Many people in the United States own guns, whether for personal protection or hunting. On average, 88 people out of a hundred own a gun, which has resulted in stricter gun regulations and more people choosing to build their own firearms with 80% lowers from 5D Tactical.
However, some regulatory opponents argue that restricting the citizens’ right to own firearms would leave them unprotected. Different states have different regulations to own firearms, but several conditions are uniform in all states.
Things You Need To Know Before Buying A Gun
What is the minimum age?
The Gun Control Act (GCA) 1968, the firearm regulator at a federal level, states that legal residents or citizens who want to buy rifles or shotguns and ammunition need to be 18 years and older.
However, all other firearms, such as handguns, can only be sold to anyone above 21 years. Local or state officials might implement a higher age limit but cannot lower the federal age minimum.
Who may sell and buy a firearm?
To be a firearms dealer and get the Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL), one must be 21 years or above and have conducive business premises to sell the firearms. They must also alert a local law enforcement officer when taking their application forms to the federal agency regulating firearms.
They are also required to fulfill the criteria about their mental state and prior convictions history. The FFL initial cost is $200 for the first three years and $90 for every three-year renewal.
Online firearm businesses also have to follow the same regulations. While the buyer could pay for the forearm online, the seller must ensure that they are registered FFL holders before shipping the gun.
Alternatively, they can ship it to a registered FFL holder, who conducts a background check on the firearm buyer before giving it to them.
Some of the people not allowed to buy or carry a firearm include:
- People deemed dangerous to the community
- Fugitives
- People held in a mental institution against their will
- People who have had felony convictions that include a prison sentence of more than a year
- Misdemeanors who have a sentence of more than two years
- People found guilty of using or possessing uncontrolled substances
Background check requirements
The Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act of 1993 states that FFL holders conduct background checks for potential gun holders. Anybody who wishes to buy a firearm should also fill out the ATF 4473 form, which looks for any red flags like prior convictions.
Do states need permits to buy and carry firearms?
Only 12 states in the United States require a permit before you buy a handgun, and only three (Hawaii, Connecticut, and California) need a permit before you buy shotguns and rifles.
However, the majority of the states require that you have a permit to carry handguns, but no state requires you to have a permit to carry shotguns and rifles. If you are in New Jersey or Massachusetts, you need a form of ID to carry rifles and handguns.
Are there any firearm regulations by the federal or state government?
The local and state government could regulate whether residents may carry guns in public, but the federal government is the one that regulates who may buy or possess a firearm.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives administers GCA and regulates the standards for offering gun vendors licenses.
When you own a gun, you need legal gun protection because owning a gun for whatever reason exposes you to a lot of legal liability. You will not have to worry about your gun use becoming a legal battle with proper gun protection. You can reach out to LegalShield if you need legal gun protection and you’re not sure where to start.
