Congratulations on your new firearm!
Owning a gun is a big responsibility, and being fully prepared ensures safety, confidence, and compliance with firearm laws. Whether you plan to keep your gun for home protection, take it to the range, or carry it daily, there are essential accessories and safety measures you need to have in place.
Many first-time gun owners focus on the firearm itself but overlook the important gear, storage solutions, and safety considerations that come with it. This guide will walk you through a complete checklist of what you need for safe home storage and an efficient range experience so you get the most out of your firearm responsibly.
1. Home Firearm Safety & Storage
The Importance of Secure Storage
Keeping your firearm secured when not in use is one of the most important aspects of responsible gun ownership. Proper storage prevents unauthorized access, reduces the risk of accidents, and protects your investment.
🔹 Gun Safe or Lockable Storage – A secure gun safe ensures that only authorized individuals can access your firearm. For quick access, consider a biometric safe or a lockbox designed for handguns.
🔹 Trigger Lock or Cable Lock – Even if you store your firearm in a safe, an additional lock provides an extra layer of protection, especially in homes with children.
🔹 Ammo Storage – Ammunition should be stored separately from your firearm in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality and longevity.
Maintaining Your Firearm
Regular maintenance extends the life of your firearm and ensures reliable performance when you need it most. A well-maintained gun is less likely to malfunction.
🔹 Cleaning Kit – A basic gun cleaning kit includes a bore brush, patches, cleaning solvent, and lubricant. Cleaning after every use removes debris and prevents corrosion.
🔹 Proper Documentation – Keep your purchase receipt, firearm serial number, and ownership documents in a safe place. This information is essential for insurance and legal purposes.
2. The Essential Gear for the Shooting Range
Before You Go – What to Pack
If you plan to take your firearm to the range, having the right gear makes your session more productive and enjoyable. Here are the must-haves:
🔹 Hearing Protection – Gunfire can damage your hearing permanently, so always use earplugs or earmuffs designed for shooting.
🔹 Eye Protection – Safety glasses are critical to shield your eyes from debris, hot casings, or ricochets.
🔹 Ammunition – Bring the right caliber and type of ammo for your firearm. Many gun owners use full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds for practice and hollow points for self-defense. Many experts recommend training with both.
🔹 Spare Magazines – Bringing extra magazines to your range practice allows for less uninterrupted training and helps with drills like reload practice.
🔹 Range Bag – A sturdy bag makes it easy to carry your firearm, ammo, magazines, tools, and safety gear in an organized way.
🔹 Targets & Target Stickers – Many ranges allow you to bring your own targets. Stickers help cover bullet holes so you can extend the life of your targets.
Gun Cleaning After the Range
After a few times at the range, your firearm will have carbon buildup and residue that can later affect performance. Cleaning your gun immediately after a range session helps maintain accuracy and function.
🔹 Use a bore brush and solvent to remove powder buildup.
🔹 Lubricate moving parts to prevent wear and tear.
🔹 Inspect for any signs of damage or malfunction before storing your firearm.
3. ALWAYS REMEMBER-The Four Fundamental Rules of Firearm Safety
Every responsible gun owner must follow these non-negotiable safety rules to prevent accidents and ensure safe handling:
1️⃣ Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Even if you believe it’s unloaded, always handle it with care.
2️⃣ Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. Always be aware of your muzzle direction.
3️⃣ Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Only place your finger on the trigger when your sights are on target.
4️⃣ Know your target and what is beyond it. Be aware of what is in front of, behind, and around your target to avoid unintended damage or injury.
Following these four rules at all times is the foundation of safe firearm ownership.
Packing it up
Owning a firearm is about more than just making a purchase—it’s about being responsible, prepared, and educated.
✅ Make sure you have what you need from this checklist before heading to the range or storing your firearm at home.
✅ Regular maintenance and safe storage protect you, your firearm, and those around you.
✅ Following firearm safety rules is non-negotiable—practice responsible ownership!
Need gun safes, cleaning kits, or range gear? Florida Pawn & Gun has everything you need!
📍 Visit us in-store at: 9318 E. Colonial Drive
🔗 Shop online: FloridaPawnAndGun.com
Stay safe, train often, and enjoy responsible gun ownership! 🎯🔫