To legally purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer, you must meet several federal criteria:
You must be at least 18 years old to buy a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and at least 21 years old for handguns.
Federal law does not require background checks for sales between private individuals (non-dealers), but many states (e.g., California, Washington, New Jersey) require these transfers to be processed through an FFL to ensure a background check is conducted. buying a gun requirements
Once the form is complete, the dealer will initiate a check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) . This check typically yields one of three results:
Certain states mandate a cooling-off period (often 3 to 10 days) between the purchase and taking possession of the firearm. To legally purchase a firearm from a licensed
For detailed information on your specific location, you can check the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) State Laws and Published Ordinances page. Form 4473 Questions and Answers: Understanding the Process
Purchasing a firearm in the United States involves a combination of federal laws and additional state-specific regulations. While federal law sets a baseline, individual states may have more restrictive requirements. This check typically yields one of three results:
You must be a legal resident of the state where you are purchasing the firearm.