While some guns are incredibly advanced and make use of complex mechanisms to make them the engineering marvels that they are, other types of guns, such as revolvers, haven’t seen any changes or updates to their mechanics in centuries. Just because revolvers are still using the good old revolving chamber and firing hammer mechanism, doesn’t mean they aren’t still very useful weapons to have. On the contrary, the fact that they are still relying on tried and tested technology, and the fact they are still incredibly popular actually serves as a testament to how outrageously durable and reliable these guns are. If you are looking for a hunting weapon, you might want to have a look at the Smith and Wesson 500 Magnum- it’s great for large game, and also works great as an anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapon.

But more importantly, it’s not just about the unbelievable choice of weapons you have that you can choose from, it’s also about how you can buy one. Keep in mind you can always shop here for 80 lowers and build your very own gun, since buying a gun online, regardless of the type, can be a little tricky.

Here, we have compiled a list of the dos and don’ts of buying a gun online, so you can get the right kind of weapon, with the least amount of effort.

1.  Legality

Generally, people are concerned with the legality of buying a gun online, and they should be. While it’s completely legal, there are some requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible to purchase firearms through the web. The rules and regulations pertaining to online weapon purchases will vary slightly depending on state law, but the general outline is the same.

Even if you purchase the weapon through the internet, it is still going to first be shipped to a local Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL) in your area, who will be responsible for completing background checks and other technicalities before they can hand the weapon over to you in person. Private party purchases are a separate topic.

2.  FFL Process

First, you need to find an FFL in your area or your state who is willing to facilitate you as a client who wants to gain ownership of a gun they have purchased online. Not all FFLs are willing to accommodate online buyers and most have a service fee for providing this service. You do have the option to become a Federal Firearm Licensee yourself, and if you go this route, you could get the gun shipped directly to your doorstep. Once you have located an FFL in your area, get in contact with them and discuss your situation, you should consider talking to a few FFLs, so you can get a good idea of the price as service fees do vary a lot.

3.  Eligibility

Once you have the FFL shortlisted, get in touch with them to sort out eligibility so that you are ready to receive the gun as soon as it reaches them. The FFL will be responsible for carrying out background checks on you and ensuring that you are not a prohibited person. This also involves you filling out an ATF form, also known as Form 4473. Once you have the form filled out and the FFL has checked with the National Instant Criminal Check System (NICS) that you are ok to receive a gun, you can discuss logistics. As you have probably already gone through the best online gun stores and chosen the gun that you want, all you need to do is get the FFLs contact information and address and use this on the website when you make the purchase so that the gun is shipped to the FFL. Let the FFL know about this and hand them your contact info, and they will get in touch with you as soon as the gun arrives.

4.  The Purchase

At this point, the actual license of the federal firearm licensee (FFL) comes into play. When you are purchasing the gun online, the retailer will ask you for a copy of the actual license that is being used to purchase the weapon. In some cases, the FFL might give you a copy of their license to provide to the retailer at the time of purchase, other FFLs may tell you that they are going to provide the retailer with their license directly, and in some cases, the retailer might already have a copy of the FFL’s license. It’s not surprising if your online retailer already has an FFLs license as there are so many online gun purchases happening every day.  Whatever the case may be, the point is to get the license to the retailer. When shopping online, you might come across a lot of deals on hard-to-get weapons at unbelievable prices, don’t fall for it, stick to well-known and trusted online firearm dealers.

5.  The Transfer

If all goes well, you will have successfully selected a gun, shortlisted an FFL who will receive it, and paid the online retailer for your product. With all that out of the way, you and your FFL are just waiting for the delivery of the gun. Once your FFL receives it, they will get in touch with you to come over to pick it up. Make sure you take your government ID with you that has a photo of you and your current address on it. That’s all you’ll need.

While you are at the gun store picking up your gun, be sure to get supplies that you will need for your gun. More than just ammunition, guns require proper maintenance in order to stay functional. The better care you take of your gun, the longer it will serve you and the safer it will be for you to use. If you are new to the gun hobby, ask your local store about the things you will need for maintenance and be very disciplined with gun maintenance. A faulty gun can have fatal consequences. If you aren’t exactly sure how to maintain it, take it to an authorized dealer who can properly service it for you. Also, make sure you have the right kind of ammunition for the gun, the wrong ammunition can also be a serious hazard and can also jam your gun. Lastly, use your gun responsibly, being careless and casual with it can have legal consequences, not to mention if you become listed as a prohibited person, that’ll be the end of your gun hobby.

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