First Handgun

[Rekrab]

Hi folks,

I'm picking up my first handgun next week(PX4 Storm). I want to make sure I'm prepared so I can just run straight up to the range after work and try it out so I'm doing some shopping this weekend.

My Shopping List:

Cleaning Kit w/ Silicone Cloth(?)
.40 S&W ammunition (Going to drop by the Costa Mesa Show to check out the mythical Miwall)
Gun Safe (probably something big enough for 4 guns)
Case/bag for transportation and lock
Snap Caps

Any advice on brands for all this stuff?

Anything I'm missing? Thanks for any advice!

[Eroland7]

maybe a small lock for your case that you will have it in when transporting it? Otherwise you sound good to go. You have ear and eye protection?

[Rekrab]

Yeah, I bought eye and ear protection a while back for when I rented guns. The thought of borrowing grosses me out too much >.<

[tmuller]

+1 for ears, eyes and a lock. You may want to print out some targets too so you save little $$$.

[Rekrab]

+1 for ears, eyes and a lock. You may want to print out some targets too so you save little $$$.

Heh, a coworker and I were joking about using customer silhouettes. I think the range would frown on that though >.>

[hkusp9c]

silicone cloth if it doesn't come with the cleaning kit.
holster and a mag pouch if you are considering taking any training.

[sierrawoodsman]

Extra mags

[RolinThundr]

shopping

Remember that in the RoK you have to transport your ammo and firearms seperately, both locked. I use a Plano case similar to this one:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=211622

I couldn't find a link to the one I have, its a tall brown one with 2 lift-out trays, one is designed for shotshells, you should find it at most gun stores.

Another thing, when it comes to gun safes the best advice I was given was to buy one larger than needed (after of course researching companies, cost, features, etc). Basically, think about what firearms you want to purchase in the future (since the Storm is your first) and how large a safe you would need to hold them, then go one size larger (assuming that it is in your financial means to do so). The reason for doing this: because once you get it home and set up with your gun in it you'll look at it and think, "what else can I put in here?" You will then proceed to put other valuables in there to protect them, important docs...wife's expensive jewelry...stamp/coin collection(s)...knives/swords...cash for emergencies...the list goes on.

Two sites that offer products to keep your safe organized as well as other gun supplies:

https://www.sportsmansguide.com

www.cheaperthandirt.com (this one's kinda hit and miss with quality, but they do carry some brand name stuff)

Extra mags: www.topgunsupply.com

[Ishoot]

More ammo...for the next trip.

[Opus109]

I like the Shoot N' See targets w/ adhesive because it's very easy to tell where you hit the target.

[shoupdawg]

Plus one on everything all the folks said. Congrats on your first gun and enjoy! And maybe bring a buddy like your co-worker. I always shoot with someone along.

[Greg-Dawg]

Anything I'm missing? Thanks for any advice!

READ the manual before you do anything.

[taloft]

+1 on reading the manual. Also, before shooting it the first time, field strip the firearm and clean it. Inspect all parts for defects prior to reassembly.

[forgiven]

I like to buy the ranges reloads and their targets. Helps them out.

[M198]

Remember that in the RoK you have to transport your ammo and firearms seperately, both locked.

Since when? The law only states it must be in a locked container and unloaded. There is no prohibition on carrying the ammo in the same compartment and certainly nothing about locking up ammo.