How To Buy A Gun On The Internet
Buying Guns Online
Buying a gun online is easy. And contrary to what some may believe, doing so does not create a loophole that allows a person to avoid doing a background check. You can purchase a gun online just like any other product. However, it cannot be shipped directly to you. Every gun purchased online is shipped to a licensed firearms dealer, where the buyer can pick it up after successfully passing a background check. Below we’ll detail the most commonly asked questions when it comes to buying a gun online.
Can I buy a gun online?
Yes, you can purchase a gun online just like any other product. The only difference is that we cannot ship a firearm directly to you. A firearm must be shipped to a licensed firearms dealer, where you can pick it up after successfully passing a background check.
Can you ship a firearm to my house?
No, we can not ship a firearm to your house, unless you have an FFL.
What is an FFL?
An “FFL” is a Federal Firearms License. These licenses are commonly held by gun stores, pawn shops, and sporting goods stores. However, there are also many individuals that hold an FFL.
How do I choose an FFL to have my gun shipped to?
With thousands of dealers across the country, there’s a good chance you have a few nearby. You can find one by searching our FFL FINDER.
When you place your order with us, the FFL Dealer Locator will let you choose a licensed dealer to have your firearm shipped to. Out of courtesy to the receiving dealer, it is always recommended that you contact them to inquire about any possible transfer fees and to make any necessary arrangements for picking up your firearm. Also, there has been an occasion in the past that a FFL dealer was listed online (on a FFL database somewhere) as being in business and had just recently closed down.
Do I have to contact the FFL dealer?
Yes, you must contact the FFL dealer you’ve chosen to make them aware of the transfer and to make any necessary arrangements for picking up your firearm. It is also recommended that you inquire about any possible transfer fees they may charge.
By not contacting the dealer, there is a higher chance that the dealer will not accept your firearm, or that the dealer will not be available when the package is expected to arrive. If the firearm is returned to us for one of these reasons, additional shipping charges and/or return fees may apply. Or that they are out of business. Trust but verify, please.
Do I have to fill out a background check?
Yes, but not through us. Any necessary paperwork and background check is completed between you as the actual buyer/transferee and the receiving dealer. This is usually done at the time you pick up your firearm and is persuant to your localities’ laws and regulations. There are a lot of laws we will know but double check with your local dealer if you have any doubts.
How will I know when my gun is ready to be picked up?
When first contacting the dealer you’ve chosen, it is recommended that you make arrangements with them to pick up your firearm. When we ship your firearm, we include your contact information in the package. Most dealers will use this information to notify you once the firearm is ready to be picked up.
Some dealers may require extra time before a firearm is ready to be picked up. If you see that the package has been delivered, but you haven’t received a call from the dealer, you may also contact them yourself to inquire when the firearm will be ready.