What I Wish I Knew Before Buying Guns: Avoid These Common Mistakes

The excitement of purchasing a firearm can quickly turn into an expensive habit. If you’re new to gun ownership, you might find yourself building a collection that grows faster than your skills or needs. Many seasoned firearm owners, including myself, have fallen into this trap, only to realize later that quality, training, and experience trump quantity. Here’s what I wish I knew before buying guns, and some essential tips to help you avoid making the same mistakes.

The Allure of New Guns: A Familiar Trap

It’s all too common: You buy your first firearm, feel the thrill of ownership, and before you know it, the collection is growing faster than you can shoot. I’ve been there. It started with a simple handgun, but soon I found myself buying more and more, caught up in a cycle of purchases. From Glock to CZ, each new model felt like a must-have addition. The excitement of a new purchase overshadowed the practicality of honing my skills with the firearms I already had. Eventually, I realized I was accumulating firearms I barely shot.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry. Here are the five main reasons why buying too many guns early on can be a mistake and what to focus on instead.

1. The Financial Drain

Firearms are expensive, and it’s easy to overlook the cumulative cost when you’re focused on expanding your collection. Even budget-friendly models can add up, especially when factoring in accessories, ammunition, and upkeep. Rather than accumulating many guns, consider investing in quality training and sufficient ammunition. Not only will this maximize your skills, but it also ensures you’re putting money towards valuable experiences and growth rather than letting firearms collect dust.

2. The Cost of Accessories

Once you buy a firearm, there’s usually a need for add-ons—optics, holsters, lights, and possibly even modifications. With each new gun, the expenses multiply. For example, a light and optic setup can easily add hundreds of dollars. When you own multiple firearms, it can be tough to equip each one properly. Instead, focus on setting up a primary firearm with the essential accessories you need and become proficient with it. This allows you to build a dependable, personalized setup without overspending​.

3. Lack of Training

It’s tempting to jump from one new gun to the next, but becoming a skilled shooter requires time and dedicated training. With a growing collection, it’s challenging to get proficient with each firearm. The result? Owning multiple firearms without being fully comfortable or skilled with any. A single, well-practiced firearm is more valuable than a dozen barely-used ones. Spend time mastering your primary weapon through regular training sessions, focusing on technique, accuracy, and confidence.

4. Storage and Safety Concerns

Each additional firearm requires careful storage and safety measures, especially if you have kids or others in your household. A safe, secure location becomes essential as your collection grows. The more guns you have, the harder it becomes to ensure they’re all stored securely and safely. By limiting the number of firearms, you can manage safety more easily, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring each gun is accounted for.

5. Decision Fatigue and Underuse

More isn’t always better. Decision fatigue can creep in when choosing which firearm to take to the range, making it harder to enjoy the experience. Simplify your choices by sticking to a primary firearm and mastering it fully. You’ll be more focused, less stressed, and will find greater enjoyment in practice sessions when you’re not overwhelmed by options.

What I Would Do Differently

If I could go back to my first days of gun ownership, I’d focus on a simple setup: one reliable, compact handgun and an AR-15 for versatility. This minimal yet functional approach would allow for deep familiarity with each firearm, maximizing both practice and performance. Here’s what else I recommend:

• Invest in Training and Ammo: Prioritize skills and practice over new purchases. Each round you fire is an investment in your ability and safety.
• Stick to One Brand: Choosing one brand for handguns simplifies magazine and accessory compatibility, saving time and money.
• Standardize Ammo: Stick with one caliber, like 9mm, to streamline your ammunition stockpile.
• Expand Only When Proficient: Once you’ve become highly proficient with one or two firearms, then consider adding to your collection if you feel it’s necessary.

Conclusion

Owning multiple firearms can be exciting, but it can also hold you back. By focusing on quality, proficiency, and responsible storage, you’ll make the most of each firearm and avoid the trap of endless buying. When it comes to firearms, simplicity, safety, and skill development will always trump quantity.

FAQs

Is it better to own multiple guns or just a few?
Owning just a few, well-practiced firearms is often more effective than having many guns you rarely shoot.

How can I resist the urge to buy more guns?
Channel that urge into training and ammo. You’ll find greater enjoyment in becoming skilled with what you already own.

Are accessories worth the investment?
Accessories can improve functionality, but only invest in them once you have a primary firearm you’re fully proficient with.

Why is storage so important with a large gun collection?
More firearms increase the risk of unauthorized access or accidental exposure. Proper storage is essential for safety, especially with kids in the house.

How much should I spend on training compared to new guns?
Consider spending as much, if not more, on training and practice as you do on purchasing new firearms. Skills are a lasting investment.