Firearm-collecting is a fun hobby for many. It can connect you with other gun lovers out there, connect you with history and make you feel safer. Here is how to build up your collection the right way and get the most out of this hobby.
Take Care of the Legalities First
Gun purchase, possession, and usage laws vary widely by state and municipality. Some states may require you to obtain a firearm identification card in order to legally own them. Some states have more laws on how and where they can be bought and sold than others. Certain categories of people are prohibited from owning guns and in some areas it is illegal to own certain types of guns. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws in your state and keep up to date with them so you never run into trouble.
Go to Gun Shows
Gun shows offer gun lovers a unique opportunity to connect with other collectors, show off their own collections, and buy and sell. You can also trade firearms if each of you has one the other wants. There are many local gun shows across the country that are held every year. You can make a point of attending a local one near you regularly or travel to several. Be sure to respect the rules of the convention as well as the policies of individual sellers.
Buy Online
A great place to look for your favorite firearms is online. You won’t be limited to what you can find in gun shows and gun shops, instead you can search for exactly what you want. For example, if you want a certain size of handgun, you can shop for 9mm handguns online to only look at the type of firearm you are looking for. This can save you a lot of time and be a much more convenient option for buying new guns.
Safeguard Your Collection
Finally, you should take the proper steps to safeguard your collection. Unlike most other hobbies, guns are dangerous if they get into the wrong hands. Be sure to keep valuable guns locked away to prevent theft and keep all guns safely away from any children in your household unless supervised. You may also want to consider taking out an insurance policy to protect your valuable collection.
If you want to grow your collection, you need to know where and how to look. You also need to practice good gun ownership. Following the above tips can help you properly obtain and maintain a firearm collection.