How Easy Is It To Buy A Gun Where You Live

[ThomWV]

I think many DUers live in or near cities where there are roadblocks to legally purchasing firearms and many others who have never bought one and believe that there are at least some safeguards taken during their sale to keep them out of the hands of some people. I thought it might interest you how hard it is to buy one in a rural area. So I've set out to tell you but as I do I'd like you to keep this chilling fact in mind, its harder to get a gun here than it is in one of our neighboring states.

If I had wanted another gun on Friday there would have been several ways I could have got one before the weekend was over. It wouldn't have been at all difficult to buy one.

I could have bought a new gun from the closest licensed dealer. There is a hardware store in the closest town that has a large selection of firearms. One forth of the store's floor space is devoted to the sales of hunting and fishing type sporting goods. I could have bought a pistol, rifle, or shotgun there. I would have had to pay for it of course, I would have had to produce two photo IDs, I would have had to fill out a form that asked who I was and various questions designed to discover if I was a felon, had beat my wife, or had a drinking or alcohol problem. That would have been followed by a phone call by the seller to some Federal authority which would, within a matter of minutes, give clearance for the sale.

I could go to a pawn shop and buy a used gun. For this I would have to travel an additional 10 miles. Locally virtually all pawn shops sell firearms, both new and used. The process for buying one is the same as from a regular dealer, including the Federal check.

I could have bought a firearm at auction. There were three auctions listed in the local paper for this weekend, all of which included firearms. Had I bought one here I would have had to produce identification, but only to sign in for the auction, not for the purchase of the firearm itself although I would be given an individual receipt for the firearm that included its serial number so its sale could be traced.

I could have bought one directly from an individual as a result of classified advertisement. There is a free local paper that is delivered to every resident in the county on fridays. This past friday's edition lists 17 firearms for sale; 2 pistols, 6 shotguns, and 9 rifles. No record would be made if I had bought one of these guns.

I could have gone to a flea market. Guns are commonplace at flea markets locally. No record would be made if I had bought on this way.

I could have bought one from a road-side seller. I do not know if this is legal or not but it is not uncommon for people to sell wares on the roadside hereabout and not uncommon for firearms to be included in what is being sold. Cash on the spot and no record is made of the sale.

I could have bought one of the several guns listed on the bulletin bord at the Post Office.

Right now the most popular segment of "Hunting Season" is in full swing; Antlered Deer/Rifle. The season ends next Saturday and the week after that the used market will be flooded with high-powered rifles; cash on the barrel-head. Happens every year.

[MineralMan]

1. Not too tough in Minnesota,

at least for long guns. Go to the store that has them, fill out a form, pay your money, and take it home. Ammo's easier. You pick up what you want from the shelves at Mills Fleet Farm or wherever and take it to the register. The cashier will look at your driver's license.

Handguns are another matter. If you live in Saint Paul, at least, you have to drop into the Sheriff's office or city hall or something to get a permit to buy one. I don't have any, or need any, so I can't say what's involved with that. Things may be different outside of the cities.

Less formal sales, of course, happen in other ways.

[DemoTex]

4. South Carolina had Second Amendment Weekend this weekend (tax-free gun sales).

South Carolina is to gun lovers as "The Big Rock Candy Mountain" is to hobos.

[CrispyQ]

2. I have no idea.

Can you buy them online? I've seen a gun section at the local sporting goods stores, but have never ventured close enough to see if they offer rifles & handguns or just rifles.

If you buy one at one of the locations where no record is kept, can you register the gun with your local police department? Is this advisable or even an option? What if the gun had been used in a crime? Wouldn't you want it on record that you obtained the gun at this particular date?

You can see I'm very ignorant about guns & gun trade.

[MineralMan]

6. Not online, basically.

However, you can if they are shipped from one licensed firearms dealer to another licensed dealer near you. It's a bit cumbersome.

Depending on your state, sales of long guns (rifles and shotguns) and handguns will be handled differently. In all cases, paperwork is required if you purchase from a sporting goods store or other retail outlet. A very brief background check is done by phone or internet for long guns and you then take the firearm with you in most jurisdictions. Generally, no registration is required for long guns.

Handguns will require a waiting period in most places, maybe all. They may also require some sort of city or county license of some kind, again depending on your local laws and regulations.

Laws are a mix of federal, state, and local laws, so you need to check in your own jurisdiction.

[michreject]

42. Not always

you can if they are shipped from one licensed firearms dealer to another licensed dealer near you

This only applies to handguns and rifles from another state. I can ship a rifle to a buyer in my home state directly to his address. Handguns from another state still have to go through an FFL.

In all cases, paperwork is required if you purchase from a sporting goods store or other retail outlet.

I have a CPL. No background checks needed on any gun purchase. No waiting period. I pay for it and go home with the gun.

[Imagine My Surprise]

3. Here in KY, they come in boxes of cereal N/T

[kywildcat]

14. yip. n/t

[wartrace]

5. Walk in, show your drivers licence & wait ten minutes.

They have computerized instacheck here. It may take twenty minutes when a big gun show is operating.
I believe all the other ways you described are options here in Tennessee. (I have never seen any roadside sellers of guns)

[Oregone]

70. Same in Oregon

I was a bit surprised when I did this the first time when I lived in the states. Very strange for me to walk right with it.

[invader zim]

7. Which states are easier ???

I know your not including maryland in your list. A hunting shotgun or rifle can be bought same day if you pass the NICS background. However Md has put just about everyother firearm on the restricted list. This means a 7 day waiting period, state police background check, and one gun a month.

Zim

[SteveM]

109. Vermont's "gun laws" make even Texas look like a Soviet state...

But I have no problem purchasing guns of any type in Texas. 5-10 min. NICS test. If you want to go concealed-carry, you have significant regulations, registration, tests. In Vermont? Slip the .38 in your pocket and off you go.

[old mark]

8. PA - I can buy all I want and can pay for, no "waiting period" bullshit.

I have one I will be picking up soon, maybe one more before the year is over.

PA registers sales of handguns, and does background checks on all gun sales immediately. Long guns - shotguins and rifles - are not registered.

mark

[Tejas]

19. Mayor NUTTER claims he is gonna fix that

I hope y'all run him out've town next election, just don't point him towards Texas!

[old mark]

112. Nutter recently signed 4 laws for the city that were in

contravention of state law. 3 have been struck down by state courts before they could be enacted, the 4th, a must-report-lost-or-stolen- guns act punishing gun owners went into effect with big publicity but little effect or enforcement.Nutter is a publicity grabber who is incapable of solving Philly's real problems - a huge drug/gang culture that is multigenerational and firmly entrenched, and donates a lot of money to local pols.

mark

[depakid]

35. Excellent! Make it easy for people to commit crimes of impulse and passion!

To say that I'm pleased NOT to be living around irresponsible folks who support things like this is an immeasurable understatment.

[michreject]

43. I have over 50 guns

How is a waiting period going to stop an impulse crime?

[depakid]

45. That you even ask that question

demonstrates the disconnect many people have between easy access to firearms and the astonishingly high rates of violent crime and incarecaration in the states.

That and of course, the obsession with instant gratification....

[michreject]

47. Bullshit

I'm not a criminal. I have a CPL. I'm trusted by the state to carry a gun and I do.

[Name removed]

48. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[michreject]

50. Don't live in fear

I'm armed.:)

[Name removed]

76. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[spin]

82. There is also a good chance that you have been in the military,

or are a retired police officer. It may be coincidence, but the majority of the people I've known who legally carried a weapon concealed fit one or both of these categories. They didn't strike me as either cowards or people living in fear.

[gorfle]

84. Do people with insurance live in fear?

if you make it a habit to carry a gun around in public there's a pretty good chance that you're a coward living in fear (or simply obsessed with firearms).

If I make it a habit to drive around with car insurance, or walk around with life insurance, or live in a house with homeowners insurance, am I a coward living in fear or am I simply obsessed with insurance?

If I carry a first aid kit around in my car am I a coward or am I simply obsessed with medical equipment?

A firearm is simply a tool of emergency preparedness.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

86. I don't believe it's appropriate to call other DU members cowards.

[raimius]

98. Interesting theory

What is the correlation between the two? You are asserting it is strongly positive. Do you have any evidence (preferably which limits the impact of other socio-economic factors)? I hate to bring out the overused example, but the Swiss don't seem to suffer from the easy availability of FULL-AUTO rifles which are highly restricted in the US. US violent crime rates are affected by much more than the availability of firearms. I'd say they are one of the least influential factors, based on my readings. If you have evidence to the contrary, I'd love to hear it.

Instant gratification...yes, if I set down $1000 in cash, I like to take possession of the purchased item. Call me crazy.

[pipoman]

101. Not to mention

the fact that there has been a 10 year decline in violent crime even though there has been a 10 year increase in the number of guns in the US. There really is little relationship between crime rates and legal gun ownership. I do look for an uptick in violent crime in the next few years as more people find themselves in financially desperate positions.

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

75. Move then.

[depakid]

89. ...

:think:

[SteveM]

110. Have you seen evidence that "waiting/cooling-off periods" are effective? (nt)

[old mark]

113. Just as pleased not to have you irresponsible ignorant fools among us

and brother, that is an understatement, too.

mark

[slackmaster]

9. A significant hassle for people who don't have Federal Firearms Licenses

1. All sales, including private-party transfers, have to be done through a licensed dealer (who charges various fees). (This does not apply to private transfers of curio and relic long guns, but most people are not aware of that exception.)

2. Multiple documents are required to prove residency in the state. A state-issued Driver License or non-driver ID card is the only acceptable primary ID, other than a military ID accompanied by orders documenting that you are stationed here. In addition to that ID you have to produce TWO additional documents such as vehicle registration or utility bills showing your name and address.

3. In addition to the federal paperwork that applies everywhere, the state has its own set of forms and of course a fee. The state maintains a registry of handguns, so there is additional paperwork for that.

4. To buy a handgun, you must have a current state-issued Handgun Safety Certificate. It's not hard to obtain but costs $25 for three years.

5. For handguns, you have to demonstrate that you know how to unload the weapon.

6. After you have completed the purchase, there is a 10-day wait before you can take custody of the firearm even if you already own one or more firearms. This makes absolutely no sense to me.

7. You can purchase only one handgun in any 30-day period.

ETA 8. You are required to purchase a state-approved trigger lock with every firearm you buy, unless you can document that you own a state-approved secure gun storage device (like the bigass safe I paid almost $3,000 for).

Naturally all of the above apply at gun shows. I avoid all of that nonsense in most cases, by buying curio and relic firearms in other states under the privileges of my Type 03 Federal Firearms License. And in spite of all those hurdles, some California cities still have a lot of unlawful shootings.

[invader zim]

10. WOW a state that sucks worst that MD...

I didn't think that was possible..

Zim

[Brooklyns_Finest]

15. You are from California I presume

I bought my first Sig a few months ago. I did not buy a trigger lock and I did not have to buy a $3000 safe. The plastic carry case with key lock is all I needed to purchase. Buying a gun in California is really not that hard.

[slackmaster]

17. Yes, I am in CA and I think the process is more expensive and complex that it needs to be

Does anyone seriously think that the additional hoops and hurdles imposed by the state are doing any good?

[petronius]

24. Whenever I have a conversation about gun control (or read a thread here),

I hear someone say that they don't want to ban firearms, they just want "reasonable" restrictions. From your post, it seems that all of the "reasonable" restrictions I've ever heard anyone advocate are already in place here in California - it would be interesting to see a serious study of whether there is a significant reduction in crime and violence in CA relative to comparable areas of less restrictive states...

[slackmaster]

28. I believe that if there was clear evidence of those measures being successful, it would be trumpeted

Loud and long by gun control advocates everywhere.

My post covered just the process of buying a gun. As you probably know, we also have a permanent bans on "assault weapons" and .50 BMG rifles; a stringent definition of "safe" firearms that includes drop tests, and requirements for certain features on semiautomatic handguns including a magazine-disconnect safety and a chamber-loaded indicator which will take effect in a year or so. These are technical solutions to problems that exist only in the imaginations of the people in the state legislature who are determined to make life as miserable as possible for anyone who wants to buy a firearm.

[petronius]

46. That's my suspicion as well, and I'm pretty sure I know how effective these rules are,

but I'd like to see real science, no matter what the results.

I knew about the CA bans, but the upcoming 'safety' regulations are new to me. Does this mean that manufacturers will need to redesign semi-autos for sale in CA, or just not distribute here? Or are there already standard models with these features?

[hunter]

41. None of the kid gangsters around here get guns that way.

The backstreet markets are flooded with guns, easily available and quite affordable. If you've got the connections to trade meth or heroin, you've got the connection to buy guns.

I do support California's gun laws, but mostly because they protect reasonably law abiding people who might otherwise be an immediate danger to themselves, their families, their neighbors, and their fellow employees if they could rush right out and buy a gun.

[slackmaster]

51. You have cited the justification generally given for a waiting period

Or "cooling off" period.

But someone who already owns one or more firearms is not going to rush out and buy one for the purpose of committing a crime.

[hunter]

52. I imagine my California city is fully saturated with guns.

There are probably more guns per capita here then any town in Texas or Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas.

Anyone who wants to have guns, lawful or not, has guns.

[benEzra]

80. The ban...

I do support California's gun laws, but mostly because they protect reasonably law abiding people who might otherwise be an immediate danger to themselves, their families, their neighbors, and their fellow employees if they could rush right out and buy a gun.

The ban on protruding rifle handgrips is pretty hard to justify on that basis, though...

[X_Digger]

81. And it leads to this..

A ban on cosmetic features leads to this.. this.. california legal evil-ness ;)

[benEzra]

91. My eyes, my eyes!

The paint job isn't so bad, but the grip wing is just awful. :D

Or you get some idiocy like this:



Because we know a vertical handgrip will KILLZ US ALL!!!!111 whereas a horizontal handgrip is Friendly and Harmless.

Never mind all AR-15 configurations are identical to functionally identical to old-fashioned straight-stocked rifles, they just look different...



Aaaargh.

[gollygee]

11. There's a gun shop down the street

so probably pretty easy for me if I were in the market.

[L0oniX]

12. It's easy in Florida. 3 day wait. Concealed weapon permits are also easy to get.

[aikoaiko]

13. Gun accessibility is about the same in GA as it is in WV

Half my guns were purchases online or interstate.

For those that don't know.
1. Find a gun I want online from a store, classified ad or auction.
2. Pay for it with a credit card or send a US Postal Money Order.
3. Ask my local gun seller to send a faxed copy of his FFL to the seller.
4. Wait a couple of days to a week for it to arrive.
5. Pick up firearm and pay local FFL $20 for the service of transferring it to me.

Definitely more steps than purchasing new from a FFL. The transfer fee is always almost always less than the state tax, but its usually not that much savings.

[knitter4democracy]

16. They're quite available here in Michigan.

I've considered getting a shotgun, now that the kids and I are going to be alone. My mom has one, and my dad has one--when you live in the country here, it's pretty much expected that you have one for safety. I'm not in the country, but I know I'd feel better having something to protect myself in the house, as anti-gun as I am. I want to take a safety class first, though, and there's a place not far away that has those.

[wartrace]

18. I am "anti-gun violence", not anti-gun.

Seriously, a gun in the hands of an honest citizen is not a bad thing. Honest citizens are not the problem, criminals are. If we really wanted to address the gun violence issue we should start locking up people for gun possession. Convicted felons caught with a gun? Ten years federal prison time. Use a gun during a crime you forfeit the rest of your life in prison- even if you didn't shoot anyone. Life in prison.

[knitter4democracy]

31. Well, then the prison budget would sink Michigan's budget.

It's already one of the largest parts of the state budget, and it's barely managed.

You're right, though: it's not guns as much as guns in the wrong hands. I don't want mine to be the wrong hands, so I would want to take a class first and see if I could manage a shotgun safely.

[wartrace]

33. How about we let everyone with non-violent drug offenses out?

I wish I knew of a place in Michigan you could go & shoot various gauge shotguns to find out which one you would find comfortable. I would consider 16 gauge as well as 20 gauge as an option. Go down to a local gun store and inquire about classes/shooting a few different guns. Try to get a gun with the shortest barrel possible. Tell them exactly what you want the gun for so you don't end up with a duck hunting gun! They will probably be more than willing to help you find the right gun & training. They even have non lethal rounds available (bean bag rounds). They will hurt an intruder without killing them. I think you are making a wise decision with the shotgun vs a handgun. Handguns are good for concealed carry but they are outclassed by a good shotgun.

My sister lives up in Ann Arbor, she seems to love it there. I have visited a few times, I found it funny seeing the "liquor aisle" at grocery stores. Here in Tennessee we have entire counties that are "dry" & they won't even sell wine in the grocery store.

[knitter4democracy]

38. We have a good gun shop in town. I was going to start there.

My mom always said to stick to a shotgun--that even with kick, I'd still do damage. She used to hunt pheasant and still has that gun, even though she hasn't hunted in ages. Well, unless you count using birdshot on wild dogs messing with her bluebirds. ;)

We're a bit interesting up here. :)

[Ohio Joe]

20. I don't know

I have no interest in owning a gun so I've never checked into it.

[bluedigger]

21. Took me about 20 minutes Friday.

First time buyer in LA. Went into the gun shop, said "that one", showed my license and filled out the form, waited while they called in for the background check, paid cash, and out the door with the gun. Took much longer to find what I was looking for (Bersa .380 semi-auto pistol) than to actually do the deal. Lines were three deep at the two Academy Sports stores I went to, and they were out of my choice.

[ThomWV]

22. Similar experience with a Beretta

It took me longer to find one than it took to buy it, by a long shot (pun intended). My wife wanted a pistol and the first one I bought her tended to jam. So I bought a second one that, by virtue of its design, would not jam. There were a few we looked at but it turned out to be a Beretta 9mm for her. We ended up having to order one, but this was odd. When it came in, which was in 2 days (law requires that they be sent by express means so that means UPS or FedEx overnight) they did all the background stuff then, not before they ordered it.

[Alexander]

23. In AZ I can buy anything without a problem or any questions asked.

They practically give guns away here.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

29. Do you have to show proof of residency?

[Alexander]

59. You have to fill out a form. That's it.

Of course, you are free to lie your ass off on this form if you want to.

No one will be the wiser.

[slackmaster]

30. You have to do the federal paperwork on any firearm you buy from a dealer

There are many questions on the big yellow form, including whether you are a lawful resident of the USA, your state of residence, and several to establish that you are not a member of one of the groups of people who are prohibited from owning a gun, e.g. convicted felons.

The most significant difference between Arizona and California in terms of the process of buying a gun is that private-party transfers of used guns are not regulated in Arizona.

[michreject]

44. I think they went back to white again

They made a change to a question.

[Alexander]

58. Yes, but you can walk away with a gun the same day.

No waiting period, no background check.

And you can get all kinds of fully automatic weapons here that are illegal in most other states.

[slackmaster]

62. Brady Law requires a background check for any gun bought from a licensed dealer, new or used

Arizona uses the National Instant Check System (NICS) to see if a buyer has been flagged in the FBI's database as prohibited from owning a firearm. Approval usually takes less than three minutes. Unless you bought a used gun from a person who is not a licensed gun dealer, you definitely did get a background check.

And you can get all kinds of fully automatic weapons here that are illegal in most other states.

Yes, with extensive paperwork, a more stringent federal background check, and a $200 transfer tax an unlicensed individual can buy a machinegun that is already in the federal registry, which was closed in 1986. None of them are cheap by any stretch of the imagination. That is actually the way things are in most states BTW.

I wish my state would permit collectors like me to buy them.

[Alexander]

67. Yes, if you follow the law. There are always gun shows here where people don't.

"Yes, with extensive paperwork, a more stringent federal background check, and a $200 transfer tax an unlicensed individual can buy a machinegun that is already in the federal registry, which was closed in 1986. None of them are cheap by any stretch of the imagination. That is actually the way things are in most states BTW.

I wish my state would permit collectors like me to buy them."

You're talking about legal purchases. Do I really need to point out the vast number of gun shows here where people break the law on a daily basis?

[slackmaster]

68. If you see someone selling an unregistered machinegun, you should report it to BATFE and local LEOs

Or you are part of the problem. Frankly I doubt your claim. Gun shows are typically crawling with uniformed and undercover police from all levels.

[pipoman]

96. I too doubt your claims

If, as you state, there are daily sales of illegal automatic weapons, the seller and the buyer are, by definition, criminals. Why do criminals buy guns? To commit crimes? Find me one crime committed in the US in the last 10 years with an automatic weapon. You can look if you want, but you will find none. So your assertion is a monumental fail.

[raimius]

99. clarification

LEGALLY owned automatic weapon. We do have the occasional case (N. Hollywood) where a criminal illegally manufactures or smuggles in a full-auto firearm.

Violent crimes with legally owned machine guns, since the NFA of 1934: 2 (one by a LEO)

[pipoman]

100. Not in the last 10 years. And prior to that there was

No. Hollywood and IIRC an incident in Ohio in the last 20 years...with legally owned or illegally owned automatic weapons. Automatic weapons just aren't a crime problem in the US. They are a crime problem in countries with civilian gun bans in effect because if criminals are going to import guns, they just as well import cheap, plentiful Asian and Eastern European AK47s from 3rd world countries...see Mexico.


edit: I am not saying there have not been automatic weapons law violations during this time, just no violent crimes committed with them. The violations are usually someone who thinks it would be cute to play with one, messing around until they have a gun that gets them arrested, shoe strings etc.

[slackmaster]

103. Another observation - I've been going to gun shows regularly for about 25 years

In all that time not once has anyone, including vendors, attendees, and strangers in the parking lot, approached me to offer any kind of illegal item.

The closest thing to an illegal machinegun I have ever seen offered for sale was sets of working parts for the US M2 Carbine, which could potentially be used to make an M1 Carbine selective-fire. However, that operation would involve making precision machine cuts on hardened parts. The operation would be irreversible and would turn a good M1 Carbine into something you would have to hide forever. As with other machine gun parts, M2 parts are legal to sell as replacements for people who legally own the guns. Parts do wear out.

The M1 Carbines, parts for them, and the original M2 parts have long since dried up.

[pipoman]

104. Yep, in addition

every gun show I have attended is literally crawling with every manner of law enforcement imaginable...uniformed and un-uniformed. It would truly take a complete idiot to willy nilly sell illegal items of any type at a gun show. Further, while I am sure there are some, I have never witnessed any arrests at gun shows. These claims are tired and demonstrably false yet we see them almost daily here. I wish people would get a clue before they start talking from their southern orifices.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

105. It's not called a "fail" anymore. It's called a Bush

nt

[SteveM]

111. Do you have data on the number of illegal purchases at gun shows? (nt)

[GrpCaptMandrake]

25. What's your favorite WV gun store?

I used to do a good bit of business with Bob's in Sissonville, but moved to a different area, making that trek more of a pain. Now I go to Beckley.

[ThomWV]

26. No favortie but the last 2 I bought came from the Hardware Store

The last two guns I bought came from the Hardware store but they weren't stocked. There are 2 more purchase options that I omitted, but they open up the entire world of guns to anyone who wants one. I could have gone to the Internet, magazines, or speciality advertising newspaper-format publications and found any gun I wanted, had it shipped to the hardware store or any of the Pawn shops, or either of 3 gun dealers that I am well familiar with. Same over-night service. They all charge the same $25 fee for processing the transaction.

[MercutioATC]

27. Ohio - pretty much the same process as yours.

When I bought my Glock 3 years ago, it took about 10 minutes to fill out the paperwork and do the background check call.

[Thothmes]

32. In Virginia

At gunshows,and regular businesses, just fill out the paper work and they electronically background check you. Once complete, the gun is yours.
You can purchase guns from private individuals without any paperwork or background checks thought. There is a limit to one hand gun a month per person.

[Testament]

87. Corrections and additions

2 IDs, one MUST be a photo ID, and both have the same address on it. There are 2 forms to fill out, one for the feds, one for VA, and the VA one gets sent into the the state police. 1 handgun per month except for CCW holders (probably police and other exempted in 18.2-308), only guns purchased from FFLs count on this. There is a multiple purchase form that can be filled out and approved, but I've never known anyone that did it that way.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

34. Absurdly difficult

[wartrace]

36. I would like to see free background checks available to private sellers.

I should be able to sell property I own to another individual if I choose. Right now there is no way for a private seller to run a background check on another individual who wishes to buy a gun. If I wanted to do a background check I would have to go through a licensed dealer who would charge a minimum of 10-15 dollars. If a background check is so important (I believe it helps keep guns out of the wrong hands) it should be free. There should be a number ANYONE can call using the buyers social security number to verify that they are not prohibited from buying. It should be free.

[Testament]

88. They can't get access to that due to privacy issues...

That would be a change with no noticeable benefit, the charge of the background check would be difficult to bill to the point that you'd have to charge what FFLs do now to break even, and it would mean that anyone would have the ability to run checks on others. Why do you possibly think this would be good at all?

[ZombieHorde]

37. I live a few blocks from a gun store, I could have one in a short period of time.

[flvegan]

39. Florida law differs between "rifle" and "handgun"

Rifle (rifle, shotgun, anything "two handed") mandates 18 years old. Handgun is 21, though I think you can buy from a private individual if you're 18. Background check, cooling off period, etc. Not sure about that. There are multiple gun stores, and pawn shops :eyes: on every corner. We have gun shows every 6 months or so.

When I was 18, I bought my Mossberg 500 (still have it) and a knockoff AR-15 for target shooting and because I thought it was cool. Two days before my 21, I bought my Colt Officer's .45. They let me buy it "underage" because I couldn't pick it up until after I turned 21 (3-day waiting period). Still have that gun. Stays next to my bed at night.

[Skittles]

40. I live in Texas - take a big fat guess

:o

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

49. The last firearm I bought took me about 30 seconds.

Private sale of course. It's been a while since I bought from a dealer but I seem to recall about 20 minutes.

David

[Forkboy]

53. legally? Who knows. Illegally? In about ten minutes I could have one.

[Dukkha]

54. at gun shows here you simply hand over cash

unless it's an FFL dealer then they do the background check, but with private sales it's the same as buying something at a flea market.

[Xithras]

55. Funny you should ask. I just bought one

I gave my old .22 to my dad a few months ago because the 25 round magazine has been getting me some unwanted attention lately (sales of new ones are banned in California, but mine was grandfathered in...that hasn't stopped three different police officers from hassling me about it over the past year or so). Big 5 had a 22 Marlin on sale last weekend, so I went in to pick up a new one.

Filled out the background check form, showed two forms of ID, gave a fingerprint, paid for it, and (unless I've committed any crimes I'm unaware of) they'll be calling me to pick it up in about 12 days.

In California, by the way, the only way to purchase a firearm without the wait is through a private party sale, and even those have to be recorded with the police. Anyone else selling one has to hold it for 14 days to comply with the law. Even gun shows.

[slackmaster]

57. Private-party sales in California are subject to the 10-day wait too

I bought out most of a biker's gun collection several years ago, the legal way. The transactions were just as complex and regulated as buying new firearms.

Only C&R long gun transfers between private parties are exempt from the hassles. If another CA resident wants to sell you a vintage Lee-Enfield or Mauser rifle, it's cash and carry.

[Xithras]

73. Really?

Odd, a friend bought a couple of deer rifles from a seller at a garage sale a number of years ago. The two had to go to the police station and fill out all of the transfer paperwork, but he came home with them the same day. Have the laws changed in the last rew years, or were the cops just not doing their jobs?

I know that private party sales at gun shows are restricted. I purchased a Garand at a show in Turlock a few years ago and we had to proxy the sale through a local shop to comply with the wait time.

[slackmaster]

92. I believe the waiting period for long guns took effect in 1989 or 1990

Before that, you could walk into a gun store, do the paperwork, pay for a rifle or shotgun, and walk out with it immediately. A private sale of a long gun would have worked just as you described before that change in the law took effect. I remember the time well, because I bought several rifles in advance of the waiting period just to spite it.

I know that private party sales at gun shows are restricted. I purchased a Garand at a show in Turlock a few years ago and we had to proxy the sale through a local shop to comply with the wait time.

I think you could have arranged to meet the seller privately at a later time to discuss it, off of the grounds where the gun show was happening, without technically breaking any laws. Of course you both probably wanted to ensure that the transaction happened, and the way you did it you are both completely covered legally.

I have really enjoyed having the C&R FFL. It's one of the best deals the federal government offers.

[BoneDaddy]

56. Six mos. to get paperwork

background check etc. New Jersey

[scrinmaster]

60. Stupid three day waiting period for handguns here.

It possibly makes sense on your first purchase, but not for each subsequent purchase. I already have three pistols, why make me wait to buy another?

[Arger68]

61. For rifles/shotguns there is an instant background

check (federal), no state check. For pistols, you need a pistol purchase permit (I think they are free), good for one year, obtained from your local sheriff's dept. Or, if you have your pistol carry permit (good for five years), you don't need the pistol purchase permit. Pistols still require the federal background check, though.

[Fearless]

63. ...I hear the Gungeon calling... Mods?

[slackmaster]

65. How about answering the question?

I think it's a perfectly reasonable one for GD.

[Fearless]

66. It's not about the questions but the responses.

[slackmaster]

69. What about them bothers you to the point of calling out the Moderators in public?

Two steps forward, one step back.

[Fearless]

78. It's that such a discussion is misfiled... and apparently they agreed.

It was my opinion and apparently theirs as well, take it up with them.

[slackmaster]

93. I think it's unfortunate that any topic concerning firearms at all ends up in this Gulag

The question as posed originally really did not violate the rules of GD.

[jeepnstein]

94. The Gungeon is a Gulag?

I thought we didn't have to go to the camps until after Jan. 20?

Oh well, QUESTION AUTHORITY!!!!!!!!!

[slackmaster]

102. It's a friendly Gulag

Have some popcorn.

:popcorn:

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

74. If there is something wrong with the responses then alert on them.

Unless there is something to fear.

David

[iverglas]

97. and maybe

it's not about the posts, but about the posters. ;)

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

107. Especially the canadian ones.

wink, wink

[TrogL]

64. Probably take about six months and cost me a small fortune

Off the top of my head I'd need a:

Criminal Record Check

Firearm Aquisition Certificate

gun safe

bullet safe

firearm movement document (I forget what they're called, you get them from the RCMP)

store that actually sells firearms (I can think of only one or two)

...and if I went in the store and acted the least bit "hinky" they'd probably throw me out. I went in a few weeks ago looking for a sheath, a combat belt and a bullet-proof vest (for my daughter who works security) and they basically didn't want my business - I think the Asperger's spooked them.

[iverglas]

72. really not quite so

Criminal Record Check
Firearm Aquisition Certificate

In Canada, the background check is part of the process for obtaining the Possession and Acquisition Licence (what it is now called). The process also includes proving successful completion of the requisite course, providing references, obtaining spouse's signature on application. A criminal record is not a bar to obtaining a PAL; it is one of the things considered.

Of course the transfer must also be registered (any transfer, retail or private party sale, gift, inheritance, whatever).

gun safe
bullet safe

"Bullet safe"?

Firearms must be stored securely, unloaded, with ammunition stored securely separately from firearms.

Neither requirement technically includes a gun safe (unfortunately).

firearm movement document (I forget what they're called, you get them from the RCMP)

Uh, no. This is applicable only to "restricted" firearms -- commonly, handguns owned by sports shooters or collectors, who must have permits to transport (e.g. to/from a shooting range). No one else requires permission to transport a firearm (e.g. a hunting weapon), but there are requirements for safe/secure transpotation.

store that actually sells firearms (I can think of only one or two)

Google. Searching for my municipality and "gun shop" got me about 20 results in a split second.

and if I went in the store and acted the least bit "hinky" they'd probably throw me out.

If only the people who sold the guns to the charming Marc Lépine and his soulmate Kimveer Gill had paid such attention ...



html fixed

[Javaman]

71. I live in Texas. do I need to say more? nt

[Fire_Medic_Dave]

77. It would help for those not familiar with Texas law.

[X_Digger]

79. TX - same day

Bought the parts to build this on Saturday morning, had it together by Saturday evening



In TX:

-NICS check for all firearms sold by a FFL dealer to everyone except CHL holders
-Federal form 4473 for all firearms sold by an FFL
-No "registration"
-No waiting period
-Private sales between state residents unregulated, though folks often ask to see your driver's license for a bill of sale or to verify age if young looking
-Handgun, long gun, doesn't matter, all the same (other than FFLs can't sell handguns to those under 21, but private sellers can sell to those over 18)
-Must show driver's license for ammo (not sure on this one, been carded and not carded at wal-mart.)
-legal to carry a loaded long gun in your auto
-legal to carry a loaded handgun in your auto (must be concealed)

[HillWilliam]

83. In NC it's no problem at all

for a rifle or shotgun. If you've got money, got a few minutes to fill out the form, and can pass the Brady check, you've got a gun. I have a couple of rifles (a .223 and a .22LR) and a couple of shotguns (a 20ga and 12ga) against critters. There are dealers all over Greensboro and a Gander Mountain within a mile of work (rut roh! toys!).

For a handgun, you need to go to the sheriff's office and fill out a short form which they run through the same Brady check. Depending on the sheriff's office, they'll ask you how many you want. Some will limit how many you can have per year just as a matter of policy. There is no state limit -- it's up to the sheriff or municipality. The last time I went, I asked for five so I wouldn't have to go back for a while (they're good for five years). So far, I've only bought a Bersa 380 for concealed carry and Smith & Wesson 22 for target shooting out of those. The rest are languishing in my safe in case I get rich (sigh).

CCH in NC is pretty easy to get. The sheriff's office gives the course in my county, but a lot of ranges have certified instructors. The range I belong to in the county where I work gives the course, but I have acquaintances in the sheriff's department here, so I was more comfortable taking the course from someone I knew and who knew me.

But in bald point of fact, if you want a gun in NC and don't care much about legalities, you can just go get one. That's not at all my comfort zone and not at all how I'd care to obtain one. (I certainly don't want a piece of shit that would be more dangerous to myself than it would be to someone else for starts.) There are plenty of reputable dealers within 20 miles of where I live on either side of the NC/VA line.

[Endangered Specie]

95. Some counties are next to impossible to get pistol purchase permits...

orange county for example, durham co also.

Wake county is very straightfoward.

a fair number of people in NC get a CCH just so they can avoid the purchase permit nonsense and or to carry a gun in the car.

In NC it is illegal to transport a concealed weapon unless its in the trunk or in the back bed of a pickup, or it must be in plain view.

[HillWilliam]

106. The law leaves quite a bit of wiggle room

since it reads "within convenient control and easy reach". If it's locked in a box in the floorboard of the back seat, it's neither in easy reach nor in convenient control. You'd be within the law to carry it that way, even though it was nominally concealed. You can legally carry it openly on the seat beside you as long as nothing is covering it. Still, I keep mine in the furthest reach of the car (since I have a hatchback) with a club-lock on while transporting to the range for target practice. Disclaimer: Not all officers who'd might want to look have actually read the law. You're best to go to the NCDOJ site, download and read the publication for yourself. I did and I carry it with me.

I live in Caswell and they're pretty easygoing about pistol permits. They're also shorthanded (any LEO's out there feel like living the rural life?) so they're willing to put citizens through CCH class if we're willing to attend. I live on-out in the county so it might be a while before an officer could get to me if I needed one. There's a medium-security prison in town, so I figured minimally a 12ga in the house was a good idea. My best buddy was a prison guard and used to ride a horse with a 12ga supervising chain-gangs in Alabama. (Never assume that us gay men are shrinking violets :) ). A lot of inmates will understand the distinctive sound of a pump even on the other side of a door. NC castle law doesn't say I have to announce anything... like the deputy who taught our CCH class said: "If someone is pounding on your door at 2am like they're trying to get in, th'ain't coming over to borrow a cup of sugar. Pull the trigger."

I have no qualms. If someone finds my house, and they're there at that hour, and they're busting the door down, yeah, it's a safe bet they're not going to borrow a cup of sugar. If someone finds my house in the daylight, there's one of two possible answers: they're damned lost or they're up to no good.

As long as the sheriff's office is willing to hand out training and permits, I'm willing to put both to good use. Given that they're short-handed, "me" is what I've got to count on.

[gorfle]

85. In Alabama, no problem at all.

There is no waiting period for any kind of firearm here. You simply pay, fill out the paperwork, pass NICS, and you're out. You can buy a gun in less than 15 minutes. But what fun would that be? :)

[jeepnstein]

90. So what did you finally buy?

It's always a chore for me, here in Ohio, to buy one. My last purchase was an AR15 a while back. I had to make two or three trips to the store, each one requiring quite a bit of small talk with the owners. Once I decided which one I wanted, the transaction took at least an hour. We did the 4473, did the background check, exchanged some money, and engaged in even more conversation. They are a Class III dealer and were very interested in selling me a short barreled AR15 with a can.

I have a couple for sale or trade right now. I need to raise some cash for a Fender Twin Reverb.

[hoplophile]

108. Pretty easy in Texas

If you have your carry permit you are exempt from the NICS check but not the yellow sheet. Otherwise the NICS instant check is all that is needed. Fortunately in Texas the risk to life and limb do to arbitrary waiting periods is very slim. I believe that it is shameful some places make a person, that may be in deadly peril, wait until they may take possession of the weapon that may be necessary to save their life.

[old mark]

114. Last summer here in PA, I bought 5 handguns in one transction,

same day, filled out a ton of paperwork.
Only "waiting period" I have is to accumulate enough cash to buy another
(I'm not doing credit cards anymore)

I recall a signature line from one of the REAL pro gun sites:

"Three day waiting period? But I'm mad NOW!"

(I should explain to the drooling anti-gun idiots that this is a "joke".)

mark