Condition WhiteRelaxed and unaware. Everyone starts here.
New to Firearms? Start Here.
The safety rules, a good first gun, and how buying works in Indiana, explained plainly by the team at our Greenfield counter.
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Learn these before anything else. Every safe gun owner follows them every time.
- 1
Treat every gun as if it is loaded
Even when you are sure it is unloaded. Check it yourself every time you pick it up or hand it over.
- 2
Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy
Keep it pointed in a safe direction at all times, including while cleaning and holstering.
- 3
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target
Rest it straight along the frame until you have decided to shoot.
- 4
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it
Bullets can pass through walls, doors and targets. Know what is behind whatever you shoot at.
Good First Firearms
Pick the gun for the job it will do most, then hold a few before you buy. These three cover most first purchases.
A 9mm handgun
The most popular choice for home and carry: manageable recoil, affordable practice ammo and lots of holster options. Compact models suit most hands.
Shop handgunsA .22 LR for learning
Very little recoil or noise and the cheapest ammo there is. The best way to build good habits before stepping up.
Shop riflesA pump shotgun for the home
Simple, reliable and effective inside the house. A 20 gauge is easier to handle for smaller shooters.
Shop shotgunsRead more
Buying Your First Gun in Indiana
Indiana has no purchase permit, registration or waiting period. You must be 21 to buy a handgun and 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun from a dealer. Bring a valid Indiana ID with your current address, fill out ATF Form 4473, and most background checks come back in minutes.
Read more
Indiana Gun Purchase Laws: How to Buy a Gun in Indiana
Yes, in Indiana you can usually walk into a gun store and leave with a gun the same day. There…
Read guideATF Form 4473 Explained: What It Asks and How to Fill It Out
ATF Form 4473, the Firearms Transaction Record, is the federal form you complete whenever you get a gun from a…
Read guideGun Background Check Delayed? What It Means and What to Do
A delayed background check means the FBI's NICS system needs more time to review your record. It is not a…
Read guideWhat Is an FFL Transfer? How It Works, Step by Step
An FFL transfer is when a gun you bought somewhere else, usually online or from an out-of-state seller, is shipped…
Read guideGun Layaway: How It Works and What to Know First
Gun layaway lets you reserve a firearm with a down payment and pay the rest over time. The shop holds…
Read guideCleaning, Care & Storage
A clean, lightly oiled gun stored somewhere dry and locked will last a lifetime. Not comfortable taking it apart yet? Our gunsmith offers cleaning and inspections.
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How to Clean a Gun: Step-by-Step for Beginners
To clean a gun, unload it and remove all ammunition from the room, field strip it per the owner's manual,…
Read guideHow to Store Guns to Prevent Rust: Humidity, Oil and Cases
To store guns without rust, clean them, wipe off fingerprints, and coat metal with a thin layer of gun oil…
Read guideGun Cleaning Kit Essentials: What You Actually Need
A basic gun cleaning kit needs a cleaning rod or bore snake, a bronze bore brush and jag that match…
Read guideCommon Questions
What is the best first gun?
There is no single best one. For most people a 9mm handgun that fits their hand, or a .22 LR rifle for learning, is a great start. Come hold a few at the shop before you decide.
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Indiana?
No. Indiana has no purchase permit or waiting period. You complete ATF Form 4473 and pass a background check at the dealer.
How old do I have to be?
Federal law requires you to be 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer and 18 for a rifle or shotgun.
Come Talk to Us
Hold a few guns, ask anything. Closed · Opens today 11am