How buying a gun actually works
Short version: you can buy online, but the gun ships to a licensed dealer near you — not your door. You pass a background check there and take it home. Here's the whole process in two minutes.
1. You buy online (or reserve in-store)
When you click a buy link on this site, you check out on the retailer's website like any other purchase. The price you pay is the retailer's price — we just found the lowest one for you.
2. It ships to an FFL — a licensed gun dealer near you
Federal law requires firearms to transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL): usually a local gun shop, sometimes a pawn shop or big-box sporting goods store. During checkout the retailer asks you to pick one — most have a searchable list, or your local shop can send their license directly. The FFL typically charges a transfer fee of about $20–$50; budget for it.
3. You fill out Form 4473 and pass the background check
At the shop, you show government-issued ID and fill out ATF Form 4473. The dealer runs the FBI's NICS background check — usually instant, occasionally delayed a few days. You must be 21 for a handgun from a dealer (18 for most rifles and shotguns under federal law; some states set 21 for everything).
4. Your state may add steps
Some states require a purchase permit or firearms card before you can buy, impose a waiting period between purchase and pickup, limit magazine capacity, or restrict which models can be sold. Pick your state in the bar at the top of this site and the specifics appear right here — and our build configurator will default to compliant magazines where it matters.
Our state notes are general information we verify against public sources — they're not legal advice. Your FFL deals with this every day and is the best final check.
5. Take it home — and get ammo + eyes/ears
Once the check clears (and any waiting period passes), the gun is yours. You'll want ammo — every gun page here links the right caliber on AmmoSeek, the ammo price tracker — plus eye and ear protection, and ideally a first lesson at a local range. A locking case or safe is required by law in several states and a good idea in all of them.
Common questions
Is buying online legal? Yes — the FFL transfer process above IS the legal route, same background check as buying in-store.
Private sales? Rules vary widely by state; many require going through an FFL anyway. When in doubt, use a dealer.
Can I ship to my house? No (with rare exceptions like some antiques). Anyone who tells you otherwise is mistaken or breaking the law.