Buying firearms from online gun dealers is legal, provided the buyer and seller follow local, state, and federal guidelines.
Here are five tips for buying a weapon on the internet:
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1. Know the laws — The website of Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is a good place to start gathering information before buying a gun online. The ATF website includes information about state and federal laws, forms, FAQs, and contact information for local field offices. Gun laws very from state to state and within municipalities.
2. Research the seller — An article by Manny DelaCruz on GunAuction.com recommends that beginning buyers seek experienced sellers with a good track record of positive feedback. Other factors to consider when choosing a seller include the seller’s payment, shipping, and return policies. He also urges buyers not to send money without a verbal confirmation of the sale.
3. Identify a Federal Firearms Licensee — According to federal law, gun dealers cannot ship firearms to unlicensed individuals across state lines, so many online transactions will require the weapon to be transferred via a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). The ATF website includes lists of FFLs as do some online gun dealers, such as GunAuction.com. Buyers should contact the FFL of their choice to arrange the transfer and inquire about the transfer fee.
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4. Research the weapon — The type of weapon the buyer is interested in is an important factor in the buying decision. Rules vary depending on the class of firearm. For example, federal law requires individuals to be 18 to buy rifles and shotguns and 21 to buy handguns, according to the ATF. Some states and cities have further restrictions on guns depending on their class.
5. Inspect the weapon — DelaCruz recommends viewing detailed photos of the firearm before making a purchase. Buds Gun Shop recommends that once the weapon arrives at the FFL, buyers inspect it thoroughly before accepting the transfer.
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