Whether you are a new gun owner or simply buying a gun online for the first time, you might have some questions as to how to buy a gun from an online gun store. It may seem a little confusing at first, but it is actually quite simple. In fact, it is just as easy if not easier to buy from an online firearms store. If you are looking to buy guns online, the same steps apply as if you were to buy them in a brick and mortar gun store. The only exception is that you will have to provide us with an FFL holder local to you, so you can pick it up at their shop and continue the gun buying process. These steps are listed below.
Step 1 – Choose an FFL near you
An FFL is a Federal Firearms License holder and is required for the transfer of all firearms. Typical FFL holders are gun shops, pawn shops, and even individual FFL holders. You must notify them first to ask if they will conduct a transfer and background check for you. Most FFL holders will charge a fee to transfer the firearm to you and conduct the background check. Once you have notified them, they will give you a copy of their FFL.
Step 2 – Purchase your firearm
After you have researched which firearm you would like to purchase, proceed to checkout like you would do for any other purchase. You will be prompted to put in the shipping address for the FFL that you have chosen to use. Email a copy of your order/invoice and the FFL to ffl@primaryarms.com. Let them know where you bought the gun from and which gun you bought, so they can keep an eye out for it and notify you when it comes in.
Step 3 – Conduct the transfer
Bring a government issued ID with you to pick up your gun such as a driver’s license or concealed carry license. They will give you a form 4473 to fill out. This form is one page long and the employee will be able to answer any questions you have. They will then conduct a background check with your 4473 and government issue ID and typically only takes 10 minutes.
Step 4 – Take your new gun home
Once you have passed the background check, you can take your firearm home. It is important to note that sometimes a hold might be placed on your background check for 3 days. If your FFL is not notified within those 3 days of a pass or fail status on your background check, then you can take your firearm home.
We have a huge variety of guns for sale at our online store from AR-15s to Shotguns, all the popular handguns and more all at the click of a button, so you can easily find the one you are looking for. While Primary Arms is an online gun store, we also have a storefront where you can conduct your background check and pick up your firearms or any of your other purchases.
A background check, also called a NICS check (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) is processed by your FFL Dealer to ensure that you are eligible to purchase a firearm. For the background check to be conducted, the FFL will need your driver’s license and concealed carry permit if you have one.
The Gun Control Act forbids certain people from buying guns. Those prohibited are people adjudicated mentally defective, those convicted of crimes (jail sentence of a year or more), fugitives from justice, illegal residents, those who renounced US citizenship, those dishonorably discharged from the military, those with a restraining order, those convicted of domestic violence, and users of illegal drugs.
Most states will not require you to have a permit to purchase a firearm, but we recommend you consult your local FFL dealer to make sure you are following all local regulations.
Remember that you are responsible for compliance with all local and state laws. Some states prohibit standard capacity magazines, some states prohibit suppressors, or short barreled rifles, and some states have restrictions on types or parts that may be used on AR-15 platform firearms.
Buying a gun online comes with a ton of benefits like having a greater selection of firearms to choose from, the ability to easily compare prices and difference between guns, and all the resources you need to make an informed decision. If you are looking to buy an AR-15, you can check out our AR-15 FAQ and our Basic Guide to Guns for Self Defense here to learn more about which one is right for you. We also have a full staff of customer service representatives to answer any questions you might have about a specific firearm.
With these steps in mind, it is now time to choose your new gun from our vast selection here at your favorite Online Gun Store. We have a variety of guns for sale, from complete AR 15 and AK47 rifles, AR pistols, AR lowers, factory short-barreled rifles (SBR)s, hunting rifles, shotguns, and an ever-growing selection of handguns in the most popular calibers right at your fingertips!
