First time buyer

[archer1212]

I know this will come off as a stupid question but I have never purchased a firearm before but plan to purchase both an AR and handgun before its too late and EVERYTHING becomes illegal here in California.

Outside of the firearm what all is included in the purchase?
is a case and lock included or is that an additional fee?
Any other information that would be useful would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Blownmotor]

Case & lock typically comes with the pistol with no additional fees. Never seen one for rifles.

[lazyworm]

depends on the model and manufacturer. Most new pistols come with a case, lock, 1-2 magazines, manual. Some come with holster and mag carrier. Rifle varies widely.

[Garv]

If you're doing private party transfers you don't know what you're going to get until you do the deal and finalize details with the seller.
If buying new, sometimes you have to buy a lock. A case or box is typical with a handgun.
If you have a safe, you can do a safe affidavit for rifles at many LGSs.

[dyson]

New Rifles come with a lock and cardboard box

[Truck286]

Box
10 round magazine
Paperwork instruction and warranty info
I would highly recommend You Purchase ASAP.
Because pickings are getting slim.. A lot of AR rifles are Now being purchased sight unseen and shown to You on the computer or one that is already purchased and on a 10 wait..
Sorta hit or miss if there is any in stock..
A Batch comes in and half are sold and the other half will be very soon..

[L84CABO]

New Rifles come with a lock and cardboard box

Daniel Defense comes with a case...or at least it used to. Been a couple years since I bought my last DD.

[Marquand]

Archer1212, you will be paying for the cost of the firearm, the sales tax on the firearm, a $25 DROS (Dealer's Record Of Sale) fee, and any needed accessories.

Most firearms come from the factory with a cable lock but some don't. You will have to have one unless you own a gun safe and can fill out a Safe Affidavit.

Some firearms come with a hard case. Some don't.

You will also need to purchase ammunition, a cleaning kit, and spare magazines would be recommended. Most semi-auto pistols come with two magazines and most rifles come with one.

Talk to your LGS and see what sort of package they could put together for you.

[MajorSideburns]

Good advice! But maybe go easy on the acronyms with a beginner! For reference Archer1212, LGS = local gun store. There is no 'standard' package! Like any other commercial product, guns are sold by various companies with various enticements to get you to buy theirs vs the competition. In California, you will be required by law to purchase a lock if you do not own a gunsafe at the time of pickup of the firearm. Most gun stores charge less than $10 for the lock. As a beginner, the best advice I can give you is to find someone you know to show you the ropes. Also, living in California, it would be prudent to keep up with the ever changing laws here. A large round of new gun laws were passed a couple of weeks ago on July 1st. The same AR you can buy today will be illegal come next year unless you register it with the state's DOJ, or you make some modifications to it.

Like others said, don't forget to earmark your budget to include ammo and accessories like cleaning supplies, mags, targets, range fees, safety equipment like hearing/eye protection, etc.

If you are a super beginner, it also couldn't hurt to take a class or similar formal instruction, if you don't know anyone to teach you certain fundamentals, mechanics, and safety practices. Safety should ALWAYS be your #1 priority and concern when it comes to firearms. Many ranges also allow for renting of handguns, so you can kind of try before you buy a certain model. I recommend this route if you have little prior experience

Archer1212, you will be paying for the cost of the firearm, the sales tax on the firearm, a $25 DROS (Dealer's Record Of Sale) fee, and any needed accessories.

Most firearms come from the factory with a cable lock but some don't. You will have to have one unless you own a gun safe and can fill out a Safe Affidavit.

Some firearms come with a hard case. Some don't.

You will also need to purchase ammunition, a cleaning kit, and spare magazines would be recommended. Most semi-auto pistols come with two magazines and most rifles come with one.

Talk to your LGS and see what sort of package they could put together for you.

[Lumpia is sarap!®]

Welcome to Calguns! This is the beginning of your journey to freedom!

[fritztkatt]

Where are you OP? If you're in North sd county I'll help you out, if not, I'm sure some other members would be willing to help.

Like the above guys said, it's all subjective to mfr, new/used, package deals, etc. You might get nothing with it, might get everything you need except ammo. Don't be afraid to ask. Some private sellers might mention something like "$800 with case/mags/papers, $700 gun only"...

Springfield guns often have a great deal, reasonable price with case, mags (and coupon code for excellent discount on more mags), cheapo holster and mag pouch.

Definitely budget yourself for basic supplies. Ears, eyes, holster/sling, some extra mags, mag carrier, cleaning gear. If you're near open land where you can legally shoot, you'll definitely want at least a card table, and some target stands.

[archer1212]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the replies. I was honestly expecting ato least a couple smart *** responses putting me down for not knowing much.
In the last few days I've been to 4 shops and talked to some guys for a couple of hours which I should have done beforehand anyway.
I'm not completely new to handguns (I've been to the range about 5 times in past) but I am completely new to AR/rifles.
I would defiantly be open to taking some sort of class if anyone know of any good ones out there. I don't want to be "that guy" at the range that will make people nervous because of inexperience.
I am from the Knotts Berry Farm area.
Again thanks guys

Also, any advise on what to look out for on a used AR?
I am planning on purchasing one from a guy on here who seems legit but one can never been too sure.

[myk]

Did anyone mention a safe? You've got to put aside money for the best safe that you can afford to buy. After I bought my first weapon, a rifle, my method of storage was under the mattress; not good. Don't be like me, buy a great safe from the start...

[Mickey D]

Stag Arms AR-15 comes with a hard case. Excellent rifle.

[baih777]

I don't recommend buying a used AR if this is your first one. S&W sport II and DPMS oracle use to be in the $650 range. But some AR's you need to buy sights for. If you like the rifle just buy it. You can get get sights or a scope later.