Beginner’s Guide to Guns

Firearms education is crucial for beginners. So we’ve come up with the lessons below filled with tons of videos, pictures, and corny jokes. You’ll start off with gun basics like how they work and the different types of guns. Then we’ll dive into the fundamentals of stance, grip, and, trigger pull. Followed by some of our favorite picks across the major gun categories. Finally, we dive into more intermediate topics like additional gear, training techniques, and concealed carry.

Table of Contents

Your journey to becoming a certified gunslinger starts here!

Chapter 1

Introduction to Guns & Safety

The most basic but most important stuff. Please check out the 4 Firearm Safety Rules first. And then learn how guns and bullets work.

  • 4 Firearm Safety Rules
    BY Eric Hung,

    Learn the 4 firearms safety rules to keep your gun learning experience a safe one at home and at the range. Plus the why's behind each one.

  • How Guns Work
    BY Eric Hung,

    How do guns work?!? We'll quickly cover how they work, components of a bullet, various actions, and loading mechanisms.

  • Types of Guns: Pistol, Rifle, & Shotgun
    BY Eric Hung,

    Quickly learn all about the three types of guns: pistols, rifles, and shotguns. Plus how they work, how to shoot them, and the best models for each.

  • Basic Bullet Guide: Sizes, Calibers, & Types
    BY Eric Hung,

    Quickly learn all about common bullet sizes & calibers with tons of pics. Plus find out the differences between bullet tips such as hollow point and FMJ.

  • Talking to Your Kids About Gun Safety
    BY Julie Golob,

    Got kids? Got guns? Mom, veteran, hunter, and professional competition shooter Julie Golob gives some life-saving tips about children's firearms education.

Chapter 2

Shooting Fundamentals

We’ll walk you through the fundamentals of stance, grip, trigger pull, and more so you have a solid foundation for shooting at the range.

  • Shooting Stance
    BY Eric Hung,

    Quickly learn the pros/cons of the Isosceles, Weaver, and Chapman shooting stances through tons of pictures and videos.

  • How to Grip a Pistol: Semi-Auto & Revolver
    BY Eric Hung,

    Want to shoot better? You've got to have a proper pistol grip. We cover exactly what makes a good grip for both semi-auto and revolvers.

  • Sight Picture & Eye Dominance
    BY Eric Hung,

    Quickly discover your eye dominance for shooting in less than 60 seconds and learn proper sight alignment, holds, and where to focus on your front sight.

  • Trigger Pull & Follow Through
    BY Eric Hung,

    Learn the most important aspects of the trigger pull and follow through. Important bullet points, diagrams, and video to help you out.

Chapter 3

How to Shoot a Gun

Chances are you’ll probably head to the shooting range first before deciding on a gun. We’ll start with what to expect and then how to shoot the most common types of firearms out there.

  • Shooting Range Basics

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

    • First Day at the Shooting Range
      BY Eric Hung,

      First time to the shooting range and not sure what to expect? We'll cover rules, what to do, and indoor/outdoor ranges to make your trip safe and a little less intimidating.

    • Essential Shooting Range Gear
      BY Eric Hung,

      Find out all the essential range gear you need to have a successful trip...from the real essentials, to the "nice to have," and even elite gear.

  • How to Shoot Different Guns

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

    • How to Shoot a Handgun
      BY Eric Hung,

      Quickly learn how to safely shoot a handgun by covering different trigger types, correct grip, sight alignment, and loading/unloading.

    • How to Shoot a Revolver
      BY Eric Hung,

      Quickly learn how single and double action revolvers work , how to shoot them, and how to unload to make them safe.

    • How to Shoot a Rifle
      BY Eric Hung,

      Learn how to shoot the most common semi-automatic rifle, the AR-15, as well as a bolt action rifle.

    • How to Shoot a Shotgun
      BY Eric Hung,

      Quickly learn how pump and semi-auto shotguns work, before diving into how to load, unload, and shoot them.

  • How to Shoot Better

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

Chapter 4

Recommended Firearms

Now that you’ve shot some guns, we’ll walk you through some of our favorite beginner firearms by type of gun. We also dive into concealed carry and some recommendations for women (by women).

Chapter 5

Ammo, Tools, & Gear

All the stuff you’ll need to clean, shoot, and have a safe/fun time at the range and at home. Find out more specific info in our DIY Gunsmithing and Gun & Gear Reviews sections.

  • Ammo

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Shooting Essentials

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

    • Shooting Range Gear
      BY Eric Hung,

      Find out all the essential range gear you need to have a successful trip...from the real essentials, to the "nice to have," and even elite gear.

    • Best Shooting Ear Protection [Electronic & Passive]
      BY Eric Hung,

      We tested the most popular passive, electronic, & in-ear shooting ear protection out there for protection, comfort, & value.

    • Best Shooting Glasses
      BY Eric Hung,

      We tested the most popular shooting glasses across all budgets. "See" which ones we liked best due to style, comfort, protection, views, and price.

    • Best Gun Cases for All Budgets
      BY Eric Hung,

      Not sure what gun case to get? We've used all the popular hard, soft, and discreet cases out there for pistols and long guns.

    • Gunsmithing Tools
      BY Eric Hung,

      Find out the most essential gunsmithing tools you'll need to keep your firearms running in great shape or to make easy modifications.

    • Best Pistol Lights
      BY Eric Hung,

      The most popular pistol lights tested with tons of rounds through them. Find out the best in terms of reliability, budget, lumens, beam pattern, and more.

  • Safety

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

Chapter 6

Shooting Better

Once you’ve got the basics down, we’ll help you shoot better groups at a faster pace.

  • General

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Pistol Shooting

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Disabled Shooting

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

Chapter 7

Concealed Carry

Looking to concealed carry? We have a dedicated Ultimate Guide for it. But here are our top articles covering our favorite concealed carry pistols, gear, mindset, and legalities.

  • Concealed Carry Gun Reviews

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Concealed Carry Gear

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Mindset

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Concealed Carry Insurance

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Legalities

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

Chapter 8

Competitive Shooting

Tired of shooting at static targets at the range? How about some running and gunning with some fast-paced shooting competitions? We’ve got you covered from an overview of different types of competitions to the essential gear you’ll need to rank highly.

  • Shooting Competitions Overview

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Guns & Gear for Competitive Shooting

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

    • Pistol Caliber Carbines for Competition
      BY Annette Evans,

      Pistol-caliber carbines are all the rage right now, and competitions that let you show them off are cropping up all over. Here's how to get started.

    • Everything You Need for 3-Gun
      BY Travis Pike,

      Its hard to choose 3-gun gear. We've laid out exactly what you need to compete, including all the best gear to get your first match off to a great start.

    • Best 3-Gun AR-15s
      BY Travis Pike,

      Building your own AR-15 for 3-Gun can be daunting. Here's our favorite out-of-the-box best AR-15's for 3-Gun competition across all price points.

    • Best 3-Gun Shotguns
      BY Travis Pike,

      If you're looking to get into competitive shooting, you'll need a good 3-gun shotgun. We've rounded up some of the very best available to help you get started.

    • Best Rifle Compensators
      BY Travis Pike,

      Looking for the best compensator to reign in muzzle flip? We cover options for all budgets and the most popular 3-Gun competition calibers.

Chapter 9

Reloading

We cover everything about reloading your own ammunition in our Ammo & Reloading section, but these quick guides will give you a glimpse into what it takes.

Chapter 10

Hunting

Everything to get started hunting…from where to hunt to the best hunting firearms and how to build up the perfect hunting load.

  • Hunting Firearms

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.

  • Hunting Ammo

    BY Jacki Billings,

    Production on Beretta's 1301 Tactical 7+1 paused as Beretta wrestles with ATF over regulatory issues & poll shows majority of Americans favor gun control.