are quicker to switch than traditional sights, so if you need to switch out in a hurry, these might be more suited to you.

Don’t Overpay

Another issue is over-paying for a firearm. Don’t rush out and grab the first thing you see on the dealer shelf regardless of price. Firearms range greatly in price and a smart buyer can quickly save as much as $100 by taking his or her time considering the price tag. 

Currently, gun prices are nuts off the wall. It’s simply the times we live in and even if you’re willing to pay more, the guns aren’t always there. That means bargains are harder to find. But to the victor go the spoils, and in this case, time and patience will pay off. 

One major element that needs to be addressed is the guy buying a broken gun. This applies to used firearms in a big way as new guns carry a warranty and are covered by the dealer or manufacturer. 

Purchasing a Used Gun

Used guns are on the rack for a reason and it is best to make a deal with the seller regarding a test run, or at least a return policy in the event everything goes south when you get that new shooter out and onto the range. 

In effect, used can be a great deal, but check your sources and, if possible, the history of the weapon before you put down your hard-earned cash. 

Training

Finally, the subject of training and safety come into play. I have observed so many people buy guns they have no idea how to operate. Or if they have some knowledge, it is the wrong information and often dangerous.