[ProactiveReactionary]

new guy here.

trying to learn all i can about firearms before going out and buying one (i'll probably wind up owning several...)

i've had a thing for guns for some time now, not sure why i never got one.

the only thing i'm trying to learn about now is going about buying a gun. i dont need a permit to buy one or to own one...but i dont if that means it doesnt have to be registered locally or not. i've checked state and local sites, and all i see is mentions of a CCW permit, nothing else. i'm in kentucky if that helps. i just dont wanna run into any snags when i go to buy one.

i'm also interested in reading some books on firearms (the mechanics of them and such)

[PMDW]

The only weapons that have to be registered are NFA items.

Machine guns, Short Barreled Rifles. Suppressors, Short Barreled Shotguns, Any Other Weapons...

Contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, there is no "gun registration"... Yet.

The only items I've purchased are NFA ones, so I can't help you on what you have to fill out to buy other types of firearms.

[ProactiveReactionary]

so its just a background check, waiting period and presto chango, i own a gun?

[only1asterisk]

Welcome,

No waiting period in KY. If you buy from a dealer, you get a quick background check.

David

[ProactiveReactionary]

ok so i go to buy a gun and provided the background check comes back ok, i leave the store the same day with the gun?

what if i buy from just another person? say from someone local or maybe at a gun show thats in town.

[only1asterisk]

There are no restrictions on private sales (in KY). The seller of course can require his/her own restrictions above what the law demands. It is a crime (in KY) to knowingly sell a firearm to a felon or a handgun to a child.


David

[ShackleMeNot]

It's good to see you aren't getting all your firearms advice just on OffTopic. Most of the people here have actually shot a gun before.

[ProactiveReactionary]

i'm talking to as many people as possible, this is also not the only firearm forum i'm registered on.


i'm also looking at just about every site i can about all legalaties as well as other things. i want to learn as much as i can.

google has been my friend!!!

[usp_fan]

Welcome the the forum,

This is a great place to learn and great people here to learn from. You've got the basics. Go to a dealer, pick out your firearm, fill out your form, dealer calls the FBI, FBI says you're good, dealer takes your money and you take your firearm. All in about 15-20 min.

If you find someone selling what you'd like, you can buy it from the person face to face without a background check. There are some restricitions on this:

You and the person must reside in the same state. You can't be prohibbited from owning firearms.

If you find someone in another state selling a firearm you would like to buy, you need to have it sent to an FFL (fedral firearms licence) holder in your state to have them run it throught their books and run the background check on you.

For some books: Most public libraries have a good selection of general how firearms work and history of firearms type books. Ian Hogg seems to be in every library I've been to.

When you narrow your topic selection down a bit, let us know and I'm sure you'll get a landslide of reading suggestions.

Good luck! This is a great hobby and a wonderful right to possess.

--usp_fan

[ProactiveReactionary]

i wouldnt mind getting a FFL but i fear i wouldnt use it often enough to justify getting it. maybe for now this holds true but could change later.


as far as books goes...i need a new career, i like guns, why not gunsmithing?
i wouldnt mind learning it as a trade and if nothing else it would give me skills to work on my own stuff.

[Dbl0Kevin]

Contrary to what Hollywood would have you believe, there is no "gun registration"... Yet.

ehhhhhh that's not true sadly. While there is no FEDERAL gun registration there are several states such as New Jersey and Michigan (I believe) along with a number of cities and towns such as NYC that require gun registration.

[mnrivrat]

Hello ! & Welcome

Just a couple clarifying points.

When you purchase a long gun or handgun from a dealer there is a form to fill out and a background check before the purchase can be completed. Assuming you are legaly able to own a gun (everything is truthfull and as it should be on the form you fill out) , the background check is typically taken care of with a phone call to do an instant check.

You may want to check further on handgun purchases in your state - some have manditory waiting periods besides the background check, and some don't .

Buying a firearm from another non dealer is typically legal and does not require registration or waiting periods in most states . (again check KT law)