Let’s be real, buying a new gun is exciting. I get it, and I’ve got more than a few myself. But before we buy yet another Glock or another basic AR that looks a lot like three others in the safe, let’s pause for a reality check. Are you really making the most out of what you already own? Believe it or not, there’s a lot more to shooting than just owning a bunch of guns. So, before you splurge on that latest Sig beta test or Keltec frankengun, here are five things you might want to invest in first.
Training
Shameless self-plug! But seriously, whether you invest in professional instruction or dive into YouTube tutorials, almost any training is better than no training. All the gear in the world won’t save you if you can’t use it under pressure. It’s easy to get sucked into buying the latest widget to “improve” your performance—a lightweight guide rod, a better trigger, a compensator, or whatever else Instagram says is the new hotness.
Take it from me: training consistently with proper form will do more for your shooting than all those gizmos combined. Sure, a nicer trigger or new barrel might help a little, but those upgrades only enhance the gun’s performance. They don’t inherently make *you* better. No gadget is going to fix your grip, improve your sight picture, or correct your stance. That’s on you.
Training Ammo
If you want to get better and consider firearms as tools for both enjoyment and self-defense, don’t get stuck in “safe queen” mode, where your guns look pretty but never leave the safe. Ammo isn’t glamorous, but every round downrange improves your skills. Stocking up on expensive self-defense ammo and then never shooting it? Useless. At the end of the day, shot placement trumps the price tag on the ammo box.
Pro tip: buy in bulk. It’s easier on the wallet, and the paper targets won’t care how much you spent. Find the cheapest ammo that reliably functions in your gun and stock up. You can’t practice if you’re scared to pull the trigger because of the cost per round. This should also be a factor when you do decide to purchase firearms. I built a really sweet .300 Blackout but at $1 a round it costs more than double what my 5.56 guns do every time I pull the trigger. Guess which ones get shot more?
Safety Supplies & Medical Gear
Shooting is fun, but safety is non-negotiable. If you don’t already have a solid Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) and a stash of lead wipes, you’re doing it wrong. If you’re going to be around tools that poke holes in people, it’s wise to know how to plug those holes.
In most of my classes, I cover the basics of applying a tourniquet. You’re far more likely to save a life with medical gear than with a firearm. Knowing a few life-saving techniques can mean the difference between life and death. Don’t skip this part, it’s too important.
Weapon Capability Upgrades
Before you grab Gun #27, why not make Gun #26 even better? Adding firearm acessories like a quality optic, sling, or weapon light can give new life to your current setup. Things like a better barrel or a new trigger might make marginal improvements, but they won’t add new capabilities.
Upgrades like night sights, a suppressor, or a more capable optic will expand what your gun can do. For handguns, I consider a setup incomplete until it has an optic, a holster, and a weapon light. For rifles, at minimum, I want a quality optic, a weapon light, and a sling. And don’t forget maintenance, invest in the tools to clean, service, and repair your firearms.
Magazines & Spare Parts
When it comes to magazines, you can never have too many. They’re like socks in the dryer; they tend to vanish. Having extras means you’re always range-ready and won’t be stuck reloading the same mag over and over like a peasant.
Magazines are consumable. They wear out, break, and fail when you least expect it. Spare parts are another must. Firing pins break, springs wear out, and Murphy’s Law never takes a day off. Research common failure points for your firearm and stock up on cheap replacements. For ARs, a spare bolt carrier group and a small parts kit are lifesavers. For pistols, extra springs and pins are a no-brainer. Trust me, you don’t want to be sidelined by a $2 spring during a class or competition. I've worn out several recoil springs in my Glocks and had pins walk out and dissapear on me twice. Both cheap parts but not having them on hand was a pain.
Final Thoughts
Buying another gun is fun, no argument there. But if you’re serious about improving your skills and getting the most out of your collection, these investments will take you further. What’s the point of owning a small arsenal if you’re not equipped to use it effectively? Gear up, train hard, and be an expert with your equipment.
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