How to Buy a Gun

How to buy a gun is essential knowledge for country living. Not because it's dangerous in the country, because it isn't. I've lived on an acreage for more than twenty years, and I have never once worried about someone breaking in. 

But I do want to protect the flock of hens I am keeping in my yard. And if I had baby goats or piglets (I don't right now, but that doesn't mean I won't in the future), then I would need a way to protect them as well, and the best, most efficient way to protect my livestock is with a gun.

Learn how to buy a gun and use it safely to protect your livestock on your homestead.

Photo by USlakajme at Pixaby

Let's be realistic: you can't chase away coyotes with a can of pepper spray. The only way you can protect your dogs from a bobcat or mountain lion is with a sturdy shotgun. 

I realize that this is a controversial topic these days, but please remember that a gun, like a knife, is a tool. It can either be used responsibly or recklessly. The purpose of this article is to provide you with the knowledge you need to be as responsible as possible should you decide to invest in a weapon for your acreage. 

I’ve lived in the country for more than twenty years now, and I have never felt safer than I have on my five acres. Generally speaking, by living out on an acreage, you aren’t at risk from predators of the two-legged kind.

You aren’t nearly as concerned about protecting yourself as you are about protecting the animals you care for. If you practice animal husbandry, you will need to be willing to protect the animals on your farm, which is why you need to know how to buy a gun and use it safely.

gun-safety

And even though it is safer living in the country - a lot safer - it can be a little unnerving living in an isolated area, so when you do move to your acreage, follow the homestead credo: Get a big dog and buy a gun. 

The big dog part is easy: Just look in the papers and find a Rottweiler puppy or some other large dog. We have always loved Labradors. They're sweet, they're friendly, and they have a deep, scary-sounding bark.

But learning how to buy a gun, let alone how to use that gun can be a bit more challenging. Here are some tips:

Take a Firearm Training Course

The National Rifle Association offers a wide range of courses, from how to handle a pistol to firearm safety to learning how to shoot a shotgun. They are very likely to have firearms courses in your area as well. Learn more here.

If you're a woman, the National Rifle Association also sponsors a Women on Target course available once a year at many shooting ranges throughout the country.

This women-only course provides you with the opportunity to shoot a wide range of guns, from rifles to handguns and even shotguns. If you're a woman who has always been a bit intimidated by guns, this all-day course is a great place to start.

Join the National Rifle Association

While you're at it, take the time to join the National Rifle Association. The goal of this organization is to protect our Second Amendment rights and encourage citizens to protect themselves by learning how to handle a gun and carry it safely. You can learn more about the NRA by clicking here.

How to Buy a Gun
Find a Shooting Range in Your Area

The shooting range in our area allows you to rent out guns on an hourly basis to help you get a feel for the different types guns available to help you decide which is best for you. Gun ranges will also often offer one-on-one courses at a reasonable rate (where I live, it's about $35 an hour), so you can learn safety techniques, how to clean and care for your gun and acquire shooting practice.

Be Sure To Invest In a Gun Safe

If you decide to invest in a gun or two, you will need to keep them safe from thieves and from curious children. If someone uses your gun to commit a crime, you will be held responsible, even if you weren't involved. So, lock your guns up. Gun safes are affordable and easy to use. Many of them these days can be opened by reading your thumbprint. 

Learn More About Being Prepared

Return from How to Buy a Gun to the Home Page

About the Author

My name is Sue Merriam, and I began the journey of self-reliant living more than three decades ago, which enabled me to stay home with my children. Fifteen years ago, I founded Joyful Homesteading to help others save money and face the future without fear. My goal is to give you practical, honest advice so you can save money and experience the joy of simple living. I hope you join me.

Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.