Gun ownership in America is becoming more and more popular, bringing many new people into the firearms family.

In recent years, more than one million Americans have become first-time gun owners.

For many, the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic illustrated the wisdom of the Second Amendment.

Shown in this photo is a local gun shop where someone can go to learn more about the process for purchasing a firearm. In general, you need to be 18 years of age or older, be an American citizen and have a clean criminal history. Federal gun laws are strict, but many of the more restrictive laws are implemented at the state level. Private party transfers are often handled differently than commercial sales - but state laws dictate how this can be legally done.

This is Mississippi Auto Arms in Oxford, Miss. A gun shop like this one is typically your first stop in becoming a new gun owner.

For others, more conventional criminal activity spurred them into buying a gun for self-defense.

The vernacular, customs and variegated regulations associated with gun ownership can indeed seem daunting.

But we understand how intimidating it can be to purchase your first.

Shown here is a Springfield Armory SAINT rifle, a kind of AR-15 rifle, that can be purchased in most states. Recently, state bans requiring purchasers to be 21 years old or older have been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as being discriminatory. Anyone who is at least 18 years of age can vote, be drafted, enter into contracts and all other things an adult can do. SCOTUS ruled that ownership of weapons was protected as a right possessed by all lawful adult U.S. citizens.

Do you want to become a gun owner, but don’t know where to start?

So, let us help you learn the process.

Intro to American Gun Culture

This process typically begins at your local gun shop.

The archetypal gun shop employee is some large hirsute ex-Army Ranger covered in tattoos who oozes scary attitude.

The Springfield Armory pistol shown here is owned by a police officer who carries it on his body armor as a back up gun. In most states, a police officer must adhere to the same gun laws for purchase and receiving the firearm that ordinary citizens are bound by. Concealed carry license or permits can sometime allow someone to possess a firearm the same day as purchase. Everyone, including law enforcement officers, must conduct a background check requirement to ensure they are not prohibited from possessing a gun.

Buying a firearm might seem confusing, but the process is more straightforward than you might realize.

Hell have a handgun on his hip and look like he munches pea gravel for breakfast.

But looks can be deceiving.

By contrast, he employs a petite and inoffensive young lady.

Shown here is a Form 4473 also known as a Firearms Transaction Record. The current version of the 4473 must be completed every time someone purchases a new or used gun from a licensed dealer. These legal requirements are set by United States Code (U.S.C.) and are intended to keep a prohibited person with a disqualifying crime from possessing firearms or ammunition. A processing fee is often charged by the licensed dealer.

This is the first page of an older 4473 form you will be required to fill out when purchasing a firearm. Image: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE)

She is engaging, knowledgeable and disarming.

That guy is brilliant, if you ask me.

The bottom line is the folks in the gun industry are some of the friendliest youll ever meet.

In this color photograph, a hunter uses an AR-style rifle in the field to take a deer. The purchase and delivery of this rifle is regulated by the same laws that apply to obtain a handgun or shotgun. It doesn’t matter if it is your first firearm or you are a dedicated shooter.

Becoming a firearm owner can be a worthwhile and rewarding process.

Some look rough while others look stylish.

But nearly every one is someone youd be willing to break bread with.

There are some narrow exceptions to this, and your local dealer can help explain the rules.

Shown in this image are a pair of Springfield handguns intended for self defense and personal protection. In most states, you can sell, give or trade these guns to an immediate family members without the need for a licensed firearms dealer, ID card or something like a new 10-day waiting period. This is called a private transfer.

Know the firearm you want to buy, or have questions? Head over to your local gun shop.

Of course, for any detailed explanation of gun laws, find a competent attorney to consult with.

The look of the form isnt the essential part.

Filling it out correctly is.

This is a screenshot of an online firearms dealer. Online or in a brick and mortar shop, the laws on firearms sales remain the same. Even if you buy online, you will need to complete an in-store background check at a local dealer before the gun can be transferred to you. Some states limit to the number of guns you can purchase in a 30-day period, though many do not.

GunsAmerica.com is a great way to locate the gun you want to purchase. Image: GunsAmerica

Intentionally falsifying information on the form is a crime.

Inadvertently plugging in incorrect information can cause the firearm purchase to be denied.

You will want to have your drivers license or state ID when completing the paperwork for a gun purchase.

Shown here is a Springfield Armory XD-E pistol with 10 rounds of Hornady Critical Defense 9mm ammo. One of the shooting accessories you should immediately consider is a locked container for your loaded firearm kept for personal protection. You do not want an unauthorized person - like a child - to access the gun.

Responsible gun ownership is one of the many benefits — and responsibilities — of United States citizenship.

Some states may require additional firearms licensure or IDs.

Your responses must therefore be truthful.

Although the name suggests otherwise, NICS is not always instant.

GunsAmerica.com

Some states have extra restrictions over and above what is required by the federal government.

Is There a List?

All commercially purchased guns must be physically transferred through a dealer with a Federal Firearms License (FFL).

GunBroker.com

Your gun shop will have one of these.

Some other businesses like hardware stores may maintain FFLs as well.

The regulatory system governing the national internet of gun dealers dates back to 1968 and is actually quite elegant.

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When you buy a gun and fill out the 4473, that form never leaves the dealers premises.

NICS checks that are approved are automatically purged every 24 hours.

The dealer will then produce the form 4473 that identifies the final purchaser.

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What Is a Waiting Period to Buy a Gun?

These periods typically range from 3-14 days depending on state law.

However, most state laws passed using this motivation remain in place.

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Peer reviewed research has not clearly correlated waiting periods with significant impacts on violent crime.

The specific requirements depend entirely on where you live.

Just Amazon It?

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You cannot legally buy a gun directly over the internet.

Thats just an anti-gunner talking point.

And buying a gun illegally is one of those crimes that Uncle Sam typically takes pretty seriously.

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That FFL dealer will usually charge a modest fee to do the transfer.

Google can help you find an FFL dealer locally.

Call the dealer in advance and they can tell you what their fee is.

$20 to $50 is pretty typical.

The gun is then shipped to the FFLs business premises where you then go undertake the transfer.

Ruminations

There are nearly 400 million firearms in circulation in America among some 328 million citizens.

Gun buying may seem intimidating at first, but its really not difficult.

Your FFL dealer is a good place to start.

Responsible gun ownership is the cornerstone of American freedom.

So, go out and exercise your Second Amendment rights.

And we hope this guide makes the process a little bit more clear.

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