Firearms are typically categorized as long guns and handguns. Long gun is a term used to describe rifles and shotguns, while the term handgun refers to pistols and revolvers.

Learn more about the different type of rifles, shotguns, and handguns on Guns.com. Scroll toward the bottom of the linked page and click on “About” for additional information.

Simply put, caliber refers to the size of a bullet.

The most common handgun calibers include 22 LR (Long Rifle), 380 ACP, 9mm, 40 S&W (Smith & Wesson), and 45 ACP, while the most common rifle calibers are 223 Remington, 308 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, and 30-30 Winchester. By far, 12-gauge is the most popular shotgun shell, followed by 20-gauge and 410 bore.

In most cases, a license or permit is not needed to simply own a gun in the United States.

However, there are a handful of states that do require a permit to own a firearm. Slightly more than a dozen states recognize what is referred to as “Constitutional carry,” which means a gun can legally be carried without a special permit or license.

In the states that do require a license or permit to carry a firearm, the process to obtain such can vary greatly from state to state.

Some states simply require a bit of paperwork and a background check, while other states may want proof of a certain number of hours spent training, a more extensive background check, and extended wait times.

Additionally, every state has different laws concerning the carrying of guns in your car.

When traveling, it’s important to remember that not all states have the same gun laws, and you must abide by the laws of the state in which you are traveling. While some states will accept a concealed carry license from another state, several won’t. This is referred to as reciprocity.

An interactive map showing what permits and licenses are accepted in which states can be found at USA Carry or USCCA.

For additional information on state licensing and gun laws, the National Rifle Association offers a quick-reference guide which shows, state-by-state, what is required for gun ownership and legally carrying, as well as a reciprocity map for each state.

Remember, it is solely your responsibility to ensure the information you have on your state’s gun laws is correct and up to date.

The best gun for concealed carry, home defense, or any other purpose is the one with which you are the most comfortable.

While some models are more popular than others, don’t ever let a salesperson or well-meaning family member or friend tell you which model you need. What works for them may not necessarily be the best option for you.

Find a firearm that feels the most natural, then spend time not just target shooting but using all of the different functions and features. In time, you will gain comfort and confidence, knowing the gun you’ve chosen is the best fit for you.  

No, you cannot legally buy a gun online and have it shipped to your home. Your online gun purchase will be delivered to a local gun shop, commonly referred to as an FFL.

The gun shop will take delivery of your gun, usually for a small fee, and you will be required to pick up your purchase in person. You will also be required to show a valid ID and pass a background check.

The best way to learn about gun safety is to find a local instructor who will take the time to show you the ins and outs of gun safety and give you the opportunity to handle guns in a safe, controlled environment until you are comfortable and confident in your abilities to safely handle a firearm.

Try a Google search for “basic gun safety classes” in your area or ask a local gun shop.

Find a gun range near you to practice your shooting skills. Depending on your location, shooting ranges can offer vastly different shooting experiences.

Some gun ranges are nothing more than an open field with targets, some shooting ranges are indoors, and some offer a retreat-like environment with snacks, coffee bars, and lounge areas. Some shooting ranges have employees and instructors available to provide assistance, if needed, while others are more of a “self-serve” environment, with no help provided.

Also keep in mind that some ranges are private and require a membership for use. Try using Google to search for “gun ranges” or “shooting ranges” near you.

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding safe storage of firearms, and safe storage for you will depend on a number of personal factors, such as whether there are kids in the home.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the most secure method of storing firearms is unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition. However, some oppose this method and argue that in the event the weapon is needed, such as during a break-in, it will not be easily accessible or ready for use. 

A number of products are available for safe gun storage. The most common are cases or safes and trigger or cable locks.

Gun cases and safes can be simple to elaborate and can cost anywhere from $50 to several thousand dollars. Most safes and cases lock with a standard key or keypad, but biometric safes are an option that use fingerprints for locking and unlocking. Biometric safes prevent an unauthorized user from gaining access to its contents. In addition to access, construction should be considered when shopping for a gun case or safe. Things to think about include whether it is fireproof and whether it can be bolted to the floor to prevent it from simply being carried away and cracked open at another location.

Trigger locks are small, lightweight devices designed to lock the trigger in place so that a gun cannot be used. They are not recommended for use with loaded guns, as use with a loaded gun can result in accidental discharge. Although most are inexpensive, trigger locks are not created equal and some can easily be pried off of a gun. Similar to trigger locks in concept, cable locks are looped through the gun and prevent the components from moving, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the gun. Although also lightweight and inexpensive, cable locks can easily be cut with hand tools.

While it’s certainly acceptable to carry a gun in your car, your gun should never be stored in your car or otherwise left unattended. Thousands of guns are stolen from cars in the US every year. If you must leave your gun in your car, make sure it is secured in a car gun safe, which is inexpensive and easy to purchase. For traveling, there are plenty of storage solutions designed specifically for use in a vehicle, including holsters and cases.

Routine cleaning and lubrication are the most important types of gun maintenance.

When a gun is fired, tiny bits of powder and other residue are left behind, and even when not fired, environmental elements such as dust, dirt, and moisture can collect in and on your gun. These tiny things can turn into big problems — like rust — when left unchecked.

Likewise, firearms are machines, with internal components that move and work together, and like all machines, guns need to remain properly lubricated for peak performance.

Some people recommend cleaning after every use, while others say that’s not necessary. A good rule of thumb is cleaning and lubrication should be done every few hundred rounds or at least once a year, even if the gun has not been used.

Outside of elements for safe storage, the most popular firearm accessories are holsters or cases and extra magazines.

Other top-selling accessories may include scopes, laser sights, and different grips.

No, an AR-15 is not a machine gun, and the “AR” is not short for “assault rifle.”

The AR stands for ArmaLite Rifle, ArmaLite being the company that first developed the concept for this type of rifle.

Essentially, the AR-15 works no differently than the semi-automatic rifle your grandpa uses in the deer woods.

An AR-15 is semi-automatic, meaning one pull of the trigger fires one single bullet. The rifle will then “automatically” put the next bullet into the chamber and ready for use, but won’t fire until the trigger is pulled again. One squeeze of the trigger equals one bullet.

On the other hand, machine guns will continue to fire bullets in rapid succession with a single squeeze of the trigger. One squeeze of the trigger equals a “spray” of bullets.

Although machine guns, sometimes referred to as Class 3 weapons, are technically legal to own, they are highly regulated, require an extensive amount of paperwork and a serious background check, and are very expensive to own and operate.

You cannot go to a gun show to skip a background check and buy a machine gun, nor can you pick up a machine gun at your local pawn shop.

The AR-15 style rifle is lightweight, easy to use, and packs a powerful punch.

The elements that give the AR rifle it’s unique look — such as the stock, pistol grip, and barrel shroud — all work collectively for easier operation. This is especially beneficial for those who would otherwise have a harder time handling a semi-automatic rifle.

This could include those of smaller stature, those who lack upper body strength, and those who suffer from injuries or disabilities that make it more difficult to operate a heavier or more high-kicking rifle.