Arizona residents who want to buy a handgun for personal protection can do so when they turn 18. But deciding to buy a handgun is not just walking into a gun store and ordering them as one would in a supermarket. Whether it’s an assault rifle, a hunting rifle or a custom close-quarter tactical pistol, customers need to consider some things carefully and take all the time they need before they decide to buy one.

Although Arizona is a permitless carry state, buyers need to understand that guns are not just toys; they must be used only when there are life-threatening situations inbound. With that being said, here are a few things to keep in mind before ordering a handgun:

1. What’s The Purpose: When buyers want to buy their first regular gun or a custom close-quarter tactical pistol, the first question that they need to ask themselves is why they want a gun in the first place. Self-defence is the most common reason for Arizona residents, followed by recreational shooting in gun ranges and hunting. It’s vital to get the purpose sorted out first so that buyers will find a handgun that is more suited to their expectations and personal preferences. But that begs the next question that many can wonder. Is there a difference? Technically yes. Guns that are made for self-defence will usually have considerable stopping power and are designed to hold more bullets or have better concealability. They are also on the higher end of the price range. Handguns meant for recreational shooting will be simple and cheaper with small calibre bullets. Hunting handguns will have the heaviest and largest calibres of all of them and are only meant for experts who know how to handle them properly.
2. Always Be Up-to-date About The Law and How It Varies With Each State: Gun laws in Arizona may be completely different from those in New York or California as they vary from state to state. Moreover, citizens need to pass inspections at federal, state, and even county levels to get approved for a firearm permit. First, get an idea about the gun laws in Arizona either through the internet or the resources available at the local police departments. Those with criminal records will not get approved for firearms permits, and citizens must pass a strict background check if they want to be cleared to buy handguns. Buyers must also have a verified medical report stating that they are clear of certain mental illnesses that can hamper their judgement. Drug and alcohol addicts may have a hard time getting a permit, and buyers must have legal documentation proving that they are a citizen of the US.
3. Try It Out First And Feel Whether It’s The Right Fit: There are hundreds of design specifications and models that buyers in Arizona can choose from, but the right way to gauge the best handgun is to try it. Go to a local gun store, ask for a specific handgun model that you want and head into the store’s gun range to feel how it is. The size of the frame, handling, ease of use, availability of safety mechanisms and the capacity of the handgun are some of the things to look out for when trying them out. Buyers can also get all the other accessories like an extended magazine, flashlight, a pistol case and holster and kits for cleaning and maintaining the handgun. However, there’s no need to overspend and always stick within the budget.