could I buy a handgun on vacation?

[Billmanweh]

Let's say I'm out of state (I'm a Texas resident and CHL holder) on vacation, could I purchase a firearm? For the sake of this discussion, let's say a handgun.

 

[SMLE]

You would have to have the gun shipped to a class 1 FFL in your state, who would then handle the Brady BS etc. That's for a handgun. A long gun is different. In NM, you could buy a rifle or shotgun and walk out with it.

 

[Schleprock3]

Yes. You can buy the handgun. But you cant take possesion of that handgun. It must be payed for, and then shipped to an FFL in the state in which you live. Expect to pay $20-$30 for shipping from the dealer, and another $20-$40 for the receiving FFL to process it in his books.

Unless you have a regular FFL in your home town, it usually isnt worth buying a handgun out of state.

Long guns, you can buy in any state and take posession of them as soon as your NICS check goes through. I hope this has helped you.

 

[Billmanweh]

well, it's not the answer I was hoping for, but it helps

thanks

 

[sumpnz]

I have no experience with handguns in this respect, but at least for Oregon and Arizona, even long guns would have to be shipped to an FFL in the state you lived in. I bought a rifle for my father-in-law for Christmas while I was still in college (it was a cheap mil-surp). I was not allowed to take possesion of it (DL was for OR, school was in AZ) and had to have it shipped to an FFL in OR. Doing that about doubled the cost of the rifle, though it still was less than $100 total.

I have no idea if other states do things the same or different. Best bet is to look up the laws yourself. Next best would be to talk to an FFL in both your home town, and the town you intend to visit. If they don't know, they'll most likly default to the safe answer of "You must ship it back to your FFL."

 

[SMLE]

Depending on how well you know your local FFL dealer, they might be willing to let you take a few signed copies of their license along to give to dealers in your vacation destination. Also, they may already have a FFL on file with a shop or two in your destination area. Or, look up the gun shops in your destination area and get their mailing addresses, then have your local FFL send them signed copies in advance.