From Checklist to Shopping List

Purchasing a gun can be an expensive proposition. A new shooter who has made it this far is usually ready to make the financial commitment, but they may not be aware of all the items, procedures and costs involved in owning a firearm. After the defensive pistol itself, their shopping list and budget should include:

• A lockable storage device (strong box, safe, locking case, etc.) • Permits or licensing fees, if required

• Cleaning supplies

• Holster(s)

• Additional magazines or speed loaders • Practice-grade ammunition

• Defense-grade ammunition

• Gun range fees

• Education (classes, books, etc.)

As a general rule of thumb, I advise new shooters to decide how much they want to spend on the pistol, and then double that amount to cover the cost of everything else they will need. The item they absolutely must have on hand the day they bring their gun home is a lockable storage device. After that, other items on the list can be put on a purchasing schedule to fit their budget.

Just One More

I like to point out to budget-conscious one-gunners that they can curb shooting costs and maximize range time by purchasing a second handgun chambered in .22 LR. This suggestion seems counter intuitive until we talk about ammunition costs. For about the same price as 50 rounds of a popular defensive pistol caliber, shooters can usually buy upwards of 500 rounds of .22.

Several manufacturers build pistols designed to mimic the grip shape and controls of a defensive handgun. A .22 is a great way to warm up at the range before running defensive drills and focused practice to overcome a bad habit or to learn a new skill is much more affordable to conduct. I have also found that even the most reluctant spouse is usually willing to practice with a .22. If a new shooter is ready to commit to regular practice at the range, then a .22 will quickly pay for itself and will keep saving him or her money for years to come.

Meaningful Research and Testing

By now the infinite list of possibilities should be narrowed down to that short list I mentioned before. The short list included duty-size, polymer-frame semi-autos in popular self-defense chamberings that accepted high-capacity, double-stack magazines within a specified price range. With this information in hand, I was able to make his Internet research much more meaningful. I pointed him directly to a handful of pistols that matched his short list and price range, such as the Glock 17, Ruger SR9, Smith & Wesson M&P and Springfield XD. And, with these criteria clearly defined, he can also look up models I may not have included. When he identifies a couple models he wants to test fire, then it will be time for us to head to a range that provides rental guns and let him try the pistols for himself.