Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Clean Criminal Record
- Money
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Step 1
The first thing you need to consider when purchasing a handgun is size. If you want the gun for self defense then you want a larger handgun that holds large caliber bullets. Larger caliber bullets provide more stopping power when an assailant enters your home. You certainly want a handgun that will stop the intruder quickly and efficiently. Another thing to consider when purchasing a handgun for defense is how easy it is to load. You want one that you can reload quickly in the event of a break in. On the other hand, if you need a handgun that is suitable for concealment, you will want a smaller weapon. Having a concealed weapon means just what it says; you don't want others to know you are carrying it. If possible, bring the holster or purse you are going to conceal the weapon in with you when making your handgun purchase. Whatever the reason for wanting the gun, always make sure it fits in your hand properly and that you can shoot it at least four or five times in a row comfortably. You want to be able to hold the handgun properly and securely. A handgun that is too big for your hand, or one that you can only shoot once, is not going to do you much good if you are faced with a life or death situation.
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Step 2
After you find a handgun that you like and that fits your hand properly, you need to check its reliability. There are many defense, military, and commercial magazines that offer information about handgun reliability. You can also find resources online about particular types of handguns. You don't want to purchase a handgun that has a bad reputation of misfiring or jamming bullets. You want a handgun that you can count on when it’s most needed, so it behooves you to check around before committing to a purchase.
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Step 3
Now you've found the handgun you like and you know it's reliable. This is where the price comes in. You can sometimes find the same handgun for a few hundred dollars difference by taking your time and shopping around. There is no reason to rush into a decision before checking with different gun dealers, pawn shops, and manufactures. When considering price and expenditure for a handgun purchase, don't forget to account for the cost of ammunition.
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Step 4
The last thing you will want to check out is the manufacturer of the handgun. Make sure they have a good reputation and have been in business for a while. If possible talk to others who own guns by that manufacturer and see if they are happy with all aspects of the handgun.
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Step 5
After completing all of the above steps you are ready to make your handgun purchase. Be a responsible handgun owner and practice proper gun safety!
