Buying guns across state lines

[ccsniper]

As I understand it, when the two parties are from the same state there is no need to ship it to an FFL, but shipping it from state to state does require it to be shipped to an FFL. Does the individual then fill out a form 4473 after it has been shipped to the FFL? Does the buyer have to go through a background check like normal? I did a google search and all I got was buying a firearm across state lines requires you to ship it to an FFL, but I couldn't find out if you had to do all the same stuff as if you were buying it from the FFL dealer.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wishin]

The 4473 is completed at the buyer's FFL.

 

[David E]

Most states allow the gunowner to send it himself to the buyer's FFL.

Once there, the buyer comes in, does the standard paperwork, pays a modest fee for the FFL's time and trouble and the gun is his.

 

[kingpin008]

Yup. Just like buying a gun from a shop normally. All forms/BG checks apply.

 

[AJChenMPH]

As I understand it, when the two parties are from the same state there is no need to ship it to an FFL, but shipping it from state to state does require it to be shipped to an FFL.

This varies from state to state. I'm not sure what it is in Arkansas, but handguns must be transferred at an FFL where I live (PA), regardless of whether it was an interstate transfer (state-to-state) or an intrastate transfer (within the state). However, rifles do not if intrastate.

Does the individual then fill out a form 4473 after it has been shipped to the FFL? Does the buyer have to go through a background check like normal?

Assuming you're required to have the firearm transferred at an FFL, yes to both.

 

[ccsniper]

Thanks guys, I have no problem filling out a 4473 just prefer not to. In Arkansas if you are transferring pistols I believe you do have to go through an FFL if you ship the gun. But if you do a face to face transfer no FFL is needed.

 

[mgkdrgn]

Once a gun goes to an FFL and goes in his bound book, it comes out of that bound book in one of three ways:
1) 4473
2) ship to another FFL
3) reported stolen

 

[Frank Ettin]

Note that under federal law any transfer between persons who are residents of different states, even if they meet face-to-face, must go through an FFL with all the usual rigmarole, including a 4473.

 

[CleverNickname]

Also realize that there's a difference between buying a gun and transfering possession of the gun. Generally the law doesn't care about the actual purchase (which is why we can buy guns over the Internet, etc), it only cares about the physical transfer.

 

[NGIB]

And if you live near the border - you'll always have folks trying to get you to commit a felony...

 

[ccsniper]

And if you live near the border - you'll always have folks trying to get you to commit a felony...

I live within 2 miles of Oklahoma