How To Purchase Online
Purchasing a firearm online involves several steps and regulations that you must follow. Here is the general process:
Make sure you are eligible to purchase a firearm
To purchase a firearm, you must be at least 18 years old for a shotgun or rifle, and 21 years old for a handgun. You must also be a resident of the state where you are making the purchase, and not be prohibited by law from owning a firearm.
Find a licensed firearms dealer
In order to complete an online purchase, you must have the firearm shipped to a licensed firearms dealer in your state. This dealer will perform the required background check and transfer the firearm to you.
Choose the firearm you want to purchase
Browse the selection of firearms available from online dealers, and choose the one you want to purchase.
Complete the purchase
Add the firearm to your cart, and complete the checkout process. You will be required to provide your contact information and the name and address of the licensed firearms dealer where the firearm will be shipped.
Transfer the firearm
Once the online dealer has shipped the firearm to the licensed firearms dealer, you will need to visit the dealer in person to complete the transfer. The dealer will perform a background check, and you may need to pay a transfer fee.
Background check
The licensed firearms dealer is required to perform a background check on you before transferring the firearm to you. The background check will verify that you are not prohibited by law from owning a firearm. In most states, this involves using the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Shipping
The online dealer will ship the firearm to the licensed firearms dealer, who will then transfer the firearm to you. The shipping process may vary depending on the dealer and your location, but most dealers use a common carrier, such as FedEx or UPS, to ship firearms.
Transfer fee
You may be required to pay a transfer fee to the licensed firearms dealer when you pick up the firearm. The transfer fee can vary depending on the dealer and your location, but it is usually a few dollars.
Paperwork
You will need to complete a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Form 4473 when you pick up the firearm. This form is used to perform the background check and to record the transfer of the firearm.
State and local laws
In addition to federal laws, you must also follow state and local laws when purchasing a firearm online. These laws can include restrictions on the type of firearms you.