GUN GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS: BEST GUN FOR A BEGINNER AND MORE

Are you ready to buy or operate your first gun, but the sheer number of options has you feeling intimidated?

Are you ready to buy or operate your first gun, but the sheer number of options has you feeling intimidated? That is understandable, but you don’t have to feel that way! Each has its own set of complicated labeling and features, but we can help break it down to help you choose the best gun for a beginner. Before you can enjoy the fun of shooting a gun, you’ll want to be sure you know the fundamentals.

You can pick the ideal gun for your needs once you have a full picture of the many varieties of firearms and the features that they offer. Each state has different gun laws, so make sure that you meet all the requirements to own or operate a firearm before making a purchase.

Safety First: Follow Basic Gun Safety

The first thing you need to know if you are a beginner is the basics of safely handling a firearm. What may seem like a list of common-sense rules are, in fact, rules that could save lives.

  • Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.

  • Only aim your weapon at things you intend to shoot.

  • Always be sure of your target and what’s behind it.

  • Only put your finger on the trigger / inside the trigger guard when you are ready to fire.

  • Don’t rely on your gun’s safety mechanism.

  • Use correct ammunition.

  • Wear eye and ear protection.

  • Always point the firearm to the ground when not aiming.

This guide is only the first step in understanding gun safety. Taking a firearm handling class or training course can help you learn the best gun safety practices necessary for firearm owners.

Basic Gun Parts

It can be challenging to comprehend all of the many parts of your gun, especially if you have no prior shooting expertise. The basic parts of a gun are:

  • Bullets

When someone says “bullet,” they’re talking about a round or a cartridge. The term “bullet” is simply a slang term used to describe the entire package. The part of the round, or package, that will go down the barrel of your gun to hit your target is called a bullet.

  • Barrel

Your bullet will pass through the barrel. Your bullet will be able to move faster if you have a long barrel. Longer barrels also aid in the more consistent delivery of bullets.

  • Trigger

The trigger is the part you pull to shoot your gun. You should only put your finger on the trigger when you are ready to aim and fire.

  • Magazine

The magazine is an ammunition storage and feeding device. The magazine can either fit inside or attach to the exterior of your pistol, depending on the model.

  • Buttstock

The buttstock, often known as the stock, is a component of rifles and shotguns. When you’re getting ready to fire, the stock is the component you’ll press up against your shoulder for support before firing.

  • Pistol Grip

The area in the palm of your hand that you will be holding will be your grip.

  • Safety

One of the most important parts of a gun is the safety. The purpose of the safety is to block the gun from firing using a mechanical lever.

Types Of Guns

If you’re new to firearms, you are probably curious which is the best gun for a beginner. Handguns and long guns are the two main forms of firearms. When fired, handguns, such as revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, are held in the hand of the user. When firing long firearms, such as shotguns and rifles, the shoulder is frequently braced against the firearm.

Rifles

Rifles are used to hit distant targets with pinpoint accuracy. Single-shot, pump-action, and semi-automatic rifles are among the several types of rifles available.

Revolvers

Revolvers are handguns with rotating cylinders in which the ammunition is manually inserted. The rotating cylinder of most revolvers has five or six chambers, which means they can fire five or six bullets before needing to be reloaded.

Shotguns

Short-range shooting is best with shotguns. Instead of single bullets, they fire a “spray” of rounds. Shotguns come in a variety of configurations, including single-shot, semi-automatic, over-under, and double-barreled models.

Semi-Automatic Pistols

The reloading feature is what gives a semi-automatic its name. With each squeeze of the trigger, one cartridge is shot and ejected, followed by the loading of a new round into the chamber, and the pistol is ready to fire again. Cartridges are placed inside a magazine (ammunition storage and feeding device) and inserted into the pistol (typically in the grip) when loading a firearm.

Best Gun For A Beginner

When shooting for the first time, beginners may wish to start with a full-size handgun. A gun with a 4-5-inch barrel is the best tool for someone learning because it’s full size frame and weight limit the amount of recoil. Additionally, starting on a lower caliber firearm is always a good Idea. A .22lr pistol will have the least amount of recoil, allowing you to get a feel for firearms before experiencing a larger caliber.

The Glock 19 9mm is an example of a full-size pistol. It’s the most commonly used law enforcement pistol, and it’s precisely designed with scientific technology. Other types of guns that are considered a best fun for a beginner are:

  • Smith & Wesson M & P 9

  • Springfield Xdm (9mm)

  • Ruger LCR9

  • Glock 43 (9mm Luger)

Try It Before You Buy It

It is always good to get a feel for the firearm before settling on one to purchase. One of the best places to test out different types of firearms is at an indoor shooting range. Often, indoor shooting ranges have several different types of guns, different brands, and different ammunition available for rental so you can try it before you buy it.

Training At Blackstone Shooting!

If you are new to the firearm world, it is always recommended that you receive training from a professional, they can provide the ultimate gun guide for beginners. Private firearms training is one of the most effective ways to improve and achieve your objectives. Everyone can learn more in the realm of shooting sports, from first-time shooters to seasoned firearm enthusiasts. From our conveniently located Charlotte facility, Blackstone Shooting Sports provides one-on-one and small group private firearms instruction as well as firearm rentals. We’re excited to work with you to help you feel more secure, at ease, and confident in your abilities.

Blackstone Shooting Sports‘ one-on-one firearms training is the place to go if you’re ready to start developing your gun skills. Visit our Website or call to book your training session orvisit our retail shop to talk to our friendly professional staff about your first firearm purchase!

Terms & Conditions

Thank you for choosing Blackstone Shooting Sports! If you have any questions regarding a recent purchase, or product, please feel free to reach out to our knowledgeable Guest Support Team; chat with a team member 7-days a week from 10am until 9pm.

hello@blackstoneshooting.com704.414.6020
“Live Chat” available on our website Blackstoneshooting.com

Visa / MasterCard / Discover / American Express Accepted

Buyer Responsibility & Legal Ownership Limitations

It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that the item being purchased is legal to own in your city / state. Verify with your receiving dealer if you are not 100% sure that it is legal. – Magazines that violate capacity restrictions will not be shipped or substituted.

You must be 18 or older to purchase a rifle or shotgun and 21 or older to purchase a handgun.
You are responsible for compliance to your local and state laws.
Be aware of restrictions on extended magazines and certain types of AR-15 style rifles.

Not for sale where prohibited.
Firearms:
Blackstone will not sell or transfer a firearm to any of the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Virgin Islands. In addition, we do not conduct any international sales. **Last updated 01/01/2023 (subject to change)

Automatic Knives (OTF & OTS):
Blackstone will not sell or transfer any automatic knives to any of the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, Guam, Puerto Rico, Samoa, Virgin Islands, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia. **Last updated 01/01/2023 (subject to change)

During checkout you specify a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) near you who transfers the firearm to you, after successful background check if needed.
FFL can be your local Gun Shop, Gun Range or Pawn Shop willing to perform the transfer.

“Local Store Pick Up” in Charlotte, NC. *Sales tax may apply.
Blackstone Shooting Sports
2001 Wilkinson Blvd.
Charlotte, NC, 28208

The buyer is responsible for all FFL’s transfer fee/s upon pickup which is generally $15-30. “Local pickup” at our Charlotte location is free of charge.
For all FFL transfers, the firearm dealer (that we are sending the item/s to) must send us their valid license (FFL) by emailing (FFL@blackstoneshooting.com). Blackstone is not responsible for any lost items shipped via USPS, FedEx, and UPS.

Ammunition Sales

All ammunition will be shipped FedEx or UPS ground; no air freight allowed.
Ammunition and firearms must be shipped separately.
Always make sure you order the correct ammunition for your specific firearm.

Federal law requires that you must be at least 18 years old to purchase shotgun and rifle ammunition and 21 years or older to purchase handgun ammo.

Check your state and local laws for any other restrictions before ordering.
Ammo Shipping Restrictions: Blackstone does not ship ammo to CA, IL, NY, NJ, MA, DC, CT, or P.O. Boxes

Return Policy & Warranty

We fundamentally believe you will be thrilled with the products you purchase from Blackstone Shooting Sports. That’s because we go out of our way to ensure we get you the exact products you need from the best brands in the industry. We understand, however, that sometimes a product may not be what you expected it to be. In that unlikely event, we invite you to review the following terms related to returning a product.

If you need to return an item or cancel an order, simply contact our Guest Support Team at 704-414-6020 or by emailing returns@blackstoneshooting.com (be sure to include your order #). Feel free to use the live chat function on our website for the fastest support. All inquires received during business hours are answered same day!

*All canceled and returned items are subject to a 10% restocking fee.

Please allow 1-5 business days to credit back to your original form of payment.

Damaged/Used Product: Unless there is a verifiable manufacturer’s defect with the merchandise, no returns will be accepted on damaged or used products. This includes firearm parts that have been previously installed.

GENERAL PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Returns Within 30 Days: The original method of payment will be refunded in full. Merchandise must be in new condition with all original packaging, documentation, accompanying accessories, and a receipt.

OPTICS
Returns Within 10 days: The original method of payment will be refunded in full. Merchandise must be in new condition with all original packaging, documentation, and a receipt. Non-cash transactions:

Restricted Items

AMMUNITION
Due to safety and liability concerns, Blackstone does not accept any returns on ammunition that have exited the facility. All online ammunition sales are final.

NEW & USED FIREARMS
Blackstone does not accept any returns on firearms. We will assist with all recalls, warranty claims, or manufacturer defects with firearms previously purchased from Blackstone.

KNIVES
Blackstone does not accept any returns on knives. This is to ensure every knife purchase from Blackstone is 100% factory sharp, blemish free, and warrantied by the manufacturer. We will assist with all recalls, warranty claims, or manufacturer defects with knives previously purchased from Blackstone.

Tax Information

North Carolina residents will be charged a 7.25% sales tax.

Questions / Contact Us

Operating Hours:
Monday – Sunday: 10am – 9pm

Contact Information:
Please contact us with any questions or concerns 
We respond to inquiries same-day during business hours

For fast service please reach out to our Guest Support Team:
hello@blackstoneshooting.com
 704.414.6020 

Blackstone Shooting Sports | 2001 Wilkinson Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28208 | 704-414-6020