[USGuns]

Someone please educate me on the advantage of purchasing a firearm at a gun show; If I buy at a gun show does that mean I don't have to wait the usual 10-day waiting period, I just have to pass the background check and I'm out the door?
Thanks!

[Daniel T]

It depends. Are you buying from a FFL at a gun show? Does your state require wating periods on private party transfers? If so, then you'll have to wait.

A gun show isn't a magic place where the law doesn't apply the same as other places.

[Langenator]

That would probably depend on what you're buying, where you are and who you're buying from.

In Washington state, IIRC, there's no waiting period for long guns, IIRC. Pistols have a 10 day wait no matter where you buy them. However, if you have a CPL, the law allows you to walk out the door the same day, whether it's a gun store or a show.

All of the above assumes you're buying from an FFL. If you're buying from a private citizen who needs your money more than he needs one of his guns, there is no requirement for a background check or waiting period. This applies whether you're at a gunshow or in your home or anywhere else. This non-regulation of private firearms transactions is what the antis refer to as "the gunshow loophole."

Now, a smart private seller who wants to cover his ??? from a potential lawsuit will take the buyer down to his friendly gunstore and ask them if they'll do a NICS check.

[Lone_Gunman]

All rules and laws apply at gunshows.

There is no difference between a gunshow sale and a gun store sale.

There is no such thing as the gun show loophole!!!

If a background check is required for you to buy a gun at a gunstore, then it will also be required for you to buy one at a gun show.

[Lord Grey Boots]

Federal/state/whatever law applies no matter if the sale takes place at a gun store, gun show, beach, kitchen table whatever.

If you buy a gun from a FFL (licensed gun dealer) anywhere including a gunshow, the forms have to be filled out, the background check done, and whatever waiting period applies.

Unlicensed gun dealers are illegal, are committing major federal offenses, and they get arrested by the BATF agents/cops that usually prowl gun shows.


Private sellers, ie NOT the legal or illegal dealers, are specifically forbidden from calling the FBI for the background check or doing the paperwork.


The "fix" for the non-existant loophole that various politician/gun grabbers are pushing is a mandatory 3 day waiting period for all firearm purchases at gun shows. They are NOT proposing a background check.

One alternative that the gun-banners are bitterly opposing is an instant background check (instant being under 5 minutes), for all firearm purchases at gun shows.

[USGuns]

Makes sense, I figured there was no real gun show loophole. I'll just go down to my favorite dealer.
Thanks everyone!
USGuns

[gunsmith]

great deals on ammo,if you know your guns you can get a good deal as well,(less overhead). if you don't know guns you could get ripped off but all in all gun folks are honest.
gunshows have lots of good deals on accessories,ammo,stuff you need but don't know it yet.
Plus supporting your local gun show drives the anti's nuts!
it's worth the price just for that fact alone.

[ElToro]

depends on your state...

Also depends on what state your a resident of.. as a PRK resident i couldnt go to a shop in AZ and (legally) buy all kinds of goodies, even with a waiting period and bring them back to CA... or so i understand the law...

your home state laws take precedence. and the FFL is sposed to know this?

[Justin]

Since this thread deals more with the legalities associated with gunshows, I'm gonna boot this one over to L&P.

[zahc]

all in all gun folks are honest.

No more so than 'normal' folk I've found. Buyer beware as always.