New gun owner

[kiev95]

Hi

Never owned a gun before. Picking up 9mm EZ in few days from local FFL. Need some guidance as to what to check when picking up the gun and whether anything needs to be done before I take it to the range (cleaning, lubing, etc.)

 

[NYlakesider]

Hi

Never owned a gun before. Picking up 9mm EZ in few days from local FFL. Need some guidance as to what to check when picking up the gun and whether anything needs to be done before I take it to the range (cleaning, lubing, etc.)

If I were you I would have the shop answer your questions. The better shops in my area do not have to be asked, they will just do it. Know more about your new purchase that way, will save you a lot of problems. If they do not volunteer ask! Also pick up a cleaning kit!

 

[kiev95]

Thank you. Any suggestions on the cleaning kit? Will bore brushes and jags do or do I need bore cleaning snake or both?

 

[bigwheelzip]

Welcome to the forum.

At a minimum, after visual inspection, I clean the bore before shooting.

All new shooters we take to the range must watch and understand this video.

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COvFyw-6Fqs[/ame]

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

And pick yourself up a membership in the NRA.

While you are at it. I am guessing that you would like to hang on to that gun for a while.

 

[NYlakesider]

Thank you. Any suggestions on the cleaning kit? Will bore brushes and jags do or do I need bore cleaning snake or both?

OBTW welcome aboard.

On the cleaning kit make sure it has your caliber size. Many of the kits of today are for multi guns I tend to use the rods with whatever tip/s I need. A brush definitive, and something to attach cleaning cloth on the rods. Most of the kits come with oil and or grease. Also you might need loaders to get your magazine filled up with ammo. Ear and eye protection a must.

As your new and want to learn hopefully there is a range or gun club that can give you some help with your gun. Working with a experience shooter will be very beneficial to you.

Learn right and practice and be safe, the ammo situation today is iffy, hopefully you can get your hands on what you need!

Good luck, Dave

 

[kiev95]

Thank you everyone.

 

[Ceapea]

I'm surprised nobody mentioned it. Maybe I'm the only one that does it.
Read the owners manual that came with the gun! Since you are a first time gun owner, read EVERYTHING in the book, it will tell about safety concerns, operation, maintenance, and 90% of everything else that you need to know. Read the book...very good advice.

 

[lkabug]

Get lessons from a qualified instructor. Many folks out there willing to give free advise.
Some good some not so good. Get familiar with the gun, as noted above, read the manual. Many ranges will have classes on cleaning and maintenance in addition to proper handling.
Start out right, seek out professional advice at your local range.
And Welcome from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

[jag22]

More than likely your FFL is a "gun guy" and will be more than happy to go over the gun with you. He may not be familiar with that particular model but the basics are true for most.

 

[chief38]

My opinion is that you need to get some advise, instruction and guidance from either an instructor or someone who is reputable and knowledgeable. There is a lot to know - too much to say in a paragraph.

I will only say one thing here and that is:

Owning a gun is a heavy responsibility.

 

[stansdds]

First, welcome to the S&W Forums!
Second, as others have said, get firearms safety and shooting instructions from a qualified instructor or from someone that you know is fully versed in firearms safety and shooting.

 

[Igiveup]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations to you for a great first time purchase. I think all of the above advise is very sound. Just use your brain and think things through and all will work out great.

 

[H Richard]

Always remember, "If you don't know, Ask". There are no dumb questions.

Welcome to the Forum. Hope to see you around.

 

[jjfitch]

The NRA offers several on line courses for new shooters since many in person courses are on hold due to the "China virus"!

Google: "The NRA Basics Of Pistol Shooting Course"

Cheers,

 

[Yankeefan]

I've had my M&P 9 for just over 6 months and have been down this same road. Completely agree to read the manual cover to cover. For cleaning, I like the Real Avid Gun Boss Pro and use Hoppes solvent and oil. Both are easy to find online and in stores. Search YouTube for videos on cleaning your pistol which will give you more insight than just the manual.

Get instruction. Our local indoor range team gave us some help which improved our comfort with our weapon and our aim. We took their basic class and will go through more advanced classes soon.

Also, grab ammo where you can and make sure you have ammo for the range (full metal jacket) and some ammo for home defense (I like Hornady Critical Duty or Federal HST). FMJ rounds could go through your target, your wall and possibly hit bystanders.

 

[Deceasedeye]

Since you don't have the experience and have not been subjected to some of the things you will learn in time, I suggest that you lock your weapon in the trunk or the glove box while traveling with it. Just sayin!