If you’ve recently decided that, yes, it’s time to purchase a handgun to protect your home and family, you may be wondering what accessories you’ll need (besides ammo, of course).

First, you may want to consider buying a holster for it. That’s not because you’re expected to swagger around with a gun on your hip like Wyatt Earp. But you’ll need that holster to hold your gun whenever it’s not at use at the practice range.

And, especially if you’re a new gun owner, it is strongly recommended that you regularly go to the practice range.

You’ll want to keep your trusty weapon clean, so invest a hundred bucks or so in a good cleaning system that accommodates all calibers and includes bore and chamber brushes, cleaning rods with slotted tips, cotton patches, and an all-purpose receiver brush.

Make sure the kit has at least a few secondary cleaning tools as well, plus a good sturdy case, and a manual that explains the whole process.

Finally – and perhaps most important – buy yourself a safe or secure gun cabinet (try Craigslist by the way, for really nice, cheap gun cabinets!) where you can store and protect your firearms and reloading supplies. The reasons are obvious – you want to keep the gun out of the hands of burglars, and especially, your own curious kids. That last point can’t be stressed enough.

A good, portable vault safe will run you anywhere from $80 to around 200 bucks. Whichever price range you choose, the expenditure is worth every penny. When it comes to gun ownership, keep it safe, and your family will be kept safe.