Getting your first firearm is an empowering experience, but it comes with serious responsibilities. Whether you’re carrying for self-defense or just want to be prepared, avoiding common mistakes can make all the difference in your safety, confidence, and ability to handle a firearm responsibly. Let’s break down the top five mistakes new gun owners make — and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Skipping Proper Training
Many new gun owners assume that owning a firearm is enough, but owning isn’t the same as being prepared. Watching YouTube videos or practicing at the range on your own can only take you so far. Without professional guidance, you might build bad habits that compromise your safety and accuracy.
How to Avoid It:
Take a Comprehensive Firearms Training Course (like our CWP & Beginners Handgun Class on March 8th). Professional instruction helps you master safe handling, proper grip, stance, trigger control, and the laws surrounding self-defense.
2. Ignoring Firearm Maintenance
A dirty or neglected firearm can malfunction when you need it most. Many new gun owners either don’t clean their firearm regularly or don’t know how to do it correctly.
How to Avoid It:
Learn how to disassemble, clean, and reassemble your firearm. Your owner’s manual is a great start, and many local ranges offer basic maintenance classes. Regular cleaning and inspections ensure your gun works reliably every time you pull the trigger.
3. Choosing the Wrong Firearm
It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of certain brands or models, but what works for someone else might not work for you. Buying a gun without testing it first can leave you with something that’s uncomfortable, hard to control, or impractical for your needs.
How to Avoid It:
Before purchasing a firearm, try different models at a shooting range. Test how they feel in your hand, how manageable the recoil is, and how easy they are to operate. Choose a firearm that fits your hand, your body, and your purpose — whether that’s home defense, concealed carry, or recreational shooting.
4. Failing to Practice Regularly
Shooting is a perishable skill. Even if you take a class, not practicing regularly can cause your accuracy and reaction times to decline. In a high-stress situation, your body relies on muscle memory — and if you don’t practice, that muscle memory won’t be there when you need it.
How to Avoid It:
Commit to regular practice sessions. You don’t need to go to the range every week, but monthly live-fire practice combined with dry-fire drills at home can help you build and maintain essential skills. Practice drawing from concealment, target transitions, and shooting under time pressure to simulate real-world scenarios.
5. Not Understanding Local Gun Laws
One of the most dangerous mistakes a new gun owner can make is not knowing the laws in their state. For example, South Carolina allows permitless carry, but there are still places where firearms are prohibited. Ignorance of the law won’t protect you from legal consequences.
How to Avoid It:
Educate yourself on South Carolina firearm laws, including where you can and can’t carry, the rules around transporting a firearm, and self-defense laws like Stand Your Ground. Taking a CWP class provides valuable legal insights and helps you stay on the right side of the law.
Be a Responsible, Confident Gun Owner
Mistakes are part of learning, but when it comes to firearms, some mistakes can be life-altering. By seeking proper training, practicing regularly, and staying informed about the law, you can avoid these common pitfalls and become a confident, responsible gun owner.
Ready to start your training? Join our CWP & Beginners Handgun Class on March 8th to learn everything from safe handling to South Carolina gun laws. Train smart, carry safe, and stay protected.
You must be logged in to post a comment.