From a new shooter’s perspective, it can be difficult to determine what exactly you need to have a successful shooting experience. To simplify it for you, here is a list of 10 essential items every beginner needs prior to owning a firearm. 

The 10 Essential Items

Required Paperwork 

Whether through a licensed dealer or private seller, each state will have its own list of requirements needed to purchase a firearm. If purchasing from a licensed dealer, many states will generally require a background check, a valid form of identification and a completed ATF form 4473. Additionally, some states may even require a concealed pistol license or a purchase permit. It is highly recommended you research and educate yourself on your state and local laws to determine the correct paperwork and licenses that are required. 

Safety Gear

One of the first things you will learn about the firearm community is that safety is a number one priority. Safety does not just mean handling a firearm in a proper manner, it also means protecting your eyes and ears from harm by wearing the appropriate safety gear. 

Eye protection is made to keep your eyeballs safe from fragments of targets, hot brass and other debris. These glasses come in many different lens colors and sizes to choose from but ideally they should cover the entire eye area. 

Ear protection is designed to prevent hearing loss, especially since firearms are incredibly loud tools. A shooter can choose between either earmuffs or ear plugs. Earmuffs should enclose the outside of an ear, creating a seal against a shooter’s head while earplugs are made to be inserted inside the ear, typically made out of foam. 

Targets

Once you have your firearm and ammunition, you are going to need something to aim at in order to better your skills. Steel, reactive and explosive targets are fun options to shoot at, but paper targets are generally the best option to start with because they are inexpensive and can provide a clear view of a shooter’s shot placement. 

Whether you are practicing your shot grouping or want to work on some defensive drills, there is a paper target out there for you. Do yourself a favor—pick out one you like and stock up on it. Your future self will thank you.

Spare Magazines

With consistent use, magazines are a product that are known to wear down, malfunction and break over time. This means that it is important to have spare magazines, especially when using a firearm for defensive purposes as you have access to more rounds if needed. 

Additionally, owning extra magazines can also make your time at the range longer because you do not have to waste time reloading. To start, it is recommended to have at least three spare magazines on hand. 

Mag Loaders 

When first learning how to load a magazine, it is normal to experience thumb soreness. In turn, this can lead to this task taking a while to accomplish. To help speed up the process and save energy, every shooter should own a magazine loader. This device helps shooters load ammunition into their magazine and is frequently referred to as a speed loader. 

Dummy Rounds 

A dummy round is a bright colored cartridge that has no primer or gunpowder, used for the purpose of dry fire training to help a shooter learn how to load, unload and clear malfunctions. They are made to simulate the feel of ammunition and help familiarize new shooters on how to properly handle their tools. 

Cleaning Kit

To prevent malfunctions, increase the lifespan of your tool and keep your device looking brand new, cleaning your firearm is an important step in gun care maintenance.  This means that owning a cleaning kit is essential. These kits not only come with all the supplies needed to complete the job but can help save time and money.  

Range Bag

The last thing you want when going to the range is to walk around with an armful of your essential products. A range bag allows a shooter to keep their belongings in a safe and organized location. These bags can hold your ammunition, safety gear, extra magazines, speed loaders and more. 

Holsters

If you are using your firearm for defensive reasons, it is a smart idea to invest in a high-quality holster. There are many options on how to carry your firearm but three main things to focus on are comfort, firearm security, and being able to access your tool quickly. Finding the right holster all boils down to personal preference so it is recommended to experiment with different ones until you find one you like. 

Gun Storage

To ensure unwanted fingers do not have access to your firearm, it is a good idea to store your tool in a safe location. A few gun storage options include cable and trigger locks, lock boxes and gun cabinets or cases. These storage types not only keep you and your community safe but also your firearm safe. 

Wrapping It Up

To ensure your shooting journey is successful, it is crucial you have the right gear to get you started. While the 10 essential items I have listed above are just a starting point, they are products that will definitely help provide a fun and enjoyable experience for shooters of all skill levels.