Buying a gun? Read This First:
Buying a gun for the first time can be intimidating. Let’s discuss the process of how to buy a gun and the three most common mistakes that are made when buying a gun for the first time.
So, you’ve decided which gun you want to buy and are heading to the gun store. What can you expect once you get there? When you get to the store you’ll be asked to fill out a Form 4473. This form is a transaction record for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms or “ATF,” and is required in order to purchase a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensed dealer or “FFL.”
The form will ask questions such as: have you ever been convicted of a crime; are you a fugitive from justice; and are you purchasing the firearm for another person (that is, making a strawman purchase). The form also requires you to provide information about yourself such as: your date of birth, address, height, and weight. To purchase a handgun from an FFL, you must be at least 21 years of age.
Once you’ve correctly filled out the form, the sales clerk will ask you for your ID. This is generally a valid government-issued photo identification card or state-issued license or permit to carry a handgun.
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Mistake One: Forgetting Proper Identification
The first mistake we see when someone is trying to purchase a firearm is forgetting to bring their Driver’s License, applicable state firearms permit or license with them. If you do not have a valid government-issued ID card, the FFL will not be able to sell the gun to you. You’ll have to leave and come back with your ID, so make sure to bring your ID with you when you head to the gun store.
If that’s not an issue, once you’ve filled out the form and handed over your ID card, the FFL will run a
on you. NICS stands for the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. There are three responses that NICS will provide to the FFL: either proceed with the transaction, delay, or deny.
If the response is “proceed,” the FFL will complete the gun purchase and you’ll be on your way. If the response is “delay,” the FFL will have to wait to finish the sale, and the ATF has three days to research the applicant further and notify the FFL to proceed or deny. If the FFL has not heard back from the ATF within three days, then you can proceed with your gun purchase. If the response is “deny,” then you’re denied from purchasing the firearm and the FFL will not be able to complete the sale.
Mistake Two: Ignoring a Wrongful Denial
The second mistake we see people making when purchasing a gun for the first time is not appealing a wrongful denial. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully denied the right to buy a firearm, then you can request an appeal by submitting a request to the FBI.
You should always appeal a wrongful denial. We’ve seen an increase in wrongful denials as the federal government and states have taken measures to “clean up” their criminal history records. As a result, records are being wrongfully associated with one another, names are getting mixed up, and responsible gun owners are paying the price. You shouldn’t lose your gun rights because a bureaucrat made a typo. Appeal your denial.
Mistake Three: Not Documenting Transfers
The last mistake we see made is people not keeping their sales receipts or bills of sale. Whether it’s from an FFL or a private individual (if your state allows for private sales), it’s important to have and keep a record of your firearm’s particulars, and where and from whom you obtained the gun. This serves two important purposes:
- First, if your firearm is ever stolen or lost, your chances of getting it back are nearly zero without a record of the make, model, and serial number of the gun to provide to police.
- Second, if (for example) the firearm that you purchased in a private sale later comes into contact with law enforcement—let’s say on a routine traffic stop—and hits as “stolen,” you’ll be able to show law enforcement when and from whom you purchased the gun, saving you a considerable headache.
We hope you found this information helpful and encourage new gun owners to learn the law and best practices when it comes to your Second Amendment rights.
If you have any questions about purchasing a firearm, call U.S. LawShield and ask to speak with your Independent Program Attorney.
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The information provided in this presentation is intended to provide general information to individuals and is not legal advice. The information included in this publication may not be quoted or referred to in any other publication without the prior written consent of U.S. LawShield, to be given or withheld at our discretion. The information is not a substitute for, and does not replace the advice or representation of a licensed attorney. We strive to ensure the information included in this publication is accurate and current, however, no claim is made to the accuracy of the information and we are not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of information in this publication. The use of this publication does not create an attorney-client relationship between U.S. LawShield, any independent program attorney, and any individual.
Is a current USA Passport acceptable identification?
Hello Randy! Thank you for your question. But unfortunately, a passport is not enough. The identification document (“ID”) presented by the buyer must contain the buyer’s photograph, name, residence address, and date of birth. The ID must also be valid (e.g., unexpired) and have been issued by a governmental entity for the identification of individuals. Since a passport does not contain the buyer’s residence address, it is insufficient by itself.
However, a combination of government-issued documents may be used to meet the requirements. For example, a passport which contains the name, date of birth, and a photograph of the buyer may be combined with a voter or vehicle registration card containing the residence address of the buyer thus satisfying all of the ID requirements.
Absolutely correct
If you have been convicted of a crime and the record has been expunged do you have to put it on the form??
Could a person be rejected if the forgot to answer whether they are Hispanic/Non Hispanic?
If there is no criminal, mental health history, and no previous rejection when it came to purchasing a firearm or getting a carried/concealed permit?
If you don’t have or is ineligible for a Driver’s License just obtain an ID from DMV. The same kind certain States require for voters.
To Sue:
Technically, not answering 10A (question you are referring to) constitutes an incomplete 4473 form. The FFL can’t submit the background check via NICS until the 4473 is complete.
In the state of Florida, all delay responses(conditionals), are treated as nonapprovals until an approval is given from FDLE. The three day wait time does not apply and they may stay conditional forever! In a sense, the state of Florida has taken the response of conditional gun buyers gun rights away from them. All potential gun buyers could be conditional!
If you currently have a CCW permit for a handgun and go through the process of purchasing another handgun do you still have to go through the process of filling out the form 4473.
Rick Rinella. That’s how it used to be in Pennsylvania. A 4473 is now required for nearly all firearms sales.
Yes, you will be required to complete a 4473 for every handgun purchase, with or without a CCW permit.
Rick Rinella: It depends on which state. Missouri requires a background check, regardless. Whereas, Arkansas lets you skip the background check if you show your CCW card.
Rick Rinella in Texas I believe you can skip the back ground check. I purchased one a few years ago and was able to bring my hand gun home the same day!
I’m from texas I’m not a felon but why would I get a delay when I tried to buy a gun from a FFL I’m also a level 3 security officer
I thought that it was interesting when you said that one thing to consider when you are buying a firearm is to make sure that you fill out the appropriate paperwork in order to achieve the legal right to own it. I have been thinking about getting a firearm of my own but I have been worried that I wouldn’t legally and accurately complete the purchasing process. I will be sure to inquire about paperwork involved in the purchase of a firearm so that I can legally own the firearm.
It’s good to know that you need to have some form of government ID in order to buy a gun. I think a lot of people don’t know this and wonder why they can’t buy a gun. It’s great that people can buy guns because it allows us to exercise our rights here in America.
I recently bought a concealed hand weapon online under my name for my brother for his birthday and he has an FLL but I don’t. Could that be an issue when I show up to the gun store?
If you mark a question wrong on the form and they deny your app how long before you can buy a gun from another place. I marked a
Can you change the address of your gun if you have moved?
I’m a first time in the process of considering purchasing a fire arm. I’m from Texas and I’ve read i don’t need a permit to purchase a gun. How soon after must I complete the classes?
My felony is 13 years old and I haven’t been in any trouble since then I’m from Texas and I’m waiting on the back ground Will they approve me
I am a Texas resident, I just turned 18 would I be able to buy a gun with my birth certificate and social security card?
I loved it when you said that buying a gun for the first time can be intimidating. Let’s discuss the process of how to buy a gun and the three most common mistakes that are made when purchasing a gun for the first time. I will share this with my uncle, who is fond of firearms. I’m sure he will be looking for this gun, buy and add it to his collections.
I never knew that you must have your driver’s license with you when purchasing a firearm, so you must bring it when heading to the gun store. This is something that I will share with my husband since he is interested in buying a gun for self-defense purposes. He said that he wanted to ensure that he could be able to defend himself from criminals, especially since he always goes home late from work.