Quick answers to the questions asked most often about buying, shopping and visiting gun shops. Laws change and vary by state, so treat this as a starting point, not legal advice.
Do I need a license to buy a gun at a gun shop?
Under federal law, no. A licensed dealer has the buyer fill out the federal purchase form and runs a background check through NICS before the sale. Some states add their own permit, waiting period or registration, so check the rules where the shop is.
How old do I have to be?
Federal law sets the age at 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun from a dealer and 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer. Some states set higher ages.
Can I buy a gun in another state?
A dealer can sell a rifle or shotgun to a resident of another state when the sale is legal in both states. Handguns from a dealer can only go to residents of the dealer’s state; an out-of-state handgun purchase has to be shipped to a dealer in the buyer’s home state.
What is an FFL?
A Federal Firearms License, the license every gun shop needs to sell firearms as a business. The Gun Shop Timeline covers how the license came about.
What is a transfer, and what does it cost?
When a gun is bought online or from out of state, it is shipped to a local dealer, who runs the background check and hands it over. Shops charge a transfer fee for this, and the price varies from shop to shop, so ask before ordering.
What should I know before my first visit?
Keep any gun you bring in cased and unloaded, ask before handling anything behind the counter, and never point a firearm at anyone, even an unloaded one on display. Gun Shop Etiquette and Gun Shop Tips cover the rest.
What makes a surplus store different?
Surplus stores sell military gear, clothing and equipment, and some carry surplus firearms and ammunition. See Surplus Stores.
How do I get a shop added or corrected?
Use Suggest a Gun Shop for new listings, or Contact Us for corrections.