Could someone walk me through how buying a rifle works?

Question

I see advertisement for shotguns all the time in local sporting good stores... so how does it work?

Lets say I walk in to Dick's Sporting Goods for a $129 rifle.

1. Do I need an ID? Driver's license adequate?
2. Do they do background check? (I am in CA)
3. Is there a waiting period?
4. What could disqualify me? I mean I mean I have a clean criminal record.
5. Can I buy as many ammunition as I can buy or is there a limit?

What else?

Answer 1

Bound's hubby here:

We've included the NRA-ILA link for gun laws in California. Gun laws can vary by state. What Kalifornia requires can be (and is) different that what is required in the Socialist Republic of New Jersey. Federal law requires purchasers: of long guns be 18, of handguns be 21, of ammunition that can be fired in a handgun be 21. Federal law also requires any purchase from an FFL be accompanied by a NICs check (this includes any criminal conviction and a domestic violence conviction will be highlighted).

According to the NRA, California law requires the following:

"PURCHASE
Transfer or sale of all firearms must be processed with a California gun dealer’s license. An application for transfer must be made with the gun dealer before any firearm may be sold or transferred. This application contains a description of the buyer or transferee and of the firearm. A copy is sent by the dealer to the California Department of Justice and the local police chief or sheriff. The dealer may be charged a fee up to $14 by the Department of Justice. If the Department of Justice determines that the buyer or transferee is not eligible to possess a firearm, they shall notify the dealer immediately. There is a 10-day waiting period before delivery of any firearm. Dealers must keep a register of all firearm transfers. A person under restraining order may not acquire any firearm.

Starting October 1, 1993, no firearm capable of being concealed upon the person shall be delivered or sold unless the person receiving the firearm presents to the gun dealer a basic firearms safety certificate approved by the California Department of Justice.

No person shall make an application to purchase more than one pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person within a 30-day period and no delivery shall be made to any person who has made an application to purchase more than one pistol, revolver, or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person within any 30-day period.

A gun dealer must post a sign advising “Iif you leave a loaded firearm where a child obtains and improperly uses it, you may be fined or sent to prison.”

The waiting period and dealer application do not apply to transfers to police officers, other gun dealers, manufacturers, or importers, antique firearms, and rifles and shotguns which are classified as curios or relics by the federal government, infrequent gifts or transfers to one’s “immediate family,” an infrequent temporary loan not to exceed 30 days to a person who is not prohibited from possessing a firearm, and a transfer of a rifle or shotgun at auctions by nonprofit or public benefit corporations.

It is unlawful for any person to transfer any firearm to a person who is forbidden to possess or own a firearm. A dealer may not transfer a pistol to a person under 21 or other firearm to a person under 18.

It is unlawful to purchase, receive, or attempt to purchase or receive a firearm if such person is subject to a protective order, temporary restraining order or injunction.

Within 60 days of bringing a pistol, revolver or other firearm capable of being concealed upon the person into this state, the person importing the firearm must complete and return a Department of Justice registration form or sell or transfer the firearm to a licensed dealer, sheriff or police department."

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

The best all around caliber is the 30 06. Ammnition comes in hundreds of bullet weights ( 125 grain to 220 grain) and power levels. You can get managed recoil loads for small individuals (equal to 30-30)to light magnums close to the power of a 300 winchester magnum. There's no animal it cannot handle except it might be on the light side for big bears but it will get the job done with premium heavy bullets. Every store carries the ammunition. A good bolt action rifle with a 24" barrel with get the maximum power from the load althought 22" is also a good choice. You have a good choice of manufacturers. Most new rifles that come out are chamber for the the 30 06 first. There's a good reason-see above. Premuim features of a good rifle are: adjustable trigger, free floated barrel, and good bedding. Savage and Weatherby vandguard at the low end of price $400 to how mch do you want to spend. Have fun deciding.

Answer 4

There is a difference in a shotgun and a rifle. Lets hope you are talking about a rifle to hunt with. Make sure you get the right one.

1. Yes you need ID, Driver License and another with picture on it.
2. Yes background check is required
3. Yes there is a waiting period (usually 4 weeks but each state is different).
4. Criminal record, association with criminals, a gun you owned used in a crime, drugs, they look at all guns you have registered.
This is a federal check. So anything in any state shows up.
5. Not sure on limit on ammunition in CA, none here in NV.
But they will limit the type of amunition. Some are not allowed at all in Ca.

Make sure you get a safety lock for this gun and lock it up to with the ammo in a different place. If you have kids make sure it is in a locked gun safe. Too many accidents happen.
And the number one reason burglars enter a home is to find and get guns. Just remember that. It is not money or jewelry it is for guns. If you lose your gun report it at once. Make sure you mark your gun with numbers only your know and record. Easy to do with a tool for that purpose. Dont just scratch it on the person can sand it off.
You are responsible for any crime committed with your gun. Be careful and stay safe.

Answer 5

I live in CA as well and I'm also planning on buying a gun very soon, so I know exactly what the rules/restrictions/regulations are. I was going to share my information with you, but that was before reading one of your previous questions...

"IS IT LEGAL IF I SHOOT THiS PERSON?"

I'm sure it's frustrating to have someone drive through your property, but that doesn't mean you automatically get to shoot them.

In response to question #3: there is a waiting period of 10 days in California. This was made just for someone like you, so that you have some time to cool off, and come to the conclusion that it's NOT a good idea to just go around shooting people.

Answer 6

The peoples republic of kalifornia has some of the USA's oddest firearms laws on record, seriously, call Dick's sporting goods and ask them! They will do a background check( Federally mandated) Certain restrictions will prevent you from owning a firearm, crimes, mental illness, drug use, alcoholism, history of domestic abuse, restraining orders, and god only knows what else kalifornia has. Call the gunshop and ask them what you'll need, when you fill out the background check form, you'll see the questions that will disqualify you from ownership.

Answer 7

From what I remember when I was buying guns while stationed in the PRK,You had to do the normal background check(No felonies,warrants,that sort of thing) that the dealer does,plus you have to do a waiting period before you can take your firearm home,even with muzzleloaders.

And don't plan on leaving the store with ammo and gun in hand.They won't let you.You have to buy it in separate trips.