What is are the laws on purchasing a handgun in the U.S? Do I need some special permit or license before I may purchase a handgun, or may I just go in and pay the money and wait the 5 days and background check?
2007-01-17 10:19:23 · 9 answers · asked by Chris S 2 in Sports ➔ Outdoor Recreation ➔ Hunting
It really depends on what state you are in. You will have to pass a background check, and I think in all states you have to be 21 for a handgun and 18 for a rifle. Some places have a waiting period and some don't. You will also need an ID.
2007-01-17 10:31:19 · answer #1 · answered by DJB 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Go to the link below, click on your state, and see what YOUR laws are.
Without knowing exactly where you are, nobody can answer it with certainty.
The link will let you know for sure.
http://www.nraila.org/GunLaws/
If you're in Indiana you need to be 18, have a valid state drivers license or photo ID, they do an instant background check, and you walk out with the handgun after passing that and paying. You don't need a "pistol purchase permit" first.
I don't need one of those in Ohio either.
2007-01-17 13:37:57 · answer #2 · answered by bferg 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends on the state you're buying the gun in. But, at a minimum, you have to be 21 years of age and older, be a U.S. citizen, have not been convicted of any felonies, and be capable of passing the National Instant Background Check. Some states will impose additional waiting periods, limits on the quantity of weapons you may purchase, and other restrictions. In short, you should visit your neighborhood gun shop and find out the particulars for your state.
2007-01-20 15:45:05 · answer #3 · answered by Sam D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
so many answers, so many long and probably untrue or just incorrect.
but i will give you the exact details on a handgun purchase in Minnesota.
first, apply for a pistol purchase permit, at your local police dept. it is a no charge card that checks to verify if you may purchase only,it takes from a week to 4 weeks to get, actually very fast, and that card is good for a year. you do not need to apply before every purchase,
second find a gun shop. choose pistol, fill out paper work for background check,
but you may confuse that with the card you just received from the pd, what a bunch of crap. wait about 2-3 minutes, get the approval or denial, but if you have the card, you will be fine, unless you got into trouble after the card. pay the dealer, walk out 10 minutes is all it has ever taken me from choosing to paying.
and some states are easier than that, possibly Colorado. Texas i know. walk in with an i d walk out after the check.
2007-01-17 13:38:55 · answer #4 · answered by L1M1J1 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
This is tricky...First you can only buy a hand gun in your state of residence. You need a government issued ID with your picture, birthdate, and state of residence. Then depending on what state you live in you will need to fill out paper work to get a NICS number and then you will be proceedeed or denied. Some states you can have your gun within 10 minutes other states you have a waiting period. To be sure ask a gun dealer in your area.
2007-01-17 12:35:47 · answer #5 · answered by Spades Of Columbia 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need to be 21 and have no felony or violent misdemeanor convictions. There's an instant electronic background check. Different states have different laws, and in some there's a waiting period and/or licensure, but in others they'll input your ID in the computer, fill out your BATF paperwork, take your cash, and hand you your pistol.
2007-01-18 01:07:24 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have never seen so many experts in one spot before. Why are all of their answers different, especially the one who tells you he will tell you straight, boy is he off.
There are a lot ov variables to the answer. There are two places that will give you the actual correct answer.
Call your local police, or state police. If you don't feel comfortable going to the police call a gunstore. They are always happy to help sell a gun.
2007-01-18 13:18:18 · answer #7 · answered by ttpawpaw 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There is a waiting period while Law Enforcement does a background check 15 days nationally no felonies and you must be a US citizen
2007-01-17 11:03:54 · answer #8 · answered by L J 4 · 1⤊ 3⤋
No. You just have to register it when you buy it and have a 48 hour waiting period before picking it up.
The only liscense you need is if you wish to carry it concealed. All but 2 states in the US have that permit.
2007-01-17 10:26:46 · answer #9 · answered by Jay 5 · 1⤊ 3⤋