The gun industry is worth more than $21 billion in value. This means that there are countless opportunities for you to buy a nice firearm that you can use to protect your home, accompany you in hunting, use in your security work, or just to have as a collector’s item.
Many people today love how easy it is to buy guns online. Knowing the ins and outs of this process will help you find the perfect firearm and follow the correct steps for completing the transaction.
These tips will help you out if you’re interested in buying a gun and want to learn how to do it online.
Know What Kind of Gun You Want
For starters, learn the ins and outs of what kind of gun you want. This is important not only so that you’re following the law where you live, but also so that you can find the best retailer available.
There’s a big difference between honing in on a 9mm and an AR-15, so do your due diligence in studying up on everything that you need to know. From there, you’ll be able to find the right fit at a price that you can afford.
Understand Your State’s Online Gun Purchase Laws
Next, learn the ins and outs of the gun laws where you live. This means knowing what guns your state allows you to own and in which calibers. It also means understanding which types of guns can be purchased online, and what prerequisites you need to take care of.
Brushing up on your state’s gun laws will prevent any holdups in the process once you are ready to get started with a gun purchase. Be particularly mindful about any new laws that your state may have passed, as they typically come down to detail and nuance, rather than wide sweeping changes.
Learn the Federal Firearms License (FFL) Process
It’s also important to recognize that even though you’re buying a gun online, the online shop isn’t going to send the firearm directly to your home. This is a safety measure in place by federal law.
Instead, the shop will send the gun to a certified gun shop or professional that has the authority to handle a Federal Firearms License (FFL) transaction. They will act as a third-party to the transaction, so you’ll need to get their information and have it at the time of checkout.
Many gun shops conduct FFL transfers, so make sure of this before listing one as your third party.
Choose a Quality Firearms Dealer
Look into the quality and credibility of the firearms dealer that you’re deciding to do business with. They should have glowing reviews and should come recommended by different firearm enthusiast organizations. Learn about the business model of the shop, as they often have leanings in things like military, law enforcement, home defense, and other forms of gun advocacy.
Always do business with a dealer that is transparent, and that believes in putting out quality information to its customers. Look into the dealer’s website to learn their policies and make sure they do quality business, have a customer-friendly return policy, and put time and effort into their presentation.
Find a Gun Shop to Send Your Gun To
Do your due diligence when also finding the gun shop that will handle the FFL transfer. In doing this, you’ll have peace of mind that your gun will be in good hands and waiting for you when you’re ready to pick it up.
Consider speaking with the shop in person first to get a feel for the way that they do business and to verify that they do FFL transfers. Ask about their FFL transfer fees and get up to speed on the timetable that your state requires you to wait before the gun can change hands.
Shop Around for Prices
Since you’re shopping for guns online, leave no stone unturned when it comes to looking into the best prices. There are plenty of deals to be had on any guns that you’re looking for, and many online gun shops have discounts and members-only prices that you can take advantage of.
Consider their shipping fees and any other costs that you might need to add to the price tag. Set your budget upfront and do your best to find a firearm that falls within it.
Pick Up Your New Gun and Take Good Care of It
Finally, make sure that you pick your new gun up in time. You will typically have a set timetable to pick it up before the gun shop has to return it to the sender.
While you are in the gun shop that is handling the FFL transfer, you might also want to pick up some accessories. Look into a new case and gun care kit, along with boxes of ammunition to try out at the range and for home defense or hunting.
Tips for Buying a Gun on the Web
When you’re buying a gun, it’s always important that you understand the protocols that come with the territory. Buying a gun online has never been easier, and the points above can help you out.
We are happy to serve as your one-stop shop for quality, up-to-date information in the meantime.
Check out our other articles for more timely tips that will help you purchase a gun, brush up on gun ownership tips, and embrace the lifestyle.
