If you’re a first-time gun owner, you probably have a bunch of questions and curiosities. For example, you probably want to know how to clean your weapon, how to properly store it, why certain grain bullets perform better than others, and how to shoot with more accuracy. This article will address some of these questions.
How to carry your firearm (open and concealed)
If you’re planning on getting your concealed carry license, or if you already have a license, you might be wondering how to keep your firearm secured on your person. For carrying concealed, there are standard locations to carry and you can get clothing that supports carrying in any of those positions.
Unlike holsters, which are usually made for a specific carry position, clothing is more versatile. If you’re not familiar with how clothing works, checking out the conceal carry clothing and accessories from Primary Arms is a good place to start.
Carry positions for your firearm
You can carry your firearm the following positions:
- IWB: Inside your waistband. You can carry IWB with or without a concealed carry license, but if you’re unlicensed, you need to make sure your firearm remains visible at all times.
For instance, don’t wear a jacket or hoodie and tuck in your shirt. If your shirt happens to fall over the gun at any time, a police officer might accuse you of trying to conceal your weapon.
Most right handed people carry on the hip at 4:30. The downside to this position is having a slower draw when sitting and your weapon can become visible when you bend over.
- Appendix IWB: Inside your waistband in the front of your body. This is another way to carry openly or concealed. Right handers tend to prefer the 1 o’clock position. In this position, you’ll have a faster draw and it’s easier to access while sitting. This position is ideal because there’s less risk of being disarmed by an assailant.
- Small of back IWB: Inside your waistband by the small of your back. This position has great concealability, but lacks comfort and drawing ease. This is not an ideal position for open carry since it would be easy for someone to disarm you.
- OWB: Outside your waistband. This position is traditional, and it’s the most comfortable. However, it’s ideal only for open carry. If you carry this way and want to conceal your gun, you’ll need to wear a large jacket or hoodie.
Regardless of the position you choose, make sure you practice drawing and re-holstering your weapon to get used to the movement.
How to clean your firearm
You’ll need a gun cleaning kit specifically made for your firearm(s). While you can create a gun cleaning kit by getting individual tools, it’s much easier to buy a kit. Certain firearms require specific tools to clean and disassemble.
Regular cleaning is critical. You’ll need to remove the buildup of particles periodically to keep your firearm in good condition and fully functional. A dirty gun can jam, and that’s not a risk you want to take.
You also need to clean the rust and corrosion from your gun. Once cleaned, applying a layer of oil will protect the metal from oxidizing. You’ll also need to apply lubrication.
How to store your firearm
Do you have kids in the house? Consider keeping your firearms in a heavy-duty locked gun safe rather than a locked glass case or out in the open. If you need a pistol on hand for self-defense, get a locked box designed to open quickly.
Does bullet grain matter?
Grain absolutely matters and different grains produce a tangible difference. For example, heavier grain bullets produce more of a pushing recoil, while lighter bullets produce a snapping recoil. However, there’s also a difference in performance.
Many people use either jacketed hollow point or larger grain bullets for self-defense. For long-range shooting where accuracy is a priority, a heavier grain is ideal. Heavier bullets are less impacted by the wind, although if they’re too heavy, they’ll lack the velocity to remain stable.
How to improve your accuracy
There’s only one way to improve your accuracy: practice. However, training and knowledge is how you’ll make progress. Find a local shooting club or hire a professional trainer. You can find training programs just about anywhere.
Keep learning
As a new gun owner, it’s important to keep learning everything you can about your firearm. Once you learn how to take it apart and clean it, you’ll be in a better position to replace parts as needed. There’s a lot of information, so don’t be intimidated by experts – just keep learning and it will all fall into place.
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