How to Buy a Gun Online

NOTE: The following is not and should not be considered legal advice. If you have reason to suspect that you cannot legally purchase or possess firearms or ammunition, please consult with an attorney before attempting to purchase a firearm online.

Buying a Firearm Online: Where to Start

For those that don’t know, purchasing a gun online is legal, provided you ship it to a registered FFL and follow some basic guidelines. The basic steps–from choosing your gun to picking it up locally–are not difficult. Shopping for firearms online is a relaxed and enjoyable process. However, it’s important to understand the legal requirements before you get started. It’s important to get everything right the first time.

This guide will quickly show you how to legally purchase a firearm online, ship it to an FFL, and successfully take possession of it once it arrives. Further on, the process is explained in more detail if you’re looking for more background information. Scroll to the end for some tips and more points about the pros and cons of buying them online, as well as a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Happy shopping!

Buying a Firearm Online: A Quick Walkthrough

Here’s a snapshot of the process for buying a gun online. The following assumes you are a) of legal age to transfer the firearm and b) are not a prohibited person. For a more detailed explanation of the process, scroll down to the next section. For more information on the law, visit our Firearms Laws in the US page.

Start

 

Step 1:

Purchase your firearm online

 

Step 2:

Select an FFL close to home. Ship the firearm to the FFL.

 

Step 3:

Wait for the firearm to arrive at your FFL. Go to the FFL to conduct a background check.

 

Step 4:

When the background check is complete, take the firearm home

 

Gun Purchase Completed

Step 1: Purchase the firearm from an online vendor (like Southern Defense).

  • Do your research. Find the gun you want.

  • Add it to your cart and check out. Pay for the firearm.

  • Have a local FFL’s business address ready to go during the checkout process. You might need to supply this and other information about the FFL to the online vendor immediately after your purchase.

Step 2: Ship the firearm to a local Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL)

  • Most people cannot receive firearms from vendors in the mail. FFLs, on the other hand, have a special license from the US government that permits them to do this. 

  • To find an FFL near you, click here.

  • Direct the shipment of your firearm to the FFL’s business address. 

Step 3: Once the firearm arrives to the FFL, go to their shop and conduct a background check

  • Use your tracking number as a rough indicator of when to check in with the FFL. Some FFLs will attempt to contact you as soon as a firearm arrives. Others may not contact you at all, and you’ll need to call them to confirm the firearm is at their location and ready to be transferred.

  • Go in-person to the FFL and perform a background check. You’ll need to fill out several forms and present identification.

  • You’ll also need to pay the FFL’s fee(s) for the background check and transfer processes.

Step 4: When the background check clears, you can take the firearm home

  • Most background checks, including the FBI’s NICS, happen while you wait in the FFL’s shop. After a successful background check, you can take the firearm home.

  • Some states have a waiting period during which you cannot legally take possession of the firearm. If this is the case with your state, your FFL will instruct you when to return and take possession. 

Buying a Firearm Online: In Depth

Shopping for the Firearm

  • For many folks, this is the best part of the gun buying process. Think about how to get the best combination of price, features, and durability.

  • Next, select a trustworthy vendor. Google the vendor, read reviews. Basically, you’re looking to weed out any scam sites when you do this. Check forums to see if others have used the company in the past. Check out Southern Defense’s reviews here.

  • If you’re unsure about what kind of firearm is right for you, check out Southern Defense’s primer on guns.

  • To get certain details about a firearm, you might need to look in several places, including the manufacturer’s website. Most vendors will reliably tell you what cartridge it shoots (caliber), barrel length, the price, and magazine capacity. However, you might want to know the weight, overall length, what sights are included, and other details.

  • Make it habit to check the manufacturer’s website to cross reference the model # or SKU you’re interested in. Manufacturers often make slight changes to firearms for state compliance–adding features like magazine disconnects or loaded chamber indicators–that will result in multiple SKUs for essentially the same gun. Make sure you’re getting exactly what you want.

  • You’ll need a credit card to complete your purchase. It might also be a good idea to make most or all of your online gun purchases with a single card. Even better if it’s not tied to your checking account–such as a debit card would be. In the unlikely event of a data breach, you don’t want your bank account getting compromised. Note: this is good practice for online shopping in general. 

  • When you check out, make sure the vendor uses a secure payment system (Authorize.net, etc.) 

Shipping Process and Transfer Fees

  • An FFL can receive firearms from a vendor in the mail. You can’t. Here’s how to find an FFL near you:

    • Use a lookup tool–such as this one from Gunbroker–and put in your zip code to locate FFLs close to home.

    • Gunbroker’s tool lists what each FFL charges for handgun and long gun transfers. Prices are different between the two sometimes.

    • Some big box / sporting goods stores may also transfer firearms. Check your local store’s website or contact them directly for current transfer prices. 

  • FFLs set their own prices for transfers, and they can vary quite a bit. Use an FFL lookup to compare prices, but also know that prices may have gone up depending on when the FFL last updated their information on the site. 

  • It’s good practice to contact the FFL and make sure they’re still conducting transfers before you ship your gun. Some of them also want a heads up once your gun ships.

  • Confirm the FFL’s shipping address is correct before you ship a gun if you’ve never used them before.

  • If the vendor hasn’t worked with your FFL before, you may need to contact your FFL and have them send their FFL information–or an actual copy of their license–to the vendor. 

  • Make sure you understand the vendor’s shipping and return policies. You will definitely pay a restocking fee if the wrong firearm is shipped to an FFL (and it wasn’t the vendor’s fault).

  • Understand that you’ll pay the FFL’s transfer fee when you eventually pick up your firearm. 

    • Some states, such as CA, also charge a fee for their background check, which the FFL must pay. This cost is passed on to you. 

    • Some states require a purchase permit ahead of time, which will have an associated fee, but this fee is usually assessed only once for each permit.

  • So, you hammered refresh on your tracking number for several days–or weeks– and now you finally see your gun is “delivered” to your FFL:

    • Your FFL won’t be ready for you the second they receive the firearm. They have to process the delivery and log it into their inventory. Be patient; this can take several days if they’re busy.

    • Some FFLs will contact you when they’re ready to conduct the transfer. Many won’t. Call ahead to confirm they’re ready so you don’t waste a trip to their shop.

    • Some smaller FFLs are “appointment only” for transfers so be ready to schedule something if this is the case.

Background Check

  • When you go in for the background check and transfer:

    • Bring your state driver’s license / official ID at minimum. 

    • If the address on your ID doesn’t match your actual address, this will be a problem for the background check. However, many FFLs will accept one or more recent utility bills showing your current address as proof-of-residence. 

    • When in doubt, call ahead to verify acceptable forms of ID!

  • When you get to the shop, you will inspect the firearm. Make sure everything you ordered has arrived and that the firearm is acceptable to transfer to you. Now is the time to pack it up and send it back if something is wrong. 

  • FFLs must provide a gun lock when transferring a handgun. If, for some reason, one didn’t ship with your firearm, you may have to pay for it.

  • Before the transfer and background check can begin, you’ll pay the required fees.

  • You will then fill out an ATF Form 4473, thereby stating your legal ability to receive the firearm. You will also submit to a federal background check at minimum.

    • Click here to see the form.

    • You will be asked to enter your full name, address, SSN, country of citizenship, as well as answer questions that determine your eligibility to receive the firearm.

    • You must enter your full legal name (first-middle-last) correctly. Not doing so is a common reason background checks fail. Also make sure that physical features listed on your ID like height, weight, eye color, etc. match what you put on the form. 

    • Some states also have additional background checks that happen in tandem with the federal check, or use a slightly modified process. 

    • The core of the federal background check system is the FBI’s NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). In theory, the NICS check happens while you wait in the shop. In practice, there can be delays. 

    • The NICS system will provide one of four responses:

      • Proceed - The firearm may be transferred 

      • Denied - The firearm may not be transferred because the transferee may be prohibited person

      • Canceled - The firearm may not be transferred because the NICS check was not initiated properly

      • Delayed - The transferor must wait a minimum of three business days before transferring the firearm while NICS conducts more research. Before this period is over, NICS may send a follow-up response of proceed, denied, or canceled.

  • If you pass the check, and your state doesn’t have waiting periods, you’re ready for the next step.

  • Some states impose a mandatory waiting period on every firearm purchase. The FFL will advise you of the time you must wait, when you can return to complete the transaction, and what paperwork to bring when you return. 

  • For states like CA that conduct an additional search of criminal records on top of the NICS check, the waiting period is a chance for this search to occur. If the search returns evidence that you are a prohibited person, or they find an error in your paperwork, they will contact the FFL, who will then contact you.

Transfer and Take Possession

  • Once you pass the background check and any mandatory waiting period is over, you can finalize the transfer.

  • If your transfer is delayed, or if a waiting period must be observed, you’ll need to come back to the FFL’s shop several days later. Bring your approved form(s) of ID and whatever paperwork the FFL advised you to bring.

  • You may inspect the firearm once again. The FFL will likely recheck the serial number and your paperwork one last time, especially if a waiting period has been observed.

  • Some states have additional steps related to safe handling and storage that must be completed before you leave. For the most part, though, you’re done now! 

  • Take that gun home (or to the range)!

Pros and Cons of Buying a Gun Online

Pros

  • ✔ Overall selection of firearms is massive
  • ✔ Prices are generally lower than LGS: Online vendors typically have far fewer overhead costs.
  • ✔ No pressure to make a decision to purchase quickly
  • ✔ No chance of being misinformed by the folks at the gun counter!
  • ✔ No waiting in line: We're looking at you, big box sporting goods stores!

Cons

  • ✘ Harder to judge ergonomics if you've never used the firearm
  • ✘ First opportunity to inspect "your gun" comes after purchase instead of before
  • ✘ Extra transfer fee
  • ✘ Have to wait for shipment to arrive before starting the transfer

Repairing Damaged or Defective Firearms

  • Warranties - Most manufacturers have a warranty that covers defects in workmanship or materials for a short period–usually a year–after which the customer may be responsible for some or all of the repair costs if the firearm is sent in for repairs. In practice, many companies offer free or low cost repairs, or only charge the customer a return shipping fee. It’s smart to consider the cost and/or likelihood of warranty work before making a firearm purchase. Some manufacturers have good–or bad–reputations for a reason.

  • Shipping Firearms for Repair Work  

    • UPS and FedEx in most cases will only allow FFLs to ship firearms through the mail 

    • You may ship a long gun via USPS yourself if it goes directly to an FFL at the other end  

    • For most repair work, including all handguns, you’ll need an FFL to send the firearm out for you, and to receive it from the sender when repairs are complete. 

  • Return Policies for Online Purchases - See Southern Defense’s Shipping / Refund Policy here.

More information

Hopefully, this guide has given you a solid understanding of the buying, shipping, background check and transfer processes, the many laws that affect your overall contact with firearms, and a few extra details to help with ownership and beyond. Buying firearms online is a stress free process if you know what you’re in for after the checkout process. Once you try it, you may never shop in person again. 

Staying up-to-date with firearms laws can be pretty draining, especially if you live in one of the strictest states. However, the more you know about the subject, the more likely you’ll be to participate in the political process. You may also decide to support one of the many pro-2A groups that fight against unconstitutional firearms laws in this country. Every private citizen would’ve lost their right to own firearms long ago if these organizations hadn’t fought back in court.  

For current laws:

  • Check out ATF’s Firearms Laws page here, along with their regulations page here (Federal).

  • A listing of state laws can be found here at NRA-ILA’s website, but some of the entries are several years old.

  • For the latest updates to state and local laws, Google is your best bet. 

  • Several anti-gun organizations (Giffords and Everytown) also have extensive libraries of state laws that are useful for research. 

If you have any further questions about purchasing firearms or ammunition from this website, contact us at info@southerndefense.com. 

Frequently Asked Questions

FFL stands for Federal Firearms Licensee. The ATF, a federal law enforcement organization charged with regulating firearms and ammunition, grants these licenses. 
FFLs can get guns shipped to them directly from vendors, distributors, and manufacturers, unlike most other people. With a few limited exceptions–including receiving a gun back from warranty or gunsmithing work–normal folks cannot have firearms shipped directly to their homes.

The easiest way is to use an online FFL lookup tool like this one. 
Pick an FFL in your state. Generally, transfers from an FFL to a non-FFL 
Contact an FFL local to your area to make sure they’re conducting transfers. 
The ATF also maintains a list of current FFL holders by state.
For more details, see the “Shipping Process and Transfer Fees” section near the beginning of the guide.

Your valid state issued driver’s license or ID card with current home address listed
If your current address does not match your ID, bring a document to establish your current home address (recent utility bill)
Permit-to-purchase, if applicable. More than a dozen states require various kinds of permits before purchasing firearms and/or ammunition. Examples include California’s Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification Card (FOID), and Massachusetts’ Firearm Identification Card (FID). 

In many states, the background check happens while you wait in the store and only takes a few minutes. 
If, like California, your state is a point-of-contact (POC) for NICS–meaning the state performs its own background check on you in addition to the FBI’s–it will take longer. 
Your state may also have a waiting period before you may take possession of the firearm. While this isn’t part of the background check itself, it’s part of the overall process. You may have to wait anywhere from three days (on the low end) to two weeks (Hawaii) before you can return to the FFL to complete the transfer.

You will probably pay a shipping fee when you purchase a firearm online.
The receiving FFL will charge a transfer fee to release the firearm to you after it arrives at their shop locally.
The receiving FFL shouldn’t be charging you any shipping fees. 

Return policies are different depending on the vendor.
You can view Southern Defense’s Shipping/Refund Policy here.

Begin by asking the FFL doing your transfer. What to do depends on how you “failed.”
If your NICS check or state-run background check returns a response of DENIED, and you believe you are not a “prohibited person” according to federal and state laws, you may appeal. The process to appeal depends on your state and the underlying cause of the denial response.
A DELAYED response is inconvenient, but you may be able to take possession of the firearm within several days unless you are subsequently DENIED. Again, the FFL that initiated your background check can advise you on how to proceed here.

Yes. Firearms must be shipped to an FFL in all 50 states and DC.
Certain cities do not permit shipments of certain firearms and ammunition.
Shipping to Alaska / Hawaii may be more expensive compared to other states or unavailable.

Familiarize yourself with any firearms restrictions that exist for your state. Several states have a handgun “roster” that only permits certain models to be transferred from an FFL to you. Nearly a dozen states have “assault weapons bans” that heavily restrict magazine fed semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, and pistols that can accept a magazine outside the grip.

Often the vendor will have a “state compliant” section. However DO NOT blindly trust that the seller knows your state’s laws! They might, but state laws change often. It’s tough work to keep track of dozens of states’ firearms laws. 

If a firearm is sent to an FFL that cannot legally transfer it to you, you’ll have to pay to send it back to the vendor, and probably a restocking fee as well. 
Ultimately, you are responsible for understanding and complying with the firearms laws in your state. Check out the state firearms law resources found earlier on our parent page.

Southern Defense will provide a shipping label at no charge to return the defective item(s) and will give you a full refund, including shipping costs, if returned within 30 days of order receipt. If purchasing from another vendor, you’ll need to ask about their policies.
For defects reported after 30 days, please contact the manufacturer for further instructions. You will likely need to ship the firearm to the manufacturer for repairs. If the firearm is a handgun, you will need to ship via an FFL. For long guns, you should be able to send via USPS. The manufacturer will advise you on how to proceed.

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