First time gun owners. If you've picked up any kind of firearm due to recent country activity, please, please hit a gun range. Get range time under your belt. See how it patterns, find an ammo that works best for it. Get safety training for yourself. Ownership is much more than--

Just letting it sit in it's holster or case. Ownership is a responsibility. It isn't as easy as just point and pull the trigger. Ammo brands and various powder amounts will pattern differently from gun to gun. Figure what groups the tightest. Treat it as if it's loaded always--

Even if you just checked. Never put your finger on the trigger until it's aimed at the target. Be mindful of who, and what, is around you. A single moment of carelessness could injure you or someone innocent around you. Practice safe handling and trigger discipline always.

I know you may be scared. Firearms are first and foremost a tool and it's no good if you don't know how to use it properly. Keep it clean. If you carry it around in a bag, etc, it's easy for lint and grunge to build up over time. Cycle your ammo every year. Don't impulse buy-->

And by that I mean find the pistol that fits you best if you are purchasing a pistol. Heavier is less likely to have muzzle flip but perhaps a large full size doesn't fit you. Consider the use for revolver vs semi auto. Smaller isn't always better either. Find what fits YOU.

I may continue this soapbox later, but for now, gotta head to work. Tl;Dr- don't buy and store it thinking you can pull it out and automatically be Annie Oakley. Get range time in and learn proper safety.

Ok continuing soapbox because y'all are amazing!

With a pistol, familiarize yourself with it. Learn how to strip it down to clean it. Learn where the trigger engages BUT PLEASE READ HOW BEFORE DOING IT. Drop the mag. Draw the slide back repeatively to clear it and to check it!--

Once it is clear and it's a pistol safe to dry fire (specifically center-fire pistols, rim fire and a small handful of others, read up on that here: https://blog.cheaperthandirt.com/dry-fire-practice-is-it-safe-for-your-firing-pin/) place a penny atop the pistol. Confirming the chamber is clear, point the pistol in a safe level direction

Once it's confirmed clear (yes. Repeating this. VERY IMPORTANT) and the penny balanced on top, slowly draw the trigger back until it dry fires (if double action). Single action will require you to cock it prior.

What are you doin? You are building up memory of where it engages.

Building up memory of where they trigger engages means you are less likely to jerk the trigger. Have a pistol you shouldn't dry fire? There are dummy blank plastic and rubber rounds made specifically for this!

Study also proper hand placement on the pistol with BOTH hands.

This is a right hand correction chart (mirror if you are a lefty) when you're at the range, look at your grouping, or the spread of the bullets. Practice at 5 or 7 yards. Most encounters are short distance. Odds are, you won't be taking 20+ yard shots in a personal defense case.

Also when aiming, focus on the front sight. Let your vision travel down to the target yes, and be fully aware of your surroundings, but bring it back to focus will mainly be the front sight.

https://www.range365.com/handgun-grips-what-works-what-doesnt/

This is a great example of various grips often seen and why they may be good or not. This grip here is what's worked best for me. I avoid "teacupping" as it causes much more central muzzle flip.

https://www.police1.com/police-products/firearms/training/articles/the-3-shooting-stances-which-ones-right-for-you-LA3iowVFZFC9hE24/

3 popular stances and pros/cons to each. When it comes to ANY firearm, for the love of all things, DON'T LEAN BACK. You want to lean into the firearm. It makes you much more sturdy and less likely to flail about when you fire.

When handling, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, usually at the ground. Pistols stay holstered OR close to your body. NOW. Racking a pistol. Often times they can be Very stiff. Please start this video at 1:50 and go till around 3:20.

This technique in the video allows me, a all female, to rack any pistol. This includes with wrist braces and such for carpal tunnel.

Learn your safeties!! Some pistols have one or multiple safety measures such as a basic firing pin safety or grip/trigger safeties. Practice open carrying and drawing from a position or drawing from it's container, always minding your trigger discipline, and drilling yourself.

Educate the children on the home about firearm responsibility!!! I was 4 when my dad had loaded pistols well within reach. I knew then not to touch. Obviously each child is different so be responsible and have it accessable to you only. Be mindful if someone is mentally unstable.

Can't go on enough about being mindful of the household. Take needed precautions according to your own needs and everyone's needs around you. Be mindful of the setting it may be used in, and lastly. Use only as a LAST resort. Always try to remove yourself from the situation prior

Firearms aren't a bargaining chip, they aren't there to make you look tough or cool. They are to first and foremost protect your life and those in your charge. If you can remove yourself, do it. Don't escalate and don't go looking for trouble.

Lastly, don't brandish the weapon. Not only is that illegal, it makes you a target. The less people know, the better. In a home setting, keep it hidden but accessable to you only and always, ALWAYS think about what's beyond the target and not just the target itself.

And that's my TED talk folks. There's so much more I could go on about, but for now, this is where I will leave things be. Be safe, be responsible, and thanks for reading.