Firearms 101: Can You Really Buy a Gun Online?

Yes, but it won't be shipped to you.

This is a the first in a series of firearms articles designed to advance civil debate on the topic. We’re tackling issues that are often misunderstood.

We hope that these posts will contribute in some small way to more knowledgeable debate and more accurate reporting.

Firearms are a somewhat technical subject. As is the case with other technical topics, reporting on firearms is often muddled.

So, can you really buy a firearm online?

Sort of. 

You can pay for a firearm online but that doesn’t give you the legal right to own the gun.

In fact, before you can take possession of that firearm you’ll have to show up at an in-person location to present acceptable ID and pass an FBI background check.

This is why firearms purchased online aren’t shipped to customers. No online dealer does that because it’s illegal.

Here’s how buying a firearm online works. 

How Buying Firearms Online Works

Checkout: During the checkout process, early on, you’ll enter your zip code and then you’ll be asked to pick from a list of nearby FFLs. This is where your firearm will be shipped to.

FFL is slang for a local business that has a Federal Firearms License.

FFLs may be firearm or sporting goods stores, pawn shops, or even a lawyer.

FFL Communication: Once the FFL receives the firearm you ordered, they’ll notify you by phone. They may use polite language like “We received your firearm, you can pick it up now.” Or they may say, “You can come in now to start the background check.”

FBI Background Check: Either way, you’re not going to pick anything up without going through an FBI background check.

The FFL is trained and authorized to check your ID and initiate that FBI background check. If you pass it, then and only then, can you take possession of the firearm. 

You’ll also pay a small fee (usually around $35-$50) to the FFL for initiating the background check.

Q&A on Buying Firearms Online

Why Do People Buy Firearms from Online Dealers? 

So, why do people buy firearms online when they have to go to a local FFL dealer anyway? 

The answer is online dealers often have far more variety to choose from. Local mom and pop firearm stores typically have much more limited inventory.

So if a local store doesn’t have a particular model or color a buyer’s looking for, they can likely find what they want online.

Why are there firearm sites that don’t ask you to choose an FFL?

If you ever come across a gun site that doesn’t ask you to pick an FFL during checkout, that’s a scam site.

By scam site we mean, you’ll send them money and will never receive anything. Beware: some scam sites sport logos of legitimate firearms organizations and manufacturers.

Report the site to Google by clicking the 3 dots that appear next to the listing in Google Search.