How to Buy a Gun Online

You may buy a gun online, whether you are a gun collector, a hunter or a sportsman, or just want to exercise your Second Amendment right to own a gun. The internet offers the ability to reach many other potential sellers that could have what you want. However you will still have to comply with all the Federal State and Local laws of the area in which you live. Here's how to buy a gun online.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Identification
• Federal Firearms License or local store with a FFL
• No felonies

1. 
    
   Pump action shotgun

   Learn what's available both in terms of guns and sources. You can buy almost any type of gun online. Some sites are gun auction sites akin to eBay. Others are sporting goods companies, that sell guns and ammo. You can also access gun manufacturers web sites and in some cases buy new guns from the factory store online.

2. Use an auction site like GunBroker.com to find out the market value of the gun that you are thinking about buying. This type of site is especially helpful if you are looking to buy a rare or unusual gun. You will also get pictures that will help you determine if that is the type of gun you really want.

3. 
    
   Laws vary by state

   Find out about gun laws in your state, as they may affect the type of gun you may purchase, possible waiting period and whether a background check is needed. The NRA (National Rifle Association) site is an excellent resource for this.

4. 
    
   Pistol

   Research local gun sellers. Because of strict Federal gun laws, if you buy a gun online it will have to be shipped to a Federal Firearms License(FFL) Dealer. There you will have to submit to the ATF, state, and/or local background checks that you need to comply with in order to purchase a gun in your area. The gun you bought on line will be shipped to the FFL and you will end up paying him a small service fee as well as the background check fees.

5. Have your driver's license handy when you place your order to buy a gun online. You'll often need to prove identification both at the time of purchase and when you pick up the gun from the FFL dealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Unless you know what you want, or are looking for a rare or specific gun, the best place to start your search for a gun may be your local gun store rather than to trying to buy a gun online.
• Most gun store owners are knowledgeable about their products and will help you get the gun that you need.

Resources

• Elite Tactical Leg Holster
• 32 Piece Universal Wood Gun Cleaning Kit

[copperhill]

on 2/10/2009 Great article, I was looking for information on this and glad I found it here.

[jaloft]

on 11/26/2008 Great article.

[EatTheSnot]

on 11/20/2008 Good informative article. 5 stars.

[1fstc5vette]

on 11/3/2008 good info, thanks! 5 stars!

[showpup]

on 11/3/2008 I'd better hide this article from my husband. He already owns 23 rifles and always looking to buy more. If he can do it online, there won't be any room left for me in the house anymore. ;) Or maybe I can use it to be sneaky and find that collectible he's been searching for and get it for a Christmas gift. (you know, so I can complain later that he has too many. LOL) 5 stars