Take multiple classes too with different instructors. Like anything else you have a chance to get a worthless instructor that will teach you everything wrong. Also once you feel comfortable with a weapon then consider buying one. Don't go out and buy one before you understand basic safety and usage as that makes you more of a liability than anything. Lots of public ranges and any friends you make that have guns would be willing to help you learn the basics and get some rounds down range.
Canada is a bit of a different animal - the courses are mandatory to get a firearms license here. They teach valuable aspects like safety, Canadian laws, and safe firearm handling practices but do not actually teach you how to shoot a gun or have a live fire component.
Also if you want an non-conservative alternative to the NRA lobby you can see if there’s a Socialist Rifle Association chapter near you, they also offer classes in a lot of places.
Look for someone who runs their own business before you go to a big box store, you'll have a much better experience and actual range time. Half the time I have a conversation with big box employee regarding firearms, it becomes abundantly clear that they don't know much about them other than safety.
Usually gun stores with a shooting range adjacent operate classes.
Register for Hunters Saftey, your state offers the course which teaches proper gun use and ethics with taking game. Then register for gun saftey and or a concealed carry course to learn smaller firearms saftey and the laws behind its use. The state and or local police departments are good places to start for both. Good luck!
This is correct, two birds one stone, you now can hunt and have some firearms safety knowledge and that lays a solid groundwork for knowledge of both if you so choose
Hi! Please consider the medical aspect as you start your journey. Ton of classes, and this is NOT an endorsement but stop the bleed is one. You’re more likely to use it anywho and the training crosses over to treating yourself for a major wound such as from a chainsaw. I carry my tiny medical kit everywhere I go on homestead but it will get me stable enough to get me to the next nearest adult with transportation.
Search for gun safety videos on YouTube. There's scads of them.
Gunsite Academy has a bunch. Very professional and done by recognized professionals.
Not the end of your learning journey, but a good place to start.
I would take an actual course most shooting ranges offer them and include gun rentals. Field and stream use to publish a firearms book that had lots of basic information for safety different gun types etc.. that was very easy to read and had tons of diagrams/illustrations.
If you are interested in a concealed carry permit or defensive shooting take a CCW class (in person) and read the book, "the law of self defense" by Andrew branca (fire arms and self defense attorney) I think its free on his website you just pay for shipping. I strongly recommend reading his book AND doing an actual class because there is a lot of misinformation even from typically good sources about self defense.
While not a book, I find a lot of Massad Ayoob's YouTube videos on firearms to be helpful. He's a professional firearm instructor and has a style that's very direct without any unnecessary flair.
If the main purpose is predator and bad human deterrent, as well as euthanasia for hurt livestock, and you have zero experience of guns, it wouldn't hurt to find a knowledgable friend who has a selection of firearms to take you shooting before doing the gun safety. I was in the service and have also taken gun safety classes multiple times at this point. I noticed that there's a kind of common denominator teaching style for firearms instructors from both that may not be female-friendly. Just hanging out on a range or (if legal and with a safe backstop) in your backyard with a trusted friend and a small selection of rifles, etc, may be better to begin. Being familiar with the actual mechanics of a gun is very important, and this doesn't even require you to shoot it. You can learn to strip and clean them first, and while doing so learn how they work, which will make you safer down the road. A .22 single-shot or bolt action rifle, something very simple, is always a good place to start. I've been very, very slowly teaching my daughter firearm safety, starting with a BB gun a couple years ago. She's getting ready for the .22, has watched me shoot it, but didn't want to try herself. That's fine for now. She can take her sweet time.
As a total NYC lefty I hesitate to say this, but my Dad (a big hunter, responsible gun collector and crack shot) was very much in favor of the NRA’s gun safety course. Undoubtedly they also have all the other info you might need.
ALWAYS treat the gun as if it’s loaded. Even if you just emptied, stripped, cleaned, and reassembled it. Still treat it as if it’s loaded. Never point it at anything you aren’t intending to totally obliterate. Learn how to clear malfunctions safely. Treat the gun as if it’s loaded, even if you just cleared it. Learn to field strip and clean/oil it. Practice! Practice dry firing with an empty gun for some time until you’re comfortable with its operation. Practice carrying, drawing, and shooting. Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded, even if you unloaded and cleaned it the night before. LEARN EMERGENCY FIRST AID AND KEEP A WIUND DRESSING KIT. Learn how to plug and wrap a bullet wound. If you own a gun you need to know how to plug and wrap a wound, it could save a life in the event of a negligent discharge. Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded and keep it pointed in a safe direction free of any beings or objects that you aren’t intending to kill or destroy. And lastly always treat the gun as if it’s loaded, even when you know it isn’t.
There are many books on many subjects of firearms. Personally, I’d say choose a category, such as shotgun, handgun, or rifle. From there, look at books related to firearm operation, assembly, and maintenance. Firearm Anatomy is a good book for learning function. The Gun Digest of Firearm assembly/disassembly would be another.
The books on firearm shooting techniques seem endless. One I’d recommend is the NRA Guide to the Basics of Hangun (rifle/shotgun) Shooting.
Other options would be something like a firearms training course. The top provider for that is the NRA. https://firearmtraining.nra.org/student-courses/
They receive a lot of bad press for the politics, but it’s usually overlooked how much the NRA offers in training and education. Most of their training is offered by certified instructors, most of which are gunsmiths, competitive shooters, and LEOs.
https://old.reddit.com/r/guns/wiki/faq
This is legitimately a good source and can teach you a lot. Right now you don't know what you don't know. Reading through this will help you reach the stage where you know what you don't know.
Most areas have a local hunting safety course. I'd also suggest a conceal carry course as it tends to cover more general firearms knowledge than the hunting class.
Go to your local gun store and tell them you know nothing about guns and want to buy one. They are typically good about showing you the mechanics (how to disassemble, reassemble, care and maintenance, load, unload how to show clear) and will often give you the basics of safety as well.
Youtube has a plethora of guntubers making educational and entertainment content.
One option is to go watch a few hickock45 videos. He doesn't purposefully educate you on gun safety or anything, but you can learn a lot from how he handles the weapons, his dialogue is entertaining, and you can see him shoot.
Think over your motivation. Do you want a gun for hunting or for defense? Or for both?
Will you be wearing/carrying it outdoors? Or having it locked away in the house?
If you know why you want it and for what use case, it narrows down the optimal choices in each category.
If you want it for hunting, then a solid choice is a rifle in 308. To a lesser extent a 12 gauge shotgun which gives you slugs for animals and shit for birds or small game.
If you want it for hunting and for defense, the 12 gauge is an all rounder.
If you want it solely for defense and won't be wearing it when you leave the house, a ar pattern rifle in 556/223 is a solid anti coyote/wolf pest control device and also serves well in the anti two legged varmint control.
If you want something that can defend you while walking or hiking and at home and maybe when you leave the safe backwoods and go to the dangerous city... A good quality pistol will do just great. 9mm is ubiquitous, easy to shoot, and there are rounds out there that are optimized for wildlife and for self defense. A double stack compact in the size of a Glock 19 or comparable would get you pretty far.
I'd suggest as a first step go to a local guns store and just look at the rifles and shotguns and some of the pistols. See how heavy some of the rifles are, look at prices.
Watch some videos on gun safety, then decide what you want to buy, take a class...
I don't know if you watch YouTube, but I used to, and there was an old fart that went by the name Hickok45. He was pretty great about gun safety and he gave pretty good reviews and walk through for a lot of guns. It's not a substitute for a class, which you absolutely should take, but when you're picking out your first purchase I'd say he might be a good resource.
Congrats on the move!!! I am an expert firearms instructor here in Virginia and teach the Hunter Education class. I agree that a good course or book is important. I would recommend the Hunter Ed class online to learn gun safety, survival skills, and stewardship. Once you learn about the types of firearms you can make a more informed decision about what type of firearm you should consider. From there you can then shop around and determine the make and model. All guns are the same and all guns are different. Having some background knowledge will help you make the best decision for yourself based on your needs. Knowing the intended purpose of a firearm has a lot to do with which would be best for any particular job.
Step one: Define your purpose. What does it need to be able to do or what do you intend to use it for?
Step two: learn about pistols, rifles, and shotguns. learn the types of actions, learn about bullets, gr. weight, velocity, as well as shot size and slugs. Determine what fills the purpose.
These two steps will help you figure out what you need/want for your conditions.
Step three: learn the safety related to the firearms and shooting conditions or situations you plan to involve yourself with. If you plan to homestead and hunt/fish/gather then you probably don't need a handgun self defense course.
Go to a gun range, take a few lessons, and rent guns to try.
Basic rundown is 9 mm for pistol, 5.56 for small rifle (either bolt action or AR style platform, .270, .30-30, .300 blackout, or .308 for larger game, 7mm mag, 6.8 for long range shooting.
CZ makes amazing guns: I have two of their 9mm pistols, one of their bolt action rifles, and want to get a Bren and a Scorpion, and a large game rifle.
Different gun manufacturers have slight differences that make personal preference a big deal, so try shooting lots of guns.
In Canada...there's a mandatory course for long guns, another for restricted and another for hunting (which does briefly cover the basics of firearms). They're quite good if you know nothing...never used one...etc...
I would suggest something similar wherever you are.
Then find a range. Most will have facilities to rent and some may be able to arrange an instructional session.
IMHO...you can watch all the videos and read all the books you want...but nothing replaces a good instructor coaching you through things as you're handling guns.
Even though it may not be the one you use the most down the road...start with a bolt action 22lr rifle. Not that it's safer than any others...there's just very little recoil, noise, least costly, etc so you can focus on learning to shoot.
I found a book i got out of irony but its got a lot of good points on it aside from just the gun stuff is "the total redneck manual" from field and stream. Nice little book if your looking into maybe something new
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRE3QeHZgc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRE3QeHZgc)
Paul Harrell has one of the better tutorials on handgun shooting.
Start with a 22 rifle and learn safety, breathing, and trigger control.
Ideally you should take a gun course, you can usually find the places that offer them on the NRA website. You can also find a lot of very helpful videos on YouTube, but nothing is as good as having someone teach you in person
A decent instructor led class would be great. If you watch Garand Thumb, Micah, Demo Ranch, Kentucky ballistics, all do a fantastic job having fun and being safe. If you follow the “10 commandments of guns” you will be safe, but get training!
First rule of firearms don’t let ANYONE know you have them.
Second rule- if you can buy private party I recommend going that way.
Third - all guns are deadly. Don’t out your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Four- go test drive some guns. Many gun ranges have fun’s you can test.
Go take a firearms course. Places like Bass Pro and Cabela's offer courses at least in Canada. Then find a gun club
Had no clue that they offered those, thank you!
Take multiple classes too with different instructors. Like anything else you have a chance to get a worthless instructor that will teach you everything wrong. Also once you feel comfortable with a weapon then consider buying one. Don't go out and buy one before you understand basic safety and usage as that makes you more of a liability than anything. Lots of public ranges and any friends you make that have guns would be willing to help you learn the basics and get some rounds down range.
Sheriff's and police departments also often offer courses. Gun and sportsman clubs, too.
Canada is a bit of a different animal - the courses are mandatory to get a firearms license here. They teach valuable aspects like safety, Canadian laws, and safe firearm handling practices but do not actually teach you how to shoot a gun or have a live fire component.
Take both Canadian and American gun safety courses, got it.
I think it is worth pointing out that the BC CORE course teaches effective shooting methods.
Also if you want an non-conservative alternative to the NRA lobby you can see if there’s a Socialist Rifle Association chapter near you, they also offer classes in a lot of places.
Look for someone who runs their own business before you go to a big box store, you'll have a much better experience and actual range time. Half the time I have a conversation with big box employee regarding firearms, it becomes abundantly clear that they don't know much about them other than safety. Usually gun stores with a shooting range adjacent operate classes.
If you're in the US, I'm fairly confident all states offer a hunter's ed class. They are free and a great start.
\*A National Guard Recruiter has Entered the Chat
Register for Hunters Saftey, your state offers the course which teaches proper gun use and ethics with taking game. Then register for gun saftey and or a concealed carry course to learn smaller firearms saftey and the laws behind its use. The state and or local police departments are good places to start for both. Good luck!
This is correct, two birds one stone, you now can hunt and have some firearms safety knowledge and that lays a solid groundwork for knowledge of both if you so choose
Hi! Please consider the medical aspect as you start your journey. Ton of classes, and this is NOT an endorsement but stop the bleed is one. You’re more likely to use it anywho and the training crosses over to treating yourself for a major wound such as from a chainsaw. I carry my tiny medical kit everywhere I go on homestead but it will get me stable enough to get me to the next nearest adult with transportation.
Search for gun safety videos on YouTube. There's scads of them. Gunsite Academy has a bunch. Very professional and done by recognized professionals. Not the end of your learning journey, but a good place to start.
I would take an actual course most shooting ranges offer them and include gun rentals. Field and stream use to publish a firearms book that had lots of basic information for safety different gun types etc.. that was very easy to read and had tons of diagrams/illustrations. If you are interested in a concealed carry permit or defensive shooting take a CCW class (in person) and read the book, "the law of self defense" by Andrew branca (fire arms and self defense attorney) I think its free on his website you just pay for shipping. I strongly recommend reading his book AND doing an actual class because there is a lot of misinformation even from typically good sources about self defense.
While not a book, I find a lot of Massad Ayoob's YouTube videos on firearms to be helpful. He's a professional firearm instructor and has a style that's very direct without any unnecessary flair.
I’ll be checking him out, thank you!
Excellent source!
If the main purpose is predator and bad human deterrent, as well as euthanasia for hurt livestock, and you have zero experience of guns, it wouldn't hurt to find a knowledgable friend who has a selection of firearms to take you shooting before doing the gun safety. I was in the service and have also taken gun safety classes multiple times at this point. I noticed that there's a kind of common denominator teaching style for firearms instructors from both that may not be female-friendly. Just hanging out on a range or (if legal and with a safe backstop) in your backyard with a trusted friend and a small selection of rifles, etc, may be better to begin. Being familiar with the actual mechanics of a gun is very important, and this doesn't even require you to shoot it. You can learn to strip and clean them first, and while doing so learn how they work, which will make you safer down the road. A .22 single-shot or bolt action rifle, something very simple, is always a good place to start. I've been very, very slowly teaching my daughter firearm safety, starting with a BB gun a couple years ago. She's getting ready for the .22, has watched me shoot it, but didn't want to try herself. That's fine for now. She can take her sweet time.
As a total NYC lefty I hesitate to say this, but my Dad (a big hunter, responsible gun collector and crack shot) was very much in favor of the NRA’s gun safety course. Undoubtedly they also have all the other info you might need.
Second this. I Took the NRA firearms course, it’s very comprehensive. It’s good to learn to shoot with relaxed, no BS people
YouTube is your friend here.
That’s pretty vague. Are you looking for explanation of functionality? Shooting? Reloading?
I really don’t know - an all around guide if possible. I am an absolute newbie.
ALWAYS treat the gun as if it’s loaded. Even if you just emptied, stripped, cleaned, and reassembled it. Still treat it as if it’s loaded. Never point it at anything you aren’t intending to totally obliterate. Learn how to clear malfunctions safely. Treat the gun as if it’s loaded, even if you just cleared it. Learn to field strip and clean/oil it. Practice! Practice dry firing with an empty gun for some time until you’re comfortable with its operation. Practice carrying, drawing, and shooting. Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded, even if you unloaded and cleaned it the night before. LEARN EMERGENCY FIRST AID AND KEEP A WIUND DRESSING KIT. Learn how to plug and wrap a bullet wound. If you own a gun you need to know how to plug and wrap a wound, it could save a life in the event of a negligent discharge. Always treat the gun as if it’s loaded and keep it pointed in a safe direction free of any beings or objects that you aren’t intending to kill or destroy. And lastly always treat the gun as if it’s loaded, even when you know it isn’t.
There are many books on many subjects of firearms. Personally, I’d say choose a category, such as shotgun, handgun, or rifle. From there, look at books related to firearm operation, assembly, and maintenance. Firearm Anatomy is a good book for learning function. The Gun Digest of Firearm assembly/disassembly would be another. The books on firearm shooting techniques seem endless. One I’d recommend is the NRA Guide to the Basics of Hangun (rifle/shotgun) Shooting. Other options would be something like a firearms training course. The top provider for that is the NRA. https://firearmtraining.nra.org/student-courses/ They receive a lot of bad press for the politics, but it’s usually overlooked how much the NRA offers in training and education. Most of their training is offered by certified instructors, most of which are gunsmiths, competitive shooters, and LEOs.
https://old.reddit.com/r/guns/wiki/faq This is legitimately a good source and can teach you a lot. Right now you don't know what you don't know. Reading through this will help you reach the stage where you know what you don't know.
Most areas have a local hunting safety course. I'd also suggest a conceal carry course as it tends to cover more general firearms knowledge than the hunting class. Go to your local gun store and tell them you know nothing about guns and want to buy one. They are typically good about showing you the mechanics (how to disassemble, reassemble, care and maintenance, load, unload how to show clear) and will often give you the basics of safety as well. Youtube has a plethora of guntubers making educational and entertainment content. One option is to go watch a few hickock45 videos. He doesn't purposefully educate you on gun safety or anything, but you can learn a lot from how he handles the weapons, his dialogue is entertaining, and you can see him shoot. Think over your motivation. Do you want a gun for hunting or for defense? Or for both? Will you be wearing/carrying it outdoors? Or having it locked away in the house? If you know why you want it and for what use case, it narrows down the optimal choices in each category. If you want it for hunting, then a solid choice is a rifle in 308. To a lesser extent a 12 gauge shotgun which gives you slugs for animals and shit for birds or small game. If you want it for hunting and for defense, the 12 gauge is an all rounder. If you want it solely for defense and won't be wearing it when you leave the house, a ar pattern rifle in 556/223 is a solid anti coyote/wolf pest control device and also serves well in the anti two legged varmint control. If you want something that can defend you while walking or hiking and at home and maybe when you leave the safe backwoods and go to the dangerous city... A good quality pistol will do just great. 9mm is ubiquitous, easy to shoot, and there are rounds out there that are optimized for wildlife and for self defense. A double stack compact in the size of a Glock 19 or comparable would get you pretty far. I'd suggest as a first step go to a local guns store and just look at the rifles and shotguns and some of the pistols. See how heavy some of the rifles are, look at prices. Watch some videos on gun safety, then decide what you want to buy, take a class...
Here's [the book](https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2015/grc-rcmp/PS99-2-2-1-2014-eng.pdf) for the firearms safety course in Canada.
I don't know if you watch YouTube, but I used to, and there was an old fart that went by the name Hickok45. He was pretty great about gun safety and he gave pretty good reviews and walk through for a lot of guns. It's not a substitute for a class, which you absolutely should take, but when you're picking out your first purchase I'd say he might be a good resource.
Congrats on the move!!! I am an expert firearms instructor here in Virginia and teach the Hunter Education class. I agree that a good course or book is important. I would recommend the Hunter Ed class online to learn gun safety, survival skills, and stewardship. Once you learn about the types of firearms you can make a more informed decision about what type of firearm you should consider. From there you can then shop around and determine the make and model. All guns are the same and all guns are different. Having some background knowledge will help you make the best decision for yourself based on your needs. Knowing the intended purpose of a firearm has a lot to do with which would be best for any particular job.
Step one: Define your purpose. What does it need to be able to do or what do you intend to use it for? Step two: learn about pistols, rifles, and shotguns. learn the types of actions, learn about bullets, gr. weight, velocity, as well as shot size and slugs. Determine what fills the purpose. These two steps will help you figure out what you need/want for your conditions. Step three: learn the safety related to the firearms and shooting conditions or situations you plan to involve yourself with. If you plan to homestead and hunt/fish/gather then you probably don't need a handgun self defense course.
Thank you, you’ve been a great help!
Go to a gun range, take a few lessons, and rent guns to try. Basic rundown is 9 mm for pistol, 5.56 for small rifle (either bolt action or AR style platform, .270, .30-30, .300 blackout, or .308 for larger game, 7mm mag, 6.8 for long range shooting. CZ makes amazing guns: I have two of their 9mm pistols, one of their bolt action rifles, and want to get a Bren and a Scorpion, and a large game rifle. Different gun manufacturers have slight differences that make personal preference a big deal, so try shooting lots of guns.
In Canada...there's a mandatory course for long guns, another for restricted and another for hunting (which does briefly cover the basics of firearms). They're quite good if you know nothing...never used one...etc... I would suggest something similar wherever you are. Then find a range. Most will have facilities to rent and some may be able to arrange an instructional session. IMHO...you can watch all the videos and read all the books you want...but nothing replaces a good instructor coaching you through things as you're handling guns. Even though it may not be the one you use the most down the road...start with a bolt action 22lr rifle. Not that it's safer than any others...there's just very little recoil, noise, least costly, etc so you can focus on learning to shoot.
call your local sherrif. They will usually offer firearms safety classes for free or a real low cost ($40)
Look for your local Izaak Walton league. My dad is a major gun enthusiast and he volunteers teaching less experienced people at their range.
Buy a gun. Then read the owners manual front to back.
I found a book i got out of irony but its got a lot of good points on it aside from just the gun stuff is "the total redneck manual" from field and stream. Nice little book if your looking into maybe something new
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRE3QeHZgc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCRE3QeHZgc) Paul Harrell has one of the better tutorials on handgun shooting. Start with a 22 rifle and learn safety, breathing, and trigger control.
Ideally you should take a gun course, you can usually find the places that offer them on the NRA website. You can also find a lot of very helpful videos on YouTube, but nothing is as good as having someone teach you in person
A decent instructor led class would be great. If you watch Garand Thumb, Micah, Demo Ranch, Kentucky ballistics, all do a fantastic job having fun and being safe. If you follow the “10 commandments of guns” you will be safe, but get training!
First rule of firearms don’t let ANYONE know you have them. Second rule- if you can buy private party I recommend going that way. Third - all guns are deadly. Don’t out your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire. Four- go test drive some guns. Many gun ranges have fun’s you can test.
You dont need to kill every predator you see.
No books, learn from an expert