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Guide to Buying Your First Handgun
So you've determined to purchase a handgun. But what's next? Contrary to what some folks claim, you may't just walk into a store and purchase a gun as easily as you will get bread or milk — but even should you may, there are still good reasons to take your time and think careabsolutely throughout the process.
The first question you'll want to reply is "Why do I want a handgun?" Most people have one in all three solutions: for self-defense, for leisure shooting or for hunting. Most handguns are designed primarily for one of these uses, and if you happen to purchase one ill-suited to your wants, you may likely have a disappointing experience.
Self-defense handguns typically have good stopping energy (more on calibers a bit later), streamlined controls and either a high capacity or good concealability. Sporting handguns are normally small-caliber, affordable and mechanically simple, although organized shooting sport leagues can require all manner of handguns. Hunting handguns are generally heavy, large-caliber revolvers that require confidence and expertise to deal with correctly.
If you happen to take some time to get really clear on why you desire a handgun and what you want it to do for you, the research and shopping phases will be more productive and enjoyable, and you will be more glad with your purchase in the lengthy run.
In the event you live in the U.S., you want to know and abide by federal, state and county firearm laws. In cases where laws from totally different jurisdictions contradict each other, the stricter law applies.
Step one in becoming a responsible handgun owner is to become completely familiar with these laws. Internet research is a good place to start, but it's greatest to cross-reference everything you discover in opposition to a number of different sources to make sure the information is accurate. Finally, we advocate checking with your native police department or sheriff's office. They will help you make sure that you understand the law, and most will provide concise pamphlets or web pages you can reference later.
Sure federal laws are pretty fundamental and apply to all gun owners in all states. In order to purchase a handgun legally, it's essential to:
Not have a criminal file, with sure limited exceptions
Pass a strict background check (should you're buying a gun from a licensed firearm dealer; private sellers aren't required to conduct background checks on patrons, however most do anyway)
Not undergo from certain mental illnesses which will impair your judgment
Not have undergone treatment for drug or alcohol addiction within the last five years
Be a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant
Be at the least 18 if buying from a private seller or 21 if buying from a licensed dealer (note that in most (if not all) states, the minimum age to carry a handgun in public is 21. Additionally, there is no such thing as a federal age restriction regarding rifle or shotgun ownership.)
Federal firearm laws do not mandate any particular licensing or training, although many state laws do. Few states require licensing or training so as merely to own a handgun, although most require some form of license or permit with the intention to carry one in public. Some state laws additional distinguish between open and hid carry, and should require licensing for one however not the other.
A small number of states (notably New York and California) will not challenge permits to carry a handgun in public unless you may show proof of a credible threat towards your life or property. Although it is authorized to hold a handgun in such places in very limited circumstances, for most individuals, it's successfully illegal.
If you happen to plan to buy a handgun for concealed carry, know that there are a number of totally different sets of laws that fluctuate by state. Also, be sure you read our guide on how to decide on a concealed carry handgun for more information.
Constitutional Carry (or Unrestricted)
This is the most permissive hid carry paradigm. If you happen to can legally own the handgun, you'll be able to legally conceal it in public, no license or permit required. Nonetheless, acquiring a license may confer additional privileges. For instance, in Arizona, you might carry anywhere without a permit, except in bars or restaurants that serve alcohol. Obtaining a CCW license means that you can carry in these places as well, with the owner's consent. Note that a CCW permit would not override property rights; business owners are free to prohibit weapons on their property for any reason, in the event that they so choose.
Shall-Situation
"Shall-difficulty" jurisdictions are those in which the sheriff or other related authority will subject CCW permits to anybody who applies for one, barring those who fail to meet basic eligibility criteria.
Could-Challenge
In these places, you may or might not obtain a permit if you apply for one. The government agency that makes these choices does so on a case-by-case foundation and should or might not use objective criteria.
No-Concern
Essentially the most restrictive states effectively don't enable civilians to carry at all. Local sheriffs might issue a really small number of permits (usually to their friends and allies), however average citizens should not depend on getting one.
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