What should I own before I purchase my first gun?

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Mis-Teeq

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I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong section, but seeing as I am a newbie and this is probably a newbie related topic I'll assume this is a safe place to post this.

So, my question is what should I buy before I purchase my first gun? I've finished my course, references have been called, I've been approved, and now I am waiting for my license for my PAL/RPAL to show up in the mail most likely sometime this week. I've gone out an bought a stack-on gun cabinet, and mounted it to the floor and wall. I've looked at a few guns, handled them, did some research and price-checked around for the best price. At the moment I am looking to get both a restricted handgun, and a "home-defense"-type shotgun. As far as I know, none of them come with anything too special as far as cleaning and maintaining them. Another thing I am looking for, but haven't found yet - is a wireless light system for the inside of the cabinet, as it is very dark inside. Oh, and anyone know of any decent eye and ear protection? I'd really love to see what people recommend.

So, what would you recommend/advise. I'm very welcome and open to any and all ideas. If you could provide a link to any of the products I'd appreciate that very much.

Thank you,

--Mis-Teeq
 
the basics can be cheap or expensive, depending on what type of person you are. a safety supply store can have very affordable safety glasses and earplugs.

ok, go to LeBaron or SAIL and get:
ear defenders $20 or so (i like the folding browning ones that are slim for shotgun use)
it's summer so sunglasses (or normal glasses) are perfectly ok as eye protection
another $20 to $40 for a cleaning kit, which might include brushes for the most common calibers, but at least gets you rods, fluids, etc.
brushes / cloths are cheap, and you can use paper towels from your kitchen


go to Canadian Tire and just buy one of those round stick-on lamps that's powered by a battery. cheap, but if that's what you want, then it should be fine. most are LED now so should not drain the batteries fast anyways.

you can use the cable lock that should come included with the handgun.

buy some masking tape for patching targets quickly and easily
 
Add a lockable case, padlock and trigger lock for transporting your handgun. Nice to have an MTM lockbox or something similar for ammo transport too. Universal cleaning kit might be a good place to start.
 
kennymo said:
Add a lockable case, padlock and trigger lock for transporting your handgun. Nice to have an MTM lockbox or something similar for ammo transport too. Universal cleaning kit might be a good place to start.
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shouldn't need it. the handgun should come with a lock for the gun itself (likely the cable type which is 100% fine and legal), and the case can be used to transport the gun as long as it's also locked, so really all that's NEEDED it a lock to lock the case itself. the gun lock and case already come with the gun.
 
Welcome to your new addiction , just when you think you've gotten everything you wanted , a whole new list of things you have to have will appear. Get ready to outgrow that gun cabinet real fast.
 
BP7 said:
shouldn't need it. the handgun should come with a lock for the gun itself (likely the cable type which is 100% fine and legal), and the case can be used to transport the gun as long as it's also locked, so really all that's NEEDED it a lock to lock the case itself. the gun lock and case already come with the gun.
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I just find the cable locks a PITA. Unex trigger locks are 6 dollars and keyed alike which is handy once you have a few. Keeps the key ring from weighing 8 pounds. I'm just suggesting a locking case as some handguns don't come with one and many others are of lame design with no room for mags and accessories. Just my personal preferences, that's all.
 
All good stuff so far, really glad to hear from you. Thank you for the welcome, I knew this would be an addiction before I ever even started :) I can't wait till I grow out of this gun cabinet :p

Alright, gun oils, I don't know much/anything about them. Are there cleaning solvents, or purely oil for the gun to function easier (lubricant)? Which are the brands I should get, are there different types depending on which gun I am using them on? Ie - shotgun vs handgun.
I see pistol cases and locks and whatnot at Canadian Tire here, so I have no issue running out and grabbing those last minute if necessary. Cleaning kits, I'll look into - I think they shouldn't be too hard to find I guess. I'll just go to the local gun shop and see what they have/recommend I guess :)

Now, for eye protection should the glasses be safety rated or anything? I'm used to working in factories where they have to meet certain requirements. Or should any pair be fine? I don't want to skimp out on something that could potentially save my ears and eyes. Hearing protection, regular ol' earplugs do the trick, or should I be looking into some over the head ear covering specialty ear protection?
Something like this : http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B001T7QJ9O/ref=s9_simh_gw_p60_d4_i1?pf_rd_m=A3DWYIK6Y9EEQB&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=07Z0TTMBVJCSQ9PR1SBF&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1375923922&pf_rd_i=915398
 
No ANSI requirements on eyes. Ditto for ears. Plain sunglasses and foamy earplugs are sufficient - as long as you're OK with the level of protection they give you. Shotguns are loud mofos so I use 30dB rated muffs.
 
Any pair of eye protection you get in a hardware store will be good to start for what you encounter at a range. All the military spec glasses and such are rated higher for being sprayed by pellets, shrapnel, something you will not likely encounter shooting from the line. That said, you probably will not buy just one pair as you will find you like the fit or clarity of a certain pair better than others. But keep your extras as inevitably you will want to bring newbs with you to the range and they will need protection as well. I went through five different pairs before I found something that I liked.

For ear pro I would recommend you double up with muffs over foamies at first until you find a comfort level. You can't ever get your hearing back when you lose it. I already have mild tinnitus from going to too many concerts, being blasted by rapidfire from each side will only worsen it.
 
Grab one of those cheap heavy canvas "tool bags" from Home depot or the like to use as a range bag. I keep, my bino's, ear defenders, stapler and other odd's and ends in mine. A small tool box for transporting ammo to the range, basic cleaning supplies and so on. You can get a stapler and 1000 staples for $3 at Dollarama.
 
oh - one last and very important thing for you to own especially if you're getting into handguns. a range membership. kinda vital to actually be able to shoot a handy-gun.
 
BP7 said:
oh - one last and very important thing for you to own especially if you're getting into handguns. a range membership. kinda vital to actually be able to shoot a handy-gun.
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Yeah, I'm looking into it, but won't be able to actually get a membership until sometime mid June-ish. But I'll most likely buy a pistol or two before then.
 
Mis-Teeq said:
Yeah, I'm looking into it, but won't be able to actually get a membership until sometime mid June-ish. But I'll most likely buy a pistol or two before then.
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maybe someone else can chime in here,
But I was under the impression after 1 restricted,
The CFO is going to demand range membership,
Before he approves more...
 
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