We all remember our first gun. The way it looked and felt in our hands. Its quirks and its kick. Well now, you have yours. But here’s hoping you didn’t blow all your wad at once. Why? Because if you want to keep your gun safe and maintained, there are a few other investments you’re going to have to make. C’mon, is there such a thing as a cheap hobby? Here are three important things to buy alongside your first firearm.
1. Ammunition
What good is a gun if you can’t shoot it? Not just an accessory but an essential, ammo choice is just as vast as the selection of firearms out there. Like your firearm, it depends on your intended purpose of use. Are you just looking to go out and do some plinking, or are you planning to hunt? Or maybe even do some serious long-distance shooting? All of these factors weigh in on what ammunition you should buy.
If you’re planning to get out and put as many rounds as possible down range, then surplus ammo boxes may be best for you. Quality and consistency may vary, but at least the only burning hole is the target. And not your back pocket.
If you’re hunting or getting into long-distance shooting, don’t be afraid to invest in better ammunition as consistency and accuracy become extremely important. Also in these uses you generally aren’t firing as much ammo, so the extra cost is well worth it.
2. Safety
Now that you have your first firearm, it is of utmost importance to make sure your firearms are safely stored and transported at all times. You are going to want a trigger lock, a gun case, and we all know this isn’t going to be your only firearm purchase, so a gun safe as well. When it comes to locks, cases, and safes, don’t instantly go for the most budget items in the store. Investing some extra cash here will only benefit you in the long run. How? By holding up to repeated use. These items can maintain safety for many years to come.
3. Maintenance
You spent the dollars and you’ve done your research. Now you have your first firearm, but if you want it to last, you’re going to have to invest in some maintenance tools and gear. The first and most important thing to grab is a gun cleaning kit. You’re best off to purchase a universal one first, rather than caliber specific, so down the road you don’t have to continually buy new parts. Along with the kit, you will need some cleaning oil and lubricant, as well as some stock oil, to keep that wood in tip top shape. If you’re planning to regularly shoot and work on your firearm, a rifle vice will assist in making it easier to clean and work on your gun.
We hope this helps guide your gun ownership journey in Canada. Your first firearm is one of the most memorable investments you’ll make in your life. Let’s keep it safe and in tip top condition for decades to come.
This is the third blog in our How To Buy A Gun In Canada series. If you’d like to learn more about the steps, costs, and best practices for your very first firearm, read part 1 and part 2 in the series. And stay tuned for our next blog in the series: everything you need to level up to restricted class firearms.
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