Gun store? That’s old school, sonny. But if you must, then it’s easy. I’m gonna assume you don’t live in California or New York.

Optional: try to rent a couple guns to shoot first to see which ones fit you in general. I say in general because all guns will be different, even those of the same model. Just make sure it fits your hand.

I HIGHLY suggest you buy the following before purchasing a gun.

1. Safe
2. Transport bag for range. Soft is best unless you’re traveling via plane
3. Ammo can for ammo
4. Desiccant to soak up moisture
5. Lead wipes so don’t get lead poisoning
6. Ear pro and eye pro. You’ll want electronic/regular muffs PLUS earplugs
7. Cleaning kit

Store guide:

1. Go to gun store
2. Ask clerk for gun you want
3. Make sure you have your ID and cash/credit
4. Fill out background check form
5. Wait. Usually instantly to 20 minutes, depending on how fast the person working is
6. Receive gun. Inspect it to make sure you have all the parts and accessories and all the functions work
7. Pay for gun

But you can find good deals online. And if you can find a good FFL that does cheap transfers then the total may be less than what’s offered in store. Check out r/gundeals

1. Find gun you want online
2. Find local FFL with decent FFL fee
3. Purchase gun like you would purchase any other product
4. There will be a box to fill out the address of the FFL dealer
5. Triple check to make sure all the info is correct. Most places will not accept returns or refund you if you make a mistake
6. Send the gun to FFL. Sometimes the online store will ask you to contact FFL to confirm. Most times they have it on file
7. Optional: contact FFL to let them know you purchased. Basic courtesy and so they know what’s in the mail
8. Wait for a few days
9. When you get a call from the FFL you can go pick it up or make an appointment
10. Inspect gun to make sure all accessories are there and functions work
11. Pay for transfer fee and background check

You will need to purchase ammo next. This can typically be shipped directly to your house. Check r/gundeals and r/instockammo as well as ammoseek.com. FMJ for practice - any will do, but some places won’t allow steel or aluminum; what I did was purchase a bunch of different brands to test out the gun and bought the cheapest in bulk. JHP for defense - American eagle, federal, and Speer are usually the best.

Make sure you’re consistent with training. A person with a gun is dangerous. A person with a gun who doesn’t know how to use it is a threat to everyone including yourself.

And don’t be that guy who buys a bunch of ideological patches to decorate your range bag. The country is already dangerous. There’s no reason to put yourself further in danger.