Owning a gun is a point of pride. Like having the nicest car in the neighborhood, your firearm can be a great way to spend some quality time with friends, become a part of a tight knit community with a like minded interest, or just spend a day alone at the range. In any case, gun enthusiasts are lucky because they have such a large amount of gear available to them because of the popularity of this hobby or lifestyle.
Being a gun enthusiast means you are serious about a few things. These are well represented in the must-have items that you can find available for you, which will be outlined in this list.
Gun Safe
Any responsible gun enthusiast and firearms owner should have a gun safe. They are intended to prevent children or others from accessing the weapons, and they come with an impressive amount of safety technology. Digital locks, traditional tumbler locks, and ample room to store your firearms, plus equipment also provide the added storage you need for your guns.
You should also consider investing in a dehumidifier for your safe, because exposure to moisture over time can damage your firearms. These dehumidifiers do not take up much space in the safe either. Safety first means keeping these guns out of the hands of anyone not regulated to use them, and keeping the guns themselves safe from the elements.
Cases
Carrying cases are must haves for some states, while others allow for open carry. In any case, it is always a good idea to have a portable case. Much like a gun safe, they keep your firearm away from the elements so that dust, water, mud, and any other combination of debris that can harm the gun. For hunting or going to a range in the outdoors, it is a great thing to have. The protection is one thing but it also provides organization for your firearm and any other gear you have, which can be stored in it. They come in various materials as well. Hard shell or fabric material options are available, depending on your needs or desire for portability.
Hearing Protection
Guns are loud. As an enthusiast, you probably already know that. What you might not know is that if you continue to operate firearms for too long without proper safety for your hearing, you can seriously damage or even lose your hearing. Hearing protection with foam ear buds or earmuffs is a cheap solution. It really is that simple, and it will not hurt your pride to be safe. The professionals do it so there is no reason for you not to.
Gun Cleaning Kit
Cleaning kits are perfect ways to maintain your firearms for years to come. While safes and cases can keep them protected momentarily, you still need to clean them regularly. Universal gun cleaning kits come with a variety of brush heads, cloths, and brass rods to suit any model of firearm. They are inexpensive, and come in a useful carrying case that helps keep it all neat and tidy in the same place. Your firearms are an investment, so treat them with respect by maintaining their condition.
Straps and Holsters
Carrying equipment that helps keep your hands free is useful when at the range. Holsters are a solid choice for sidearm use, as they keep your pistol attached to your hip securely and provide a lot of mobility. Similarly, a good shoulder or back strap for a rifle, long gun, or similarly bulkier gun keeps your arms from getting tired carrying by hand all day. The customization options are great as well, because you can find different patterns like camo, as well as bandolier options.
Extra Ammunition
It is always a good idea to have extra ammunition on hand or stored away at home in case you forget to go out and buy some. This is just a good habit to keep yourself stocked up so that you are not constantly having to buy more as you run out. Sometimes you can even get deals on buying ammo in bulk, which will save your wallet in the long run.
Firearms are something that deserve to be treated with respect. They are not toys, and gun enthusiasts are those that take this hobby or lifestyle very seriously. As with any serious interest, there are a lot of must-have items. The ones outlined here are far from the only ones you need, but they are certainly very useful options to consider when you take a hobby such as firearm ownership as seriously as a true enthusiast.