Key Takeaways:
- People invest in guns for protection, hunting, sport shooting, collecting, and self-defense training.
- The types of firearms available on the market include pistols, rifles, shotguns, etc.
- To purchase a handgun in the United States, you must be 21 years of age, and some states require a background check.
- Gun safety for beginners starts with always pointing the gun in a safe direction and keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.;
- Knowing your target and what’s beyond is crucial before pulling the trigger.
Are you thinking about investing in guns? It’s essential to do your research before making any purchases.
This guide will teach you the basics, from the types of firearms available to the factors to consider when making a purchase.
Why Do People Buy Guns?
1. Protection
You can use a gun to deter criminals and protect yourself and your family in the event of an intruder or home invader. Additionally, a weapon can be used for self-defense in the event of an attack by an animal or another person.
2. Hunting
Hunting can be a fun & rewarding experience, and owning a gun is essential for it. In some cases, possessing a firearm may also be necessary for survival, as it can provide a source of food if other food sources are scarce.
3. Sport Shooting
Sport shooting is another popular reason people buy guns. Sport shooting includes target shooting, skeet shooting, and trap shooting.
4. Collecting
Guns can also be collected as a hobby. Some people collect guns because they are interested in the history of firearms. Others like to have a collection of different types of guns! Whatever the reason, collecting guns can be a fun and rewarding hobby.
5. Self-Defense Training
Owning a gun can also prompt you to train for self-defense. If properly trained to use a weapon, you will be better prepared to defend yourself in an attack. Additionally, self-defense training can help to improve your confidence and peace of mind.
The Types Of Firearms That Are Available On The Market
1. Pistols
Many people think of pistols as small, easily concealable weapons. Pistols come in a wide range of sizes and styles, from compact handguns to larger weapons that can be difficult to hide.
While some pistols are designed for self-defense, others are meant for use on the range or for sporting purposes. Whatever their intended use, all pistols share some standard features.
Most notably, they have a short barrel, making them relatively inaccurate at long range. They also typically have a lower capacity than other firearms, such as rifles.
Pistols are best suited for close-quarters combat or situations where accuracy is not as important.
2. Rifles
Rifles typically have a longer barrel than pistols and can be semi-automatic or automatic.
Rifles are generally used for hunting or target shooting. You can fit them with various sights and scopes to improve accuracy.
Some rifles, such as assault rifles, are designed for military use and can be fitted with high-capacity magazines and other accessories. In general, rifles are versatile weapons that can be used for a variety of purposes, from recreation to self-defense.
3. Shotguns
Shotguns are typically used for hunting or sport shooting. They are designed to fire shells that contain several small pellets, which spread out after leaving the barrel and increase the chances of hitting a target.
Shotguns come in various designs, but the pump-action shotgun is the most common. This type of shotgun has a cylinder that holds several shells and a pump-action mechanism that moves the shells into the chamber. Pump-action shotguns are popular because they are relatively easy to use and maintain.
Another type of shotgun is the semi-automatic shotgun, which uses gas or recoil to eject spent shells and chamber new ones automatically. Semi-automatic shotguns are often used for home defense or competition shooting because they can be fired very quickly.
4. Machine Guns
Machine guns are fully automatic and fire a stream of bullets with each trigger pull. They have been used in a variety of military and law enforcement applications.
Today, machine guns are typically classified as either light machine guns or heavy machine guns based on their weight and intended use.
Light machine guns are designed for infantry use and are usually carried with a sling or strap.
Heavy machine guns, on the other hand, are mounted on tripods or vehicles and are used to provide suppressing fire during combat operations.
In addition to their different roles, machine guns also differ in how they feed ammunition. Some models use magazines, while others utilize belts of ammo that you must manually reload.
How To Purchase a Gun and Register It?
It is easy to purchase a gun in the United States. Several types of guns are available for purchase, and each state has laws governing the sale of firearms.
In most states, you must be 21 years of age to purchase a gun. You may also need a background check, a criminal history check, and a mental health evaluation.
You can purchase your gun after passing the necessary checks. You will also need to register your weapon with the state government in some states. Once you have registered your gun, you can carry it in public places.

Gun Safety Tips for Beginners
Here are some gun safety tips:
- Keep it pointed in a safe direction.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
- Know your target and what’s beyond it
- Be sure of your target before you pull the trigger
- Store firearms and ammunition separately
- Educate yourself about gun safety and how to use firearms safely
Bottom Line: Which Type of Gun Is Right for Me?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, including your budget, intended use, and personal preferences. If you’re starting, purchasing a gun that you’re comfortable with and suitable for your needs is important.
For example, if you plan on using your gun for home defense, a shotgun or a handgun would be better than a rifle.
No matter what type of gun you purchase, always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and practice safe gun handling.
Related: Picking the right gun for your personality type.
So, are you looking for a new firearm?
Eagle Arms in Bloomsburg has everything you need, from pistols and revolvers to rifles and shotguns. We carry all the top brands to help you find your perfect safety gear!
Need repairs or modifications? Our gunsmiths are some of the best in the business. We can handle any job, big or small, so your firearm is always in perfect working order.