Navigating the Complex World of Firearm Laws
Cut Through the Gun Transfer Maze
Let’s get something straight: gun laws? They’re a maze of bureaucratic nonsense. National regulations, state laws, and local ordinances all come together to make the process feel like you’re trying to navigate a labyrinth while blindfolded. If you’re thinking about transferring a firearm, whether it’s buying, selling, or gifting, it can get... complicated. But don’t worry, we’ve got the real talk here to guide you through it.
What Is a Gun Transfer?
A gun transfer is a sale of a firearm, whether you are buying it at a gun shop, gun show or a private sale from a buddy. A gun transfer could also be a gift like you are gifting your nephew or granddaughter their first firearm.
Do I Have to Transfer a Gun If I’m Selling to a Private Party?
Short Answer - You have two options.
Transfer Option 1 - Go to a FFL (like RVAA)
You go to an FFL (like River Valley Arms and Ammo) and pay your transfer fee (ours is $35) and you have a background check done. Then you’re good to go!
Option 2
You complete a private party transfer form and keep it for 10 years.
Long Answer
This is where things get a little murky. Technically, no, you don’t have to transfer a gun when selling it privately. Technically. The law allows private sellers to sell a firearm directly to another private individual without the assistance of a federally licensed dealer.
But here’s the thing:
You’re still on the hook for what happens with that firearm for a whole year after the sale. Yup. If the buyer goes rogue, gets caught with the firearm, or even commits a crime, guess who gets a phone call from the cops?
So, while you don’t have to do a transfer, we’re going to be the responsible ones here and recommend you do. It’s a simple way to cover your rear, making sure the firearm is only going to someone who’s legally allowed to own it.
If you are doing a private party transfer, and you don’t use a federally licensed firearm dealer, you must complete this private party transfer form and keep it for at least 10 years.
The Not-So-Simple Process
Buying a Gun Online
Buying a gun online sounds like a piece of cake, but don’t be fooled.
You can’t just click “buy now” and expect the gun to magically show up at your doorstep. That’s illegal.
Here’s how the real process goes down.
Buy the Gun
You go to the seller’s website and pick out your shiny new toy.
Pro Tip: Get their email address. Trust us, it’ll make life easier.
Gun Gets Shipped
The seller ships your gun to the FFL.
Background Check
Head to your FFL, where you’ll complete the mandatory background check before taking ownership.
Contact the Seller
After you’ve made your purchase, the seller will likely reach out to you for shipping details.
Contact Your Local FFL
Find a local gun shop (like River Valley Arms & Ammo) and ask if they do transfers. If they do, you’ll need to give them the seller’s contact info so they can send over their FFL license.
Notification
FFL usually contacts you once the firearm arrives.
Pay for the Transfer
Ah yes, the famous transfer fee. Expect to shell out anywhere between $25 to $100 for this service. At River Valley Arms & Ammo, we charge a reasonable $35.
All other duties as assigned
As with any good job description, this is the part where we tell you that there are exceptions to all of these rules. For example, if you are purchasing a curio or relic and you have a curio and relic FFL, the process is going to be a little different for you.
Got Questions? We’ve Got Your Back
We know this process can be as confusing as trying to untangle a slinky, and let’s face it, not everyone’s got the time or energy to wade through legal jargon. But here’s the deal – we’re here to help. Have a question? Need to confirm if your situation requires a transfer? Don’t stress. Just give us a call or shoot us an email. We’re happy to clear up any confusion and guide you through the whole shebang. After all, navigating the paperwork jungle is a lot easier when you’ve got a solid guide by your side.
And we might not have all the answers either, but we know a lot of really good people in law enforcement and the legal realm. We can connect you to the right place or the right people who can help make a good recommendation for you.
Whatever your experience level,
We’ll guide you every step of the way.
We may be small, but we know how to make things happen! From your first firearm purchase to advanced trainings, we’ll take care of you.