How easy is it to get a (legal) hand gun in the USA?

Question

What would be the quickest, most straightforward way of legally obtaining a hand gun in the USA? I'm only asking as, being British, I find the avaliability of firearms in the US a bit overwhelming! A friend told me you can just walk in to your local Walmart and literally pick one out of the display cases, and take it home with the rest of your shopping?! Is this true?

Answer 1

Euro-weenies?

Its pretty easy. You have to prove you are who you say you are and a check is made to make sure you aren't a convicted felon then you can have the gun. But don't blame us we got this idea from the British.

Here's what John Locke has to say about it.

," I have no reason to suppose that he who would take away my liberty would not, when he had me in his power, take away everything else….the law…cannot interpose to secure my life from present force, which if lost is capable of no reparation, permits me my own defense and the right of war, a liberty to kill the aggressor, because the aggressor allows not time to appeal to our common judge, nor the decision of law, for remedy in a case where the mischief may be irreparable."

"He that shall oppose an assault only with a shield to receive the blows, or in any more respectful posture, without a sword in his hand to abate the confidence and force of the assailant, will quickly be at an end of his resistance…..This will always be the event of such an imaginary resistance, where men may not strike again. He, therefore, who may resist must be allowed to strike. And then let our author, or anybody else, join a knock on the head or a cut on the face with as much reverence and respect as he thinks fit He that can reconcile blows and reverence may, for aught I know, deserve for his pains a civil, respectful cudgelling wherever he can meet with it. "

You British might have a better understanding of Americans if you studied your own history. We adopted your philolosphy. I'm just glad you haven't gotten completely away from it.

Answer 2

This is the procedure in Wyoming, where I live.

1. Choose your handgun

2. Show your drivers license.

3. Wait about 5 minutes while they do an instant background check.

4. Fill out some paperwork that asks questions like "are you a fugitive?, have you ever been convicted of a felony? etc.

5. Pay for the firearm and walk out carrying your new purchase. the whole process, excluding the choosing part, takes about 10-15 minutes.

In some states, they require a purchasing license, and or a waiting period. Here, firearms are no big deal as almost everyone has them. I think a lot of people turn firearms, in their minds, into some kind of mythical, terrible instrument of death, which is ridiculous. They are inanimate.

Answer 3

Go to the store, background check through NCIC, then take it home.

Wal-mart doesn't sell handguns (other than bbguns).

I've heard some PD guys saying that while they were in uniform with their service weapons, and two spare mags the clerk walked them out the door with a new shotgun.

Your friend was pulling your leg.

Answer 4

If the rustic did not set up itself with the properly suited to submit to hands then i could be a regulation breaker for having to bypass and illegally purchase a hearth arm to guard myself from people who do the comparable yet with criminal motive previous the acquisition of a hand gun.

Answer 5

In the state of Illinois:

First one must apply for a Firearm Owner's Identification, commonly referred to as a FOID card. The application is made to the Illinois State Police and, once approved, allows one to purchase and possess firearms and ammunition. The card is good for ten years.
To purchase the handgun of one's choosing, one need only visit a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL 01) and fill out form 4473 after presentation of proper I.D., the FOID card, and payment method agreeable to both parties. The State requires one to wait 3 (three) business days for background checks and "cool-down", as they describe the waiting period.
After State Police approval one may again visit the FFL 01 to pick up the handgun in a proper case or on one's person if one is permitted to carry concealed.
Simple enough. :D

Answer 6

sure its Just that easy ,,,, but not a hand gun ,,as far as a rifle your nearest walmart in some states ,,,,in tx and alot of the south real easy,, hand guns are a 72 hr wait and backround check BUT have you ever heard of garage sales? or classified ads in paper or auctions individuels sell all types of guns on a regular basis in tx ppl don't often break into your home for fear of being shot and its also legal to carry a hand gun just never concealed ,,, so you can legaly carry a weapon in a holster on your belt

Answer 7

depends which state you are in i think.

from what i have heard you need a licence for a handgun and there is a wait time between applying for the licence and before you can collect / have the weapon delivered. where you could walk out of the shop with a rifle immeadiately (both of these may vary from state to state)

Answer 8

Yes.If you are in Chicago, all U HA VE TO DO IS, to walk into a dark alley after 2030 hrs, and whistle softly. A couple of seedy chaps will emerge from the darkness & do the needful.

Answer 9

More or less usually a couple of phone calls & a two day wait.Unless they have tightened up since 9/11.

Answer 10

Not for hand guns, there is a waiting period unless you have a permit to buy, which is done in my town by the sheriff's department it took a week to get.