Guide to Online Gun Purchase
Guide to buying a gun online. With the recent panic buying and violence in society, gun retailers are dreadfully low on firearms. Selection is bad and prices seem to be high. I've had 4 of my students contact me for assistance in finding firearms in the last couple of weeks. At one point I was messaging 2 students at the same time on advice purchasing firearms online. It seemed like a good time for a blog post on the topic.
Can you REALLY buy a firearm online? Yes, but there is a background check.
First, know this… you WILL need a background check. There seems to be a popular canard that one can buy a firearm online without a background check. This is 100% false, you will need a background check in some capacity. It is critical that you not attempt to purchase a firearm for someone who cannot pass a background check, this is called a “Straw Sale” and is a felony, with penalties up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.
If you doubt your ability to pass a background check, or if you attract chaos, this is not for you. If you order and suddenly cannot accept delivery due to failing a background check, you could be on the hook for the full payment or a hefty restocking fee. I’ve never had a problem, myself. If there is any question, find form 4473 online and ensure that you can truthfully answer the questions. If any part of this process is unclear, then avoid it altogether.
You can get delayed on your background check, there appears to be no rhyme or reason to it, I've been delayed numerous times, talk to your FFL. Recently in my state, they began accepting the previously completed background check from your current Concealed Handgun Permit (provided you meet all of the requirements) as the background check.
The Process
Before anything, find an Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL). It is wise to generate a relationship with local people who have a passion for their business, they always seem to treat their customers well. My FFL is John Hanchey at FRC Range. I’ve spent many hours on the range with John and I know him to be top notch in everything he does. Talk to your FFL and let them know what you are planning, if they are not overflowing with help, you are in the wrong place. Specifically, find out what happens if you get your background check delayed or denied. Get your FFL’s email address and phone number, you will need it soon.
FFL transfers are included in my membership. Patronize the good places, they will take care of you.
Guide To Buying A Gun Online
Next, find the firearm you want to buy. Gunbroker is popular but you have to be careful of the terms. I would consider only paying with a credit card that has considerable consumer protections. Search the internet for exactly what you want, quite often you can find the UPC or other product code and search again by that. I always hunt for the best deal. ammoseek.com is pretty good.
Locate what you want. Read all of the conditions. If there is any question, do not purchase.
When you find a firearm you are interested in purchasing, read all of the conditions of the seller. You will have to honor any deal you make. If you buy a used firearm with a hidden/unknown problem, you own it. It is very much “let the buyer beware”. This process is not for everyone, that is for sure.
Make The Order
Finally, you make your order. Be sure to use a credit card with some consumer protection. There is no shortage of con-men looking to separate suckers from their money. Once you make your order, you will likely be given a tracking number, you will want to monitor that several times a day. Immediately contact your FFL by email and phone and have them send their information to the vendor. The vendor may or may not have the FFL on file already, there will be no problem with being overly proactive on this. More communication is better than less, you will not be bugging anyone.
Monitor the tracking number several times a day and once it shows delivered, immediately contact the FFL. The postal service has degenerated as of late, I have personally had the postal service cause problems, have false delivery notices, etc... despite being required to get a signature. Your FFL should be happy to assist in any way possible.
Stay on top of the tracking. Contact your FFL the instant it shows delivered
Guide To Buying A Gun Online
After processing, the FFL will have you come pick it up. You will have to fill out ATF Form 4473 and have a background check done. Answer the questions truthfully, it is against the law to falsify an official record. The FFL will have the latitude to deny you based upon observed behavior. Don’t act like an idiot or give them the impression you are attempting a “Straw Sale”. Looking at it from their point of view, the ATF could be testing them and they cannot allow even the perception of impropriety.
Answer truthfully. They will have to call in the background check.
After filling out form 4473, the FFL will have to contact the FBI for the background check. Be cool, it could take a while. You could get delayed, just play ball with whatever the policy is and things will work out (you DID speak with your FFL prior to ordering and talk about what happens on a delay, right?). If everything goes right, you will leave with your firearm. If you get denied, you'll have to fight it out with your vendor (you DID read all of the conditions of purchase, right?).
Wrapping Up
I estimate that I've purchased over a dozen firearms online, I've been delayed around 25% of the time. This is a tried and true process for most of the good people of the country who stay out of trouble. If you need advice on this topic, contact me. You will need to know what to do with it anyway, get some training.
Guide To Buying A Gun Online
