3 Things Every New Shotgun Owner Needs To Buy

Posted on: 14 March 2016

If you've just purchased a shotgun for home protection, then you need to get a few accessories. Just buying the gun is not enough. It's important that you are able to keep it safe as well as keep yourself safe when using it. Below is a list of the essentials.

A Gun Safe

The number one thing to get, after you have picked out your shotgun, is a safe. This is important because it will safeguard your family. If you have young children, or have friends or family that have children who visit, then it's negligent to keep a shotgun lying around unguarded. Also, a safe will protect your gun from theft. If burglars enter your home and see a shotgun, they will take it and then your weapon will have fallen into the hands of criminals.

You can get a large, stand-up safe. These are heavy and cannot be easily removed from your home. If you plan on getting more guns, or already have rifles and handguns, then a large stand-up safe is perfect. You can have it installed in a closet, hidden behind a rack of clothing for further concealment.

 If, on the other hand, you are only planning on only having one gun, then you can opt for a smaller under-the-bed safe. These can slide under you bed, dresser, or bureau. They don't take up as much space and are not as expensive.

A Carrying Case

You don't ever want to carry a shotgun around in a duffle bag or some other bag that is not designed for firearm transport. At best, you risk damaging the weapon; at worst, you risk accidentally discharging the weapon.

You can get a solid plastic case or a flexible cloth case. The solid case provides the best protection due to the hard exterior shell and the interior foam insulation. Soft cases are popular with hunters because they can be carried into the field and then folded up in a knapsack when not in use. However, if you're only ever taking the shotgun from your home to a shooting range, or to the dealer for repairs, you might prefer the sturdy solid case.

Ear Plugs

It's important to familiarize yourself with how to operate the shotgun. This means that you will need to fire it. The best place to do this is at a shooting range. While most ranges will offer earplugs, some won't. Furthermore, some places will have subpar ear protection. It might be too old, worn out, or simply unhygienic. So it's wise to invest in a good pair of quality earplugs that have been designed for firearm use. Never simply purchase earplugs meant for yard work. They do not have the same decibel blocking properties as earplugs designed for loud gunfire.

For more information about how to keep yourself and your gun safe, contact a company like Northern Security Supply Inc.

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