Got a Gun for Christmas? Here’s What Comes Next.

If you found a firearm under the Christmas tree this year, congratulations.

Whether it came from a spouse, a parent, or another family member who wanted you better protected, owning a gun is a meaningful step. It’s also a normal one. Millions of law-abiding Americans own firearms for self-defense, hunting, competition, and personal responsibility.

But a gun isn’t just another piece of gear. It’s a tool that deserves intention and respect.

This article isn’t about rules, lectures, or politics. It’s about answering the question almost every new gun owner asks next:

“Okay… now what?”

Let’s walk through it—step by step.

Step One: Safety Comes First

Before accessories, ammo choices, or even range time, the first priority after getting a new gun is simple:

Learn how to handle it safely.

Firearm safety isn’t complicated, but it is unforgiving. Small mistakes can have permanent consequences, which is why experienced gun owners never treat safety as something you “move past.”

That starts with internalizing the core safety rules:

On the surface these rules seem simple enough but internalizing them to the degree of following them perfectly all the time takes a little work. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

We offer a FREE online Gun Safety course designed specifically for new and returning gun owners. It covers safe handling, storage considerations, and real-world best practices—clearly and without jargon.

👉 Take the free Gun Safety course here

If you do nothing else after receiving a firearm, start here.

 

Learn Your Gun—Before You Carry or Rely on It

Once safety fundamentals are in place, the next step is getting comfortable with your firearm.

That means learning how to:

• Load and unload it correctly
• Lock it open and visually confirm the chamber
• Manipulate controls confidently
• Handle it without hesitation or guesswork

Much of this learning happens at home, not at the range—and that’s where smart safety habits matter most.

 

One of the most effective tools for at-home gun handling and dry practice is a BarrelBlok in the correct caliber. A BarrelBlok physically blocks the chamber and visibly protrudes from the muzzle, providing immediate confirmation that the firearm cannot fire.

Dummy rounds (snap caps) are another valuable training aid. They allow you to safely practice:

• Loading and unloading
• Magazine changes
• Basic malfunction clearing
• Dry fire (for firearms where appropriate)

These tools don’t replace safety rules—they reinforce them. They help build deliberate, repeatable habits that reduce risk while increasing confidence.

Critical Support Gear and Accessories

Skill matters more than gear—but some gear is essential to responsible ownership. It’s about support equipment that protects you, protects others, and reinforces safe habits.

The Basics Every Gun Owner Needs

• Eye and ear protection to prevent permanent injury
• A basic range bag for safe transport and organization
• Secure storage, such as a safe or lockbox appropriate for your household

These are part of the baseline—not optional extras.

The Next Phase of Responsible Ownership

After those initial critical items you may consider some other important support gear including:

• A BarrelBlok for safe at-home handling
• Regular range access or a range membership
• Basic cleaning supplies to keep your firearm reliable
• A quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard and retains the firearm securely
• A trauma kit to be prepared for the worst case scenario on and off the range

Good gun owners don’t just buy a firearm. They build a system around it.

Your First Range Trip (Keep It Simple)

If this is your first time shooting—or your first time shooting this gun—your initial range trip shouldn’t be about accuracy or speed.

It should be about safe, confident handling.

A basic class at a local range or time with a qualified instructor is one of the best ways to start. A good instructor will help you:

• Load and unload safely
• Maintain muzzle discipline
• Establish a proper grip
• Understand range etiquette and commands

If that’s not an option, going with a trusted, experienced friend or family member is the next best thing.

What you don’t need to worry about yet:

• Tight groups
• Shooting fast
• Shooting far

Focus instead on repeating the basics correctly and calmly. Accuracy and proficiency will come later.

Understand the Law—Before You Carry or Travel

Gun ownership is legal everywhere in the U.S. How you carry, transport, or use a firearm in self-defense is where things get complicated.

Laws vary widely by state, and what’s legal in one place may be a serious problem in another. That makes legal awareness a responsibility—not an afterthought.

Start Simple (Free)

We offer a free mobile app with clear legal summaries for all 50 states. It’s designed for quick, practical research—especially when traveling.

Go Deeper

For a true understanding of self-defense law, we recommend our American Gun Law training program. It explains:

• When use of force is legally justified
• How self-defense incidents are analyzed after the fact
• Common myths that get gun owners into trouble

👉 Learn more about American Gun Law here

Knowing the law isn’t optional. Learning it on your terms is the smart move.

 

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Final Thought: You Made a Good Choice

If you received a firearm for Christmas, you didn’t just receive an object—you accepted a responsibility that millions of Americans carry every day.

Responsible gun ownership isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention. Learning the basics. Building good habits. Seeking knowledge. Taking preparation seriously.

Start small. Be consistent. Respect the responsibility.

If you do that, you’re already on the right path.

Welcome to responsible gun ownership.