If you’re a new owner of a handgun in the Lone Star State, you’re not alone. Nearly half of all respondents to a Houston Press survey reported being handgun owners or having someone in their family who owned one. While it’s a good thing to be a new, responsible handgun owner, there are some basic details about handguns you’ll want to keep in mind. The firearms safety education professionals from Online Texas LTC, a premier provider of online LTC classes, offer these tips for new handgun owners.
1. Practice Is Important
You may have practiced when preparing for the proficiency part of your license to carry (LTC) training in Texas. However, keep finding time to brush up on your skills. The better you are at handling and using your preferred handgun, the more likely you’ll be comfortable with everything from the way it feels when gripped to how it reacts when fired.
2. The Recoil Can Be a Surprise
One of the biggest surprises for some new handgun owners is the recoil. Get used to the added jolt that goes along with gun use by knowing what to expect. Check to see what type of recoil your type of handgun typically produces. Also, firmly grip your firearm and shoot with your body weight slightly forward to further minimize recoil surprises.
3. Intended Purpose Should Be Considered with Ammo
There are many options among ammunition for handguns. What you prefer will depend, in part, on the intended purpose you have in mind. For example, a full metal jacket is less expensive and generally better when aiming at inanimate objects. However, hollow-point bullets tend to be better for personal protection.
4. Safe Handling Provides Added Peace of Mind
Modern handguns typically have some type of safety device included in their design. Still, it’s best to err on the side of caution and aim your handgun in a safe direction anytime it’s handled. One way to keep this in mind is to treat your handgun as if it’s loaded even when it’s not. Doing so can also provide added peace of mind.
5. The Right Holster Can Make a Difference
A handgun isn’t going to be a true asset or provide a boost to your personal sense of security and safety if you can’t easily access it. This is why holster selection should be given some thought. Holsters can be located in a wide range of places, from hips and shoulders to around knees and by ankles.
6. Handgun Maintenance Is Equally Essential
It’s also important to know how to properly maintain your handgun. Start by learning how to safely unload and reload it. For a thorough cleaning, you may need to field strip your firearm, which refers to dismantling it. With most modern handguns, this is a fairly simple process. General handgun maintenance also involves:
• Cleaning accessible components with a soft cloth
• Applying solvent to any parts that are dirty or not coming clean with a cloth
• Using a toothbrush to get into smaller spaces
• Using a bore brush to clean the barrel to keep it free of debris
• Applying the recommended lubricant to moveable components
• Doing routine inspections to look for any loose parts or other issues
If you already own a firearm or you’re considering purchasing your first one, it’s essential to know how to use a gun safely. Online Texas LTC is dedicated to providing the finest firearms training available. Whether you simply need to learn how to handle a gun and shoot safely or you want to take a Texas license to carry online class, Online Texas LTC has what you need. Give us a call today at 512-675-2124.
