Becoming a gun owner is a big responsibility. Whether you’re carrying for self-defense, sport shooting, or home protection, it’s essential to start on the right path. Unfortunately, many new gun owners make common mistakes that can lead to unsafe handling, poor performance, or even legal trouble. At South Carolina Gun School, we want to help you avoid these pitfalls and become a responsible, well-trained firearm owner.
- Not Getting Proper Training
One of the biggest mistakes new gun owners make is assuming that just owning a firearm is enough. Simply purchasing a gun doesn’t mean you’re prepared to use it effectively or safely. Proper training is crucial to building confidence and skill.
Solution: Seek professional instruction from qualified trainers. Take courses that cover not just marksmanship, but also defensive tactics, situational awareness, and legal considerations.
- Neglecting Firearm Safety Rules
Safety should always be the top priority, yet many new gun owners fail to consistently follow the fundamental firearm safety rules. Accidental discharges often result from ignoring these principles.
Solution: Always follow the four universal firearm safety rules:
- Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.
- Never point a gun at anything you’re not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
- Choosing the Wrong Firearm
Many first-time buyers purchase a gun based on recommendations from friends, flashy marketing, or movie portrayals rather than what fits their specific needs and experience level.
Solution: Before buying, test out different firearms at a range. Consider factors like ergonomics, recoil, caliber, and intended use. A firearm that works for someone else might not be the best choice for you.
- Poor Maintenance and Storage
Neglecting to clean and properly store a firearm can lead to malfunctions, unnecessary wear, and safety risks, especially in homes with children.
Solution: Learn how to clean and maintain your firearm regularly. Invest in a proper safe or lockbox to keep your gun secure and out of unauthorized hands.
- Not Understanding the Law
Ignorance of local, state, and federal firearm laws can lead to serious legal consequences. Many new gun owners are unaware of concealed carry regulations, self-defense laws, or transport restrictions.
Solution: Educate yourself on firearm laws in your area. Take courses that cover legal considerations, and stay up to date on any changes in legislation.
- Overlooking the Importance of Dry Fire Practice
Many beginners think that only live fire at the range will improve their shooting skills. However, dry fire practice (practicing firearm manipulation without live ammo) is a crucial and cost-effective way to enhance skills like trigger control, sight alignment, and draw speed.
Solution: Incorporate dry fire drills into your training routine. Use tools like dummy rounds or laser training devices to improve muscle memory.
- Relying Solely on the Gun for Protection
Owning a firearm does not automatically make you safer. A self-defense mindset involves more than just having a gun—it requires awareness, de-escalation skills, and knowing when to avoid confrontation altogether.
Solution: Train beyond just shooting. Learn situational awareness, defensive tactics, and conflict avoidance strategies. Carrying a gun should be part of a broader self-defense plan.
- Forgetting (or not learning) the Fundamentals
You always fall back to the lowest level of training you have mastered, and that should be the fundamentals. Learning the fundamentals is the necessary building block to becoming a better shooter. Shooting fundamentals are divided into proper sight picture, sight alignment, breath control, trigger pull, grip, stance, and follow through. Mastering these fundamentals seems boring but is the key to success when it comes to safely handling guns.
Solution: Seek professional training to help you better understand the fundamentals and learn what it takes to make them second nature
- Not Understanding Ammunition Types
There are wide varieties of different forms of ammunition for different purposes. Using a type of ammunition outside of its purpose can be dangerous. Self-defense firearms should be loaded with self-defense ammunition. Good hollow or soft point ammunition, it prevents over penetration. A full metal jacket load will zip through a target and have the potential to harm others. Hollow point, frangible, and soft point ammunition is less likely to over penetrate and harm others.
Buy a gun that fits your purpose, your skill level, and your physical needs. Never go too big, that’s dangerous. If you can’t handle a particular firearm effectively then you can’t handle it safely.
Solution: Seek training and/or education on the different calibers, their purpose, and what will be best for your needs.
- Trying to Replace Skill with Accessories
No matter how many do dads or gizmos you attach your rifle, handgun, or shotgun you won’t be a better shooter. You are likely to make your weapon heavier and doing nothing to make you better. A good shot is going to be a good shot regardless of accessories.
Solution: The only way to buy skill is to seek formal training.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common mistakes will set you up for success as a responsible gun owner. Training, education, and practice are key to ensuring both your safety and the safety of those around you.
At South Carolina Gun School, we offer courses designed to help new and experienced gun owners alike develop the skills and mindset needed for responsible firearm ownership. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, we’re here to help.