** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
There is a lot more to armed personal defense than simply choosing the right gun. In fact, even after a suitable firearm has been procured, there are a few preparatory steps that should be undertaken to ensure the gun is ready for everyday carry (EDC). American Rifleman’s Joe Kurtenbach recommends that new guns should receive a thorough inspection and cleaning before ever hitting the range, and should be subjected to a good reliability test and break-in consisting of several types of ammunition, including the user’s intended carry load. Follow along as Kurtenbach describes his pre-carry checklist and preps a Smith & Wesson Performance Center Shield in 9 mm for service.
![Auto[47]](/media/121jogez/auto-47.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=770&height=430&rnd=134090788010670000&quality=60)
