Just Bought Your First Gun in California? Here’s What to Do Next

So you finally own your first firearm—welcome to the world of responsible gun ownership. There’s a learning curve, but it’s manageable. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense checklist to get you started on the right path.

1. Learn the Universal Firearm Safety Rules

These are non-negotiable. Memorize them, live by them:

• Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
• Never point your firearm at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot (your sights are on target and you’ve made the decision to fire).
• Know your target and what’s beyond it.

2. Understand How Your Firearm Works

Take time to learn how your specific gun operates, including:

• Field stripping (basic disassembly for cleaning)
• Full teardown (for deep cleaning and understanding internal mechanics)

Start with YouTube. Search your firearm’s make and model followed by terms like “field strip,” “cleaning,” or “full disassembly.” When I got my Glock, I watched over a dozen videos to understand how every part interacted—especially the trigger bar geometry and how it affects pull weight.

3. Begin with Dry Fire Practice

Dry fire is your best friend when training at home. Always train in a sterile environment—no live ammo present. Dry fire helps you master:

• Trigger control and reset
• Sight picture and alignment
• Magazine changes
• Slide racking and malfunction drills

I’ll share specific dry fire drills in another post, but for now, focus on moving your trigger without disturbing your sights.

4. Gear Every New Gun Owner Should Have

• Basic Pistol Cleaning Kit: Make sure it matches your firearm’s caliber.
• Punch Set: For disassembly beyond a field strip. A basic set with a hammer will do. Use a roll of packing tape as a makeshift bench block.
• Snap Caps: Dummy rounds for safe dry fire and failure drills. Avoid anything with a metal casing.
• Extra Magazines: Have at least 10. Buy 10-round “pinned” mags now and remove rivets later if/when laws change. Number and label your mags to track failures and avoid confusion at the range.
• Hearing Protection: Double up indoors—foam plugs plus electronic earmuffs.
• Eye Protection: Use your prescription glasses in a pinch, but hardware store safety glasses are better.
• De-lead Soap/Wipes: Essential for cleaning up after the range, especially if your local range doesn’t supply any.
• Respirator or Face Mask: I use an N95 indoors to avoid inhaling lead and burnt powder. If you’re sensitive to smoke or dust, it helps.
• Speed Loader: You’ll thank yourself after loading 100 rounds by hand. I use a Maglula, but check if your firearm came with one.
• Range Bag: Use anything that works, but I prefer an organized bag with compartments and lock options.

5. Ammo Basics: What to Know

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): Also called ball ammo. Use it for range practice. It’s cheap and reliable. Just be cautious with remanufactured ammo.
• JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point): Use this for home/self-defense. It’s designed to expand and stop a threat efficiently. You need to test it at the range to make sure it cycles properly in your firearm.

6. Targets and Training Plans

You don’t need fancy targets. I’ve taped playing cards to cardboard boxes. Just use something that helps you focus.

Most importantly, have a plan. Don’t just shoot for the sake of shooting. Ask yourself:

• Am I working on trigger control?
• Am I practicing my draw from concealment?
• Is this a malfunction clearing session? Reloads? Precision drills?

Set goals for each session and track your progress. That’s how you get better.

Final Thoughts

Owning a firearm comes with serious responsibility. By taking the time to learn, practice, and equip yourself properly, you’re not just exercising a right—you’re investing in your own safety and preparedness.