Ask 5 different people the best way to set up your first pistol and you will likely get 5 different answers. Application, budget, and personal preferences will determine what works best for you. But in this guide, we will look into several key categories that you should consider and by the end have equipped you with the information needed to make the best selection to get started.
Safety
Something that every firearm owner can agree on is that safety is the number one priority.
Always keep in mind the 4 main rules of firearm safety:
- Treat all guns as if they are always loaded
- Never let the muzzle cover anything that you are not willing to destroy
- Keep your finger off the Pistol Trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to fire
- Be aware of what your target is and what is in the immediate vicinity
But safety also means having the right gear to protect yourself.
Eye and Ear protection is a must at any range so invest in quality, comfortable products. Eyewear should be ballistic rated and while tinted lenses are great for outdoor ranges, it is great to have a pair of clear lenses that you can use for indoor ranges.
Ear protection can be ear plugs or ear muffs. Some people like to use both. Electronic hearing protection allows you to still hear noises at safe levels, like people talking, while protecting your ears from harmful noises like gunshots. This is especially useful if you compete or attend training classes because it allows you to easily hear the range commands and instructions from Safety Officers or Instructors.
Proper clothing is also essential to having a safe experience. While you don't need to buy specific clothes for the range, make sure that the clothes you wear will protect you from the elements as well from hot brass. Closed-toed shoes, hats, and shirts without loose necklines are ideal for keeping brass away from your skin.
Any range worth going to should have medical supplies but if you shoot alone on public land or even plan to carry daily for protection then having proper medical gear like a tourniquet or first aid kit is highly recommended. A simple TCCC approved medical class will have you ready to take care of yourself or others should the need arise. Even having your own supplies to deal with minor cuts or injuries is worthwhile.
Whether you plan to go to the range or not, securely storing your firearm is a must for everyone. Whether that is a gun safe or a lockbox, make sure that it is not easily accessed by unauthorized users and store ammunition separately in a cool, dry, secure location. Soft gun cases are great for transporting firearms short distances like to the range, while hard gun cases are better suited for longer trips, especially when flying. However, some hardshell gun storage, like our TRYBE Tactical gun cases, feature ballistic nylon shells and high-density foam padding that provide additional protection for your weapon, which gives your extra peace of mind while transporting or storing your firearm, no matter the distance or timeframe.
Ammunition
There are a variety of types of ammunition, but the most important factor is making sure that you get Ammo compatible with your gun. If you don't know then ask, don't guess. Semi-automatic pistols and revolvers use different ammunition most of the time so make sure the ammunition caliber matches what is marked on your firearm. Even within the same caliber, there are choices between different bullet types and weights. Your particular firearm and intended application will largely dictate what you need. FMJ is great training/practice ammo to buy in bulk while hollow points are better for personal protection and won't be expended as quickly. Handgun Ammo at the range tends to be pricier than online so if you can plan ahead, you have an opportunity to save.
Range Essentials
A quality range bag is the foundation of a successful range trip. Being able to pack everything you need in one bag and easily access it makes a huge difference. The bag should have room for essentials in addition to the pistol, magazines, ammo, and safety gear.
Some tools and/or a cleaning kit is one of the essentials. A simple problem like a stuck case doesn't mean the trip is over if you have the tools to fix it yourself. Similarly, most guns can be up and running again seamlessly with a little bit of lubricant. While you can usually borrow these things in a pinch, having them on hand is highly recommended.
Targets can be a bit awkward to fit in a range bag and are usually available for purchase at the range. However, there are a variety of fun and challenging targets so buying some ahead of time is definitely worth it. Regardless, having supplies like tape or staples to hang targets provides a more efficient range trip which means more time shooting.
A speed loader is also a great tool to have. It not only saves time, but it also saves your thumbs from fatiguing due to loading magazines or even revolver cylinders. If you can load all your magazines before going to the range that will make a more efficient range trip. This is a great reason to purchase extra magazines. If you own a .44 Magnum Revolver that uses moon clips, having extras is highly recommended as they can easily get bent or lost.
Accessories
There are an endless amount of accessories for pistol. Many of them depend on your intended use. If you plan to carry your gun or compete in shooting matches, then a quality holster should be at the top of your list. A weapon light is great to have on a home defense gun as well, allowing you to keep both hands on the gun while illuminating the target. But know that adding a weaponlight to your gun will require a different holster. Even adding a laser, which can be a useful alternative sighting tool, will likely require a different holster setup. So planning ahead can save you money and frustration.
If you plan to start competing, a shot timer is an accessory you should look into buying. A shot timer measures how long it takes you to accomplish a drill and provides metrics such as split times. Even practicing starting on the beep helps prepare you for matches.
Not all accessories are meant to be used on the range. Snap caps and laser trainers are excellent dry fire tools that allow you to safely practice gun handling when not at the range. Dry firing is the most cost effective way to become a better shooter.
Parts
Customizing your gun so it looks and shoots the way you want is half the fun of owning a pistol. Some pistol parts like springs, firing pins, and slide stops wear over time and need to be replaced. Other parts like triggers or grips change the feel and performance so they are commonly modified. Sights are commonly replaced from the simple stock configuration to higher visibility sights like fiber optic sights or "night sights" that use tritium to glow in the dark.
One of the most popular modifications right now is adding a red dot sight to a pistol. Few people have perfect eyesight and vision deteriorates with age so if you cannot clearly see your sights then you should consider changing them. Regardless of what parts you change out, make sure the work is done by a qualified gunsmith if you are not comfortable or capable of doing it properly yourself.
Conclusion
Ultimately it is up to you to decide How best to setup your new pistol but hopefully after reading this guide you have a clear understanding of your options and can better assess your priorities. At the end of the day, owning and cleaning a pistol should be safe and fun.
Congratulations on purchasing your first firearm and taking a step closer to taking responsibility for your safety. The next question is now what? We've assembled this helpful guide to break down everything you'll need to know about your first firearm. At OpticsPlanet we have all the accessories and knowledge to help you outfit yourself and your firearm with the right accessories and knowledge. Our experienced staff has assembled this guide as a reference of all the things you should do after your new gun purchase. Don't forget to use our shop by gun make and model facet feature to find everything you'll need for your specific make and model including holsters, sights, lasers, magazines and more. Even shop cleaning kits by your caliber.
To use this feature, just go to the category you would like to outfit your gun with, such as holsters or magazines. Use the left side navigation to select your gun make and model. Then, browse through the product selection. Once you've picked your product, the correct model that fits your firearm will be selected on the product page.
