How Much Does it Cost to Own a Gun?

Let's take the first handgun as an example and list out the items needed along with their reference prices.

You'll need to purchase several categories of items, including:

1. Handgun/pistol
2. Ammo
3. Gun safe
4. Range bag
5. Target paper
6. Ammo box
7. Shooting ear protection
8. Eye protection
9. Gun cleaning kit

Here's a breakdown of the costs

1. First handgun

source: google

Let's use the CZ75 BD 9mm handgun as an example:

• Retail price: $649
• California tax: $71.39
• Background check (DROS): $37
• Firearm safety certificate exam: $25

2. Ammo

• 9mm Luger, brass case, new, round bullet
• Estimated cost for 1000 rounds: $255

3. Gun safe

Highly recommend a fingerprint gun safe (with spare keys), allowing quick access to your firearm in emergency situations without the need for keys or remembering passwords. Ideally, it should be mountable on walls or in vehicles, further eliminating potential security risks.

• GloryFire Gun Safe Wall Mounted Gun Safe for Handguns: $189.99 (subscribe to newsletter for 10% discount)

• Standard key or keypad gun safe: $20-70

source: google

4. Range bag

source: google 

• GunMate Range Bag with Removable Hook and Loop Dividers: $50

(Because California regulations require handguns to be transported in a locked container, it's advisable to pair it with a lock. Consider the Master Lock 4688D TSA Accepted Cable Luggage Lock, 1 Pack, priced at $9, which can be used to secure the handgun compartment of the range bag.)

5. Target paper

• 6" Reactive Paper Targets, 100 Pack, $15

6. Ammo box

• MTM Forest Green 50 Caliber Ammo Storage Can $15

7. Shooting ear protection. (shooting range essential)

• Mack's Ear Care Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs, 10 Pair $7

source: google

• GloryFire Bluetooth Shooting Ear Protection 26dB EarBuds $179.99 (subscribe to newsletter for 10% discount)

• GloryFire Shooting Ear Protection 26dB EarBuds $159.99 (subscribe to newsletter for 10% discount)

8. Eye protection

• SolidWork Shooting Glasses: $10

9. Gun cleaning kit

Gun barrels get dirty after firing, so it's best to clean them after every 100-200 rounds. Consider buying a cleaning kit that includes all the necessary tools for easy storage and convenience.

• GloryFire Gun Cleaning Kit Luxury US Patented Brass Rod $39.90-99.99 (subscribe to newsletter for 10% discount)

• Hoppe's No. 9 Cleaning Kit with Aluminum Rod $17

source: google

10. Optional

• Gun OWB Belt Holster with Magazine Pouch $16
• 9mm Luger Snap Caps (10 Pack): $15 (for beginners to practice loading, firing, and clearing jams at home.)
• Range fees: 6 visits at $30 per visit: $180

 

Overall Conclusion

Options	Budget-friendly	Essential	More comprehensive
Price	$1,181	$1,587	$1,798
What's Included	√ 1* handgun	√ 1* handgun	√ 1* handgun
	√ 11% CA tax	√ 11% CA tax	√ 11% CA tax
	√ Background check	√ Background check	√ Background check
	√ Firearm safety exam	√ Firearm safety exam	√ Firearm safety exam
	√ 1000*ammo	√ 1000*ammo	√ 1000*ammo
	√ 1*standard gun safe	√ 1*biometric wall mounted gun safe	√ 1*biometric wall mounted gun safe
	√ 1* range bag	√ 1* range bag	√ 1* range bag
	√ 100*target paper	√ 100*target paper	√ 100*target paper
	√ 1* ammo box	√ 1* ammo box	√ 1* ammo box
	√ 10*foam ear plug	√ 1*standard shooting ear protection with two switchable modes	√ 1*standard shooting ear protection with two switchable modes
	√ 1*plastic eye protection	√ 1*plastic eye protection	√ 1*plastic eye protection
	√ 1*cleaning kit with single aluminum rod	√ 1*gun cleaning kit with patented, more durable brass rods, it's an all-in-one)	√ 1*cleaning kit with patented, more durable brass rods, it's an all-in-one)
	(though you can certainly find corresponding products online for cheaper)		√ 1*gun OWB belt holster
			√ 10*snap caps
			√ 6 visits*range fees

These prices are for reference only; personal preferences vary. While owning a gun isn't cheap, it's still a worthwhile investment in protecting your family and property (hoping you never have to use it).