Hey, that's a great question. I don't own firearms at this time, but I have in the past. I'm solidly on the pro-gun side of the issue, but there are certain things that need to go along with responsible gun ownership. Just like driving a car.

Take a gun training course. Your town is certain to have gun training and safety courses, either run by the police or the gun club or another party. They will teach you everything you need to know about smart gun handling and ownership. Contrary to what some believe, these trainers approach their task very seriously and expect their students to do the same.

You didn't say what your gun is for... self-defense, hunting, skeet shooting? Each of those have different requirements, especially self-defense.

Know what the laws are in your area about the ownership and usage of that particular gun. The rules for hunting rifles, for example, are usually different than those for concealable pistols.

If you have anyone else in your family they need to take the course as well. Kids need to understand the reality of guns if they're going to be around them.

If your gun is for self/home defense you need to consider how you are going to access that gun and keep accidents from happening. Your gun safety and gun self-defense courses will cover those issues.

Consider buying a well made gun vault to store your firearms.

Do not tell everyone that you have a gun. Most won't care, or will look at you funny, depending on your crowd. Some will consider you a crazed nutcase who's likely to start shooting up the neighborhood. And one or two might mention it to some shadey friends of theirs.

I knew a federal police officer who had his home broken into and his guns stolen. The local PD wasn't all the thrilled with the issue. Talk to your gun people to make sure that doesn't happen.

Hope that helps.