Let’s face it- this can be a downright scary experience!

I know it always is for me. Or is it just me??!!

I remember my first time venturing into a gun shop. I was pushing on a pull only door… then when I figured out that Captain Obvious piece— I nervously walked in and the chimes went off. I felt very conscious of my being there. It felt like all eyes were piercing right through me. I meandered around looking trying to process the hundreds of guns. I wanted a sales person to assist me, but I only seemed to garner glares as I walked the length of the seemingly endless counter. When I was finally approached, it wasn’t the typical customer service experience I was used to. He asked me what I wanted to see? The trouble with this question was I did not really know. All I knew was I wanted or I thought I wanted a gun. I did not know the particulars- caliber, size, single or double stack magazine, round capacity, brand, American made or foreign made, what brand was best for my uses, if I wanted compact for concealed carry or home defense, which guns were better for the different applications. I just did not know I needed to know all of that before I could shop.

Who knew there was so much to this?

You walk in and there are racks and cases of weapons in every caliber and size- enough to hold off a small army. The sheer number of guns is a little overwhelming. I literally start feeling my palms sweat and I get a little anxious. It feels like I am about to hyperventilate.

Some gun shops even come with even scarier looking dudes behind the counter that do not exactly look like friendly customer service is their forte. These are not exactly Starbucks barista’s—they all seem to have big bulging guns strapped on their hips, fu Manchu mustaches and bobbed wire scars from ear to ear.  How was that for imagery?! These guys are used to dealing with hardened gun fanatic types, that know how to tear down any gun and reassemble it in their sleep. Their typical customer does not exactly need a lot of hand holding—it is more like a bonding over the gun of choice—than helping and explaining so that the customer can make an educated choice. So when a novice comes in, green and clueless, it’s a shock to the eco-system.  In their defense, it is like these guys behind the counter just really do not know how to relate to the person who doesn’t speak their language.

Like I said earlier, hey I get it… I go in gun stores all the time and I still get that uneasy feeling.

Following these five tips can make it far less intimidating!

Here are a few things you can do to feel more comfortable in a gun store

****In Illinois – you will need a FOID card to see any gun on the gun store. Check the regulations in your state.

1. Research online from the comforts of your home before ever stepping foot in a gun store! If you know the makes, brands, calibers you are interested in — you seem more like an educated consumer. Nothing can replace the tactile feeling of handling, holding and weight testing the gun, getting the grip in your palm, seeing which gives you the most secure hand feel. A visual representation can never replace that…. But knowing which caliber, brand, semi-automatic or revolver, and make will save you some time. There are great online resources to help with this:

Compensated Affiliate Disclaimer

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you buy the product I may receive some monetary compensation. I only recommend products I use and love!

Take a look at these resources below:

5 Best Concealed Holsters– holsters are an absolute necessity. A good one is critical! You want one that is comfortable, that conceals your firearm and the most important element—it needs to securely hold your firearm. These holsters I’ve listed provide comfort, are secure, and conceal well. Buying through these types of channels can really save some money! I’ve never seen a holster in the gun store under $30- and they usually aren’t good ones.

1. ComfortTac Ultimate Belly Band Holster for Concealed Carry
2. Bundle of Belly Band +  Ankle Holster, Concealed Carry with Magazine Pouch
3. CYA Supply Co. IWB Holster
4. Concealment Clothes Men’s Compression Undercover Tank Shirt
5. Tactical Pancake Gun Holster

6 Best Concealed Purses—For the ladies, this is also another big one. It as important as having a good holster. But if you’ve ever looked in the average woman’s purse—there is some of everything in there. Not exactly where you want your gun, especially if things get dicey and you need it- you just won’t have time to look for it. Also, you really want to protect that trigger. I would only recommend a concealed purse if the gun had its own compartment aside from the clutter of the average purse.

1. Concealed Carry Removable Purse Holster
2. Concealed Carry Removable Purse Holster Sara Lock & Key Concealed Carry Tote and Matching Wallet
3. Roma Leathers Pistol Concealment Shoulder Bag
4. Camille Conceals Multi Pocket Medium Crossbody
5. Heshe Women’s Genuine Leather Concealed Carry Purse

Comparison shop for bulk ammo: I CANNOT stress this enough—do not buy ammo from the range! The mark-up is ridiculous! If you plan ahead a little and order in bulk, you can find great deals. Please use these resources listed below. I have scored huge savings and ammo cost add up if you are practicing and perfecting your ability to defend yourself and home. This can be a huge expense.

1. Ammunition Depot
2. Palmetto State Armory
3. Freedom Munitions

Eye and ear protection: like ammo—the ranges mark these mandatory accessories way up. It just makes no sense to leave that money on the table, or rather in the ranges pockets.

1. Titan Tactical Eyes and Ears Protection Kit
2. Co2Cera Hard Travel Case for Howard Leight Earmuff and safety Eyewear Glasses
3. Pacmayr 7837820 Pistol Starter Kit

Range Bags: A good range bag helps you stay organized, makes going to the range easier and makes you more prepared. I highly recommend these bags below. They have lots of storage and keep every thing compartmentalized while keeping your weapon(s) secured. Securing the weapon is probably the most important function of the range bag.

1. Osage River Tactical Shooting Gun Range Bag
2. Orka Tactical Gun Range Shooting Bag

Best Cleaning Kits: Lets face it, your gun needs regular cleaning. It’s essential for safety and reliability and operation. These kits come with plenty of apparatuses, and cleaning heads to get in the barrel and all the nooks. Again, buying online and not in the gun shop is the smartest and most economical way to buy cleaning kits.

1. Glory Fire Universal Gun Cleaning Kit
2. Ultimate Gun Cleaning Kit

Paper Targets

1. Juvale 50-Sheet Targets for Shooting

Using these tips will make you a lot smarter and better equipped when making a gun selection. Hopefully we have taken the intimidation out of going into gun shops!