Firearms 101

Buying your first firearm can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to make the basics clear, calm, and easy to understand.

Types of Firearms

• Handguns: Compact, commonly used for home defense and range practice.
• Rifles: Designed for accuracy and control, often used for training and sport.
• Shotguns: Known for versatility and simple operation.

Common Calibers (Plain Language)

• 9mm: Popular, manageable recoil, widely available.
• .22 LR: Low recoil, great for learning fundamentals.
• .223 / 5.56: Common rifle caliber with broad support.

Basic Safety Principles

• Always treat a firearm as loaded.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
• Never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot.
• Store firearms securely when not in use.

Safe Storage

Responsible ownership includes secure storage—especially around children and guests.

What Is an FFL?

A Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) is a licensed dealer authorized to receive and transfer firearms. Firearms purchased online must be transferred through an FFL.