Whether you are completely new to firearms or already own a couple, you might have gun collecting on your mind. But with so much information out there, even the most invested person can feel overwhelmed learning the ins and outs of responsible gun ownership. Figuring out which guns you want to collect is another beast to conquer.
The hardest part of collecting is getting started. If you are serious about gun collecting, then this will be a piece of cake! You will learn quickly that gun collecting is fun, especially for collectors who enjoy target shooting and hunting.
Do you want to start a gun collection as a hobby? Here’s some important, must-know information from an established gun store in Olathe, KS.
Get your gun license
Whether you plan to collect guns for hunting, target shooting, home protection or display, licensing your guns is a must. Having a gun license means you can legally own firearms without getting into trouble with local and federal law enforcement. Check with your state for specific gun licensing laws.
Types of guns to collect
The next thing you need to do is choose the guns you would like to collect. Do you like the feel, look and concepts of handguns? Rifles? Shotguns? Antique firearms? If there’s a specific time in history that interests you, run with it and learn about the guns used during that period. Although there’s no one saying you can only collect one type of gun, it does help for collecting purposes. Collect a specific type of gun and you’ll soon see many versions of the same category. Your collection may include the same guns from all around the world, from different time periods, as well as guns made by various manufacturers.
Attend gun shows
Gun collecting requires you to reach out to fellow gun collectors and sellers. Buying or trading is how you grow your gun collection. One way to get connected is to attend gun shows. People at these types of shows enjoy talking about guns and will no doubt love to talk to others about gun collecting—they’ll even give pointers and helpful information to novices. Another incredible benefit of going to gun shows is getting the chance to see a lot of different types of guns up close.
Where to buy guns
Ideally, you should hold and inspect any gun before buying. You can’t do this when you buy guns off the internet. Plus, you may not be getting as good a deal as you think from online sites. Instead, visit local gun shops and purchase from specialized gun dealers. Legitimate pawn shops are also excellent places to get a deal on guns. These shops know guns, including how to inspect, repair, clean and value firearms of all kinds. Buying guns from a certified dealer also ensures the guns are being sold legally.
Here at Harrison Street Pawn, we’re proud to be a full service gun store in Olathe, KS. Come check out our collection of guns and ammo today!