Guns can be useful, fun, and lifesaving things to own. But, on their own, they’re not going to deliver you safe and effective performance. Without the proper tools and accessories, your gun could be less enjoyable — or, worse yet, could present a danger to yourself, your fellow shooters, and your loved ones. That’s why every gun owner should invest in gun-related gear, tools, and accessories. Start with these four essential things that every gun owner should have in his or her home. These are the perfect things to have on hand as a gun owner, and are also great gifts for the gun lover in your life.
Gun cleaning supplies
Guns that are made well can stay reliable for generations — but not on their own. You’ll need to make sure that your gun is well cared-for if you are going to keep using it safely and effectively for many years to come. To that end, you should be maintaining your gun — and that starts with cleaning it!
So invest in some simple, high-quality gun cleaning supplies, and make a habit of cleaning your gun regularly. Be sure to learn how to clean a gun safely — too many gun-related accidents happen when people clean their guns without double-checking the chamber and taking other basic safety steps.
A kit of gunsmithing tools
Gunsmithing tools can run the gamut from simple wrenches, brushes, and hammers to complex sight-moving sets and other tools that are made for specific tasks and types of guns. Not all of this stuff is necessary, but every gun owner should have at least a basic set of gunsmithing tools. Happily, it’s pretty easy to find a kit that puts everything you need in one box or bag. Look for a set that works well for your particular type of gun (handguns, for instance, may demand different sizes and types of tools than shotguns). If you’re having trouble deciding what you need, ask an expert at your local firearms store or ask around at your firing range or gun club for advice.
A secure gun storage solution
Some gun owners want to have their guns ready at a moment’s notice for self-defense purposes. But most types of guns aren’t designed for that purpose. When you’re not using a sporting shotgun or a target-shooting rifle, you’re not going to have it under your pillow (that would not be the most comfortable night’s sleep). You’ll need to store it somewhere — somewhere safe.
One ideal solution is a gun safe, which will keep your firearm secure and away from children, visitors, and anyone who shouldn’t be in your home in the first place. There are other options, too; depending on your preferences and priorities, you may hang your gun high out of reach on the wall and store your ammunition elsewhere in order to prevent accidents. Even those who want their guns close at hand should consider something more secure than a gun under the pillow or on the nightstand: A small safe for under the bed, for instance.
A membership in a gun club
Depending on where you live, you may or may not feel that you need to join a local gun club in order to use your gun as you’d like to. But even if you have acres of land behind the house to use for target shooting or if you prefer to hunt out in the wilderness, it’s still a great idea to join a gun club. Gun clubs are wonderful places to go meet fellow gun owners and enjoy a bit of camaraderie as you shoot. You don’t have to go every day, but you should become a member!
