Back to Basics

What Beginners Need to Know About Handguns
(including guest article by Jay from Minuteman Review)

Well, 2020 is finally over, and what a strange year it has been. As we’ve mentioned in earlier blogs ("4 Rules for Handling a Firearm" and "The Unprecedented Surge in US Gun Sales During the Covid-19 Pandemic"), the unrest and uncertainty of 2020 has driven a record number of firearm sales. In fact the latest FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) numbers for January through November 2020 show that 35,758,249 firearms have been sold in the US during the past 11 months; 10,325,393 (40.6%) more than during the first 11 months of 2019. The final data for December 2020 hasn’t been released yet, but it will probably push the sales numbers to over 40M for the year; far more than any other year on record. Obviously people are concerned about protecting themselves – to include an estimated 8 million new gun owners. In fact, one study estimates that first-time buyers accounted for 40% of the firearm purchases that were made in the first seven months of the year.

Back in June we highlighted a great infographic from the Minuteman Review about "The true story behind the unprecedented surge in US gun sales during the Covid-19 pandemic" after Jay, one of their writers, reached out to us based on reading some of our blogs – to include "4 Rules for Handling a Firearm" and “Accurate Handgun Shooting”, which both specifically focused on some of the topics that new shooters needed to know.

Since then, the craziness of 2020 has continued, and in December Jay reached out to us again – this time with an article that he had written about “Back to Basics - What Beginners Need to Know About Handguns”. Because it fit with our point of view, Jay asked that we pass it on to all of our readers. So here it is:
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Ever since the Second Amendment gave us the right to bear arms, many people have taken up this opportunity. Some carry a handgun for hunting purposes – for example, when they need a backup for their rifle. Others may need it for safety purposes. For instance, if you live in a bad neighborhood, then having that handgun around might make you feel safer (particularly if you fear burglars or muggers). Still, when you purchase a gun, you need to know every possible thing about it. From what a handgun is, to how to use it, and safety issues. This article will touch on all these basics. 

What Are Handguns?
As its name suggests, a handgun is a type of firearm that was designed to be held in just one hand. Even with that in mind, experts recommend that you use both hands when holding the gun, as it will offer you better stability and more precise shooting. Handguns are a good choice if your target is somewhere between 3 to 30 feet (~1 to 10 meters) away, but they are not particularly recommended for long-distance shooting. For that, you will need a shotgun or a rifle, which can shoot farther. 

Handguns branch out into two main types: pistols and revolvers. Pistols are made so that projectiles can be fired from an integrated magazine (normally located in the handgrip) through a chamber integral to the gun’s barrel. Some common examples are the Glock series, the Smith & Wesson M&Ps, and the SIG Sauer P320. These types of weapons also allow for firearm accessories such as targeting sights, lights, suppressors, holsters, and so on. 

While revolvers are similar, they do have some key differences. They do not have an integrated chamber that is permanently in line with the handgun’s barrel. Revolvers have a rotating cylinder that sequentially cycles the bullets in front a single barrel. The cartridges of the gun are put into chambers, which are configured into a circle in the cylinder. The cylinder is then rotated and the cartridges are fired through the barrel when the trigger is pulled.  
 
Basic Handgun Lingo
In order to understand handguns, you first need to understand bullets. A bullet can be referred to as either a “round” or a “cartridge” – but in most cases, the word “bullet” is what’s most commonly used. But, that is only half the truth. To put it simply, the bullet is the part of the round that goes down the barrel and shoots towards the target.

The round has other parts too, such as the casing, gunpowder, and primer. The primer is the part from the back of the casing that will ignite the gunpowder, sending the bullet flying. Some of these parts are discarded once the trigger is pulled, and only the bullet part will reach the target.
 
Understanding Handgun Safety
Safety is the first thing you should concern yourself with when you are using a handgun. We’re talking about the basics of the basics, and without learning them you should not even begin to touch a gun. Here are some rules that you should look on as the commandments of handling a firearm.
 
1. Treat Your Gun as If It’s Loaded
Your gun may not be loaded. Maybe you made a habit out of unloading it after every use. Maybe you believe the gun is not loaded. But you can’t be certain that you didn’t forget to unload it; maybe you said you’d do it later and then forgot. Or maybe your spouse loaded it after you unloaded it, and then forgot to unload it afterward. This is why you should always treat a gun as if it is loaded at all times, and check it when you first pick it up.
 
2. Always Point the Muzzle in the Safe Direction
Guns can go off if you are not careful enough when handling them. As a result, unless you are actively trying to shoot at a target, do not point the muzzle at something you don’t intend to shoot at. This is particularly important when you are loading or unloading a handgun, as it might accidentally go off. Make a habit to always be in control of the direction of your gun’s muzzle because in some States you can even be fined if you point the muzzle at someone if it’s not for self-defense (see Vermont “4011. Aiming gun at another”).

3. Unload or Secure the Handgun when Not in Use
A handgun should not be loaded unless you are planning to use it. If you are in the shooting area, then you have to load it. However, if you are at home or relaxing in a safe environment, you shouldn’t keep your gun loaded and unattended. Outdoors, your gun may be stolen and will put your life in danger – and indoors, if you have kids, it can put their lives in danger. Refrain from climbing trees or doing any awkward activities with a loaded (and unholstered) gun, since it can go off if you’re not careful. If you do keep your firearm loaded – then make sure it is in your immediate control, secured in your holster, a safe, or lockbox whenever possible.
 
4. Don’t Rely on the Handgun’s Safety
Most handguns have a “safety” that prevents you from accidentally firing the weapon. Because of that, you should feel more at ease when carrying a loaded gun with you. However, like every other mechanical device, firearms can be accidently triggered or malfunction. The last thing you want is for your gun’s safety to become inoperable at the worst moment. Apporximately 1% of the gun-related deaths in 2018 were accidental, and it’s usually because the people relied on the handgun’s safety too much.

5. Use the Correct Ammunition
When loading your gun, make sure that you use the correct ammunition required for your firearm. Don’t go for the “good enough” option that apparently fits in the barrel. A shot made with the wrong bullet can not only wreck your handgun, but can also lead to injury or death. In addition, make sure that the bullets you are using have been stored properly before use; normally a cool, dry place. They should not be kept in humid places, and you should not spray solvents or oil on them. Needless to say, they should not be submerged in water either.
 
THE BOTTOM LINE
The main thing about handguns is that if you want to use one, you should learn about firearms safety first. Make sure to properly learn about the weapon, the bullets it should use and how to conduct yourself while handling a gun. Once you have the safety requirements down, you should be able to properly practice with your gun to improve your accuracy and self-defense skills.
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About Jay: Jay is a pro free speech business owner based in Austin, Texas. Having lived through several natural disasters and more than a few man-made ones (hello 2008), he believes that resilience and self-sufficiency are essential in this increasingly unpredictable world. That’s why he started a business! Jay writes over at the Minuteman Review.