Adding Up the REAL Cost of First Time Gun Buying

If you are thinking about purchasing your first firearm, you may be curious about the total cost. Of course, the wide range of prices on different guns you can buy is a factor, but in general there are some basic costs to get started. When you are ready to pull the trigger (bad pun) on becoming a first time gun buyer, here’s what you’ll probably need to shell out (another bad pun) for everything you need. 

More First Time Gun Owners

In the wake of the 2020 pandemic and a general feeling of unease throughout America, more people become first time gun owners than ever before last year. Even this year, forecasting so far for the first quarter of 2021 indicates that firearms sales are still going up. So if you are itching to become part of the millions of Americans who support their Second Amendment rights, you are going to need a certain amount of money to get outfitted. 

The Gun Itself

Most first time gun owners want a weapon for home defense. It’s recommended by firearms experts that a 9mm is the way to go on this front. The rounds are less expensive and easy to find, so this is a gun that you can take to the shooting range for practice quite often. There are so many brands to choose from that you may need to do some research before making your purchase. Brands like SIG Sauger, Glock, Springfield Armory, and Beretta are naturally going to be more expensive and well known. 

Expect to spend: $300-$700

Ammunition

Of course, you are going to need to buy ammo for your weapon to keep a stock of it around and for practice at the shooting range. You’ll need some ammo for practice rounds and hollow-points for self-defense at home. 

Expect to spend: $150-$200

A Gun Safe

It’s always a good idea to have a biometric safe at home to keep your gun locked away. This is especially true if you have children in the house. You probably want a portable one so you can take your gun to the range with you in the car. 

Expect to spend: $60-$100

Other Accessories

There are a bunch of other accessories you may want to have on hand. That may include a holster if you are going to conceal carry your weapon, a light to attach to it for nighttime home defense, a cleaning kit, a range bag, and eye and ear protection when practice shooting. 

Expect to spend: $150-$200

Concealed Weapon License and Classes

This is going to vary per state you are in, but in general a CCW is around $15 to $150. You’ll also need to head to the gun range to take some classes on how to use your weapon, general safety, and things you need to know about concealed carry. Those rates on lessons from experts will widely vary per gun range, but it’s best to call around to figure out what you’ll have to spend. 

The total cost for everything to become a first time gun owner is going to be around $1,500. 

At the end of the day, becoming a responsible gun owner with all the right skills and tools you need is going to cost you some dough. It’s well worth the investment to exercise your Second Amendment rights, making you and your family safer at home in the process. That fact is priceless.