You can buy anything online these days. But can you buy firearms online? Yes, you can!
But, if you don’t follow the rules, you could face serious trouble. In addition, the rules regularly change, making things even more complex. So, you have to understand all the basics of how to buy a firearm online.
Once you understand the procedure, it will make a lot more sense. You can’t just order a firearm online and pick an option for home delivery! It is feasible to get guns online, but you need a local, licensed firearms dealer to assist you in achieving your shipment.
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Keep reading this blog to learn everything about buying firearms legally online.
Is It Legal To Buy Firearms Online?
Buying a firearm online is no different than buying one from an offline store. You are still subject to all local, state, and federal laws that control firearm purchases. And you can’t take delivery of the weapon directly from the online dealer.
When you go to a local firearm supplier for a purchase, you can’t buy a firearm without a background check. You need to experience the same background check when purchasing a gun online.
There are regulations in place that prevent you from doing so. Plus, you can’t buy a gun from out of state that is illegal in your area. Since you’re not buying from the firearms store and instead using an online store, the process is a little bit different.
Most online purchases start with finding someone in your area with a Federal Firearms License. That might be your local firearms store, a resident reseller, or even a large chain store that sells firearms.
Then, you have to ensure that the FFL dealer will assist customers process firearms transfers. Not every FFL will do these services.
If they do, they will charge you a small fee to receive the firearms you want to buy online. For some FFLs, the cost might be higher, especially if you live in a state with very complicated laws or if the legal landscape is in turmoil.
Then, your order ships to the FFL. When it arrives, you go to the store to submit the standard background check, just like everyone who shops for firearms in person.
This check includes filling out a federal document, attesting to it by signature, and signing that you accept that lying on the form is a serious crime. Then, your questionnaire proceeds to the FBI to check your criminal and mental health conditions. They eventually give your purchase a thumbs up or a thumbs down.
So while you can go online, enter a credit card number, and attempt to purchase a firearm, it’s a lot harder than some would make it seem. In fact, receiving firearms in the mail is probably illegal, and you could face severe punishments if you do so.
How The firearms Act Of 1968 Affects Buying Online
The firearms Control Act of 1968 made it illegal to ship shot firers and rifles to a purchaser directly. It also put certain restrictions on who could purchase firearms legally and defined some people as ineligible to buy guns. This law was passed in reaction to prominent political slayings where the shooter used a mail-order rifle.
Accordingly, you can’t ship a firearm to your home if you order it online. Instead, you’ll need one with an FFL to complete the transfer and perform a check to ensure you’re eligible to purchase the firearm and handle the transfer.
Some states have restrictions on the shipment of ammunition via mail. This issue is another place where an FFL dealer may help you with your firearm purchasing requirements.
Steps To Follow While Buying Firearms Online
Since buying online is often a convenient way to shop, it may be appealing to search for online firearms sales. But since firearms laws differ greatly from state to state, you need to follow a detailed process to ensure that you make your purchase legally.
1. Select a Local FFL
The first step to buying firearms online is to select a local FFL. Head to your local firearms store or any reputable vendor for firearms sales. They’ll also submit the details for your background check under federal law. Some vendors might not accept transfers. Others will charge a price for the service.
2. Get FFL and Confirm Firearm Transfer
Once you know what you want to purchase, start a conversation with your chosen local FFL. Explain to them what you want to do, show them the product you’re looking at online, and ask for their help completing a firearm transfer. Make sure they accept your transfer and that you agree to their fee. There may also be some sort of paperwork work to fill out.
Furthermore, don’t forget to ask about ammunition, magazines, and gun accessories. For example, the weapon may typically ship with a standard capacity magazine. Your FFL can help ensure you get a legal magazine in your state.
3. Buy firearms Online
Head online to your chosen vendor. There are many excellent online stores, but there are also some that aren’t so great. It’s best to stick with reputable, proven sellers.
4. How to Transfer to Your Dealer
During your purchase, you will usually have to enter information identifying your local FFL after you’ve filled your online shopping cart. Depending upon your online source, the transfer process may differ.
If you have a local FFL, you know, and you can do so on your online store, you’ll enter the local FFL’s identifying information in a box on the order form.
If you don’t have a local FFL, some online dealers provide a search function to assist you find one. You’ll enter your pin code, and the site will show your nearby Federal Firearms License dealers. It’s a good idea to contact the FFL before shipping a firearm.
Some FFL holders don’t give out information such as a secure shipping address or their FFL number for the order form. In this situation, ask them to email your online vendor. The bottom line is that your local FFL is the middleman for your transaction.
5. Get Your New firearms
When your firearms arrive at the FFL, they’ll let you know. Then, you have to proceed with all your documentation. Depending on the firearm you want to buy, the requirements may vary. At a minimum, you’ll need a valid photo ID and any permit or licensing your state requires.
For example, a hand firearms purchase may require a state or county permit, whereas the purchase of a long firearm might not.
Pros & Cons of Buying Firearms & firearms Parts Online
When buying a firearm online, there are pros and cons to be aware of.
Pros
- The online selection is more strong than at your local store
- Buying online is less costly, but don’t forget about your FFL charges
- Some taxes may not apply if you purchase firearm outside your state
- You can order gun parts or accessories without paying local markup
Cons
- You can’t handle and check the weapon before purchase
- You will have to wait for the gun to ship
- The buyer/customer dynamic is missing
- You may experience trouble finding help if you want a gunsmith for a quality-control issue
Prohibited Persons
In most cases, federal law prohibits persons from buying or possessing firearms. A prohibited person is not allowed to own or have guns. There are several categories of prohibited persons in the United States, including prisoners, criminals, drug addicts, people involuntarily committed to a mental organisation, and more.
However, some states have different laws that further restrict the rights of prohibited persons. For example, in Ohio, a person is prohibited from possessing ammunition. As a result, banned persons must carefully check both national and state laws before trying to purchase or own firearms.
