Handgun Purchase Process

[PlayMaker]

I've never bought a handgun before so I'd be grateful if someone can enlighten me on the process of buying a handgun. I've heard you'd have to get a 'permit to own' but do I apply for the permit at the store or the police station? Any additonal paperwork or steps along the way I can expect?

If it matters I'm from the Twin Cities, MN.

Thanks in advance

 

[Steve C]

You need to follow the requirements of your local,state and federal laws. If you go to a gun store and find a gun you want to buy they will do the necessary paperwork or tell you what you need. You must be 21 years old to buy a handgun and undergo a background check to make sure you don't have any of the things that disqualify you from owning a weapon. The Federal dis qualifiers are a felony record, order of protection against you, mental deficient adjudication, illegal alien, user of narcotics, dishonorable discharge from the military are the few I can think of.

Click on the link and then on MN state for gun laws from the NRA ILA website gunlaws

 

[lvcat2004]

The laws regarding hundgun purchase is very different from state to state. I would think that it would be the easiest to call a gunstore and ask how the process goes. They should be able to walk you through it.

 

[wmullis]

Another option is to go into a gun shop. I'd give myself a couple of hours to browse and choose a gun. The paperwork, at least in PA consists of a simple background check and about 6 page of paperwork. Most gun shop owners are very knowledgeable at both helping you pick out a gun and also in expediting your paperwork.

 

[turkeythigh]

the process differs from state to state, but your dealer can explain it to you. and help you with it. i live in oregon. you walk in say i want to buy that one he checks your ID, he calls the FBI BGC people and you can walk out with your new gun in 10 minutes or less. sometime it takes a bit longer, but bot alll that often.

 

[HippieMagic]

Here it is 3 pages I think but they generally only make you fill out half of it... Then they take your drivers license or other photo id, get your info, call you in, give you the gun, and you are gone... If you buy online it is usually cheaper and a lot easier to find a good deal but keep in mind that buying online is a very simple "pay the man" type thing... you then have to give them a local dealer's number so that they can call and exchange FFLs and get your gun shipped.

That local FFL will do the transfer for around $20 or a little more generally. Don't just ASSUME a local gunshop will do it though. You always need to call and talk to them about it first. Most gun shop owners are very friendly people and will talk to you about everything you need to know and will explain common trends in your area, discuss safety, range locations, caliber availiblity... all you have to do is ask.

If you buy in person I would strongly suggest buying at a SMALL gun shop... they are usually in business because they sell cheaper than the chain stores like Cabela's. You can also check at the larger stores to see if they have sales as well... I know if you talk to the "mom & pop" gun shop owners they will usually sell you a gun for a lot less than bigger stores just to make business. They usually have ammo too...