Can a DC resident buy a shotgun in another state, and bring back to DC?

[MatthewVanitas]

A gun noob posted on another board I frequent, with a rather disturbing story. He claims that youths were vandalizing cars outside his apartment building, and he called 311 (non-emergency line) to report this to the police. Some of the youths saw him watching from the window, threw rocks at his windows, and attempted to kick down/pry his apartment door. When they approached his unit, he called 911. The youths gave up and ran after a few minutes, but poster claimed that police never showed up, and never called back. Accordingly, he's interested in buying a shotgun.

However, poster lives in DC, which is a pretty big issue.

I read the NRA-ILA summary for DC, and apparently you can buy a long arm (which must be stored unloaded/disassembled) by getting a Metro PD permit. The process involves various forms, photos, fingerprints, and about $100-some in assorted fees. From what I've heard online, it can take several months.


Various folks suggested buying outside DC and brining the shotgun in. NRA-ILA states that "imported" longarms must be reported to police within 48 hours of arrival. It doesn't state whether you can hang on to the gun during the 2-3 months of processing.


Is there any state which allows DC residents to purchase longarms? I know the reciprocity web is complex (as a Texan, I could buy in AZ and LA but not in MS), and many stores simply reject out-of-state longarm buyers on principle. I'm going to guess that a DC resident can only buy a longarm from one of DC's paltry few FFLs.

Does anyone have verifiable info on whether this kid has any legal option other than "pay $100, wait two months for a permit, then pay whatever markup the local FFL monopoly feels like charging for an 870"?

 

[mikec]

As far as I know there are no gun shops in DC itself so any firearm would have to be purchased in either VA, MD or WV and brought in. I believe the moment you show the DC drivers license, for ID, the brakes get slammed on the purchase unless you have the valid permit.

 

[MatthewVanitas]

As far as I know there are no gun shops in DC itself

That's what I assumed too. Gunbroker's "FFL Finder" shows no FFLs for DC, but Gunslive.com (never heard of 'em) lists 7 FFls in DC. However, the list looks rather odd (ARENA STAGE WASHINGTON DRAMA CLUB INC has an FFL?)

http://www.gunslive.com/dealerlocator/results_list.php?state=DC

 

[BobbyQuickdraw]

There are tons of gunshops around DC though. Tons and tons in Maryland. I lived in DC. There are gunshops within a 20 minute drive from most parts.

And there isn't anything illegal with selling a gun to a DC resident, I don't think. You can own a shotgun in DC, so you must be legally allowed to acquire one somehow.

 

[BobbyQuickdraw]

Oh and the Drama club probably needs an FFL to import stage guns.

 

[K-Romulus]

It can be done. Any local DC-area gun shop can do the sale, but the buyer MUST FIRST get the registration forms from MPD HQ; there is a section for the FFL to fill out regarding specs of the gun purchased (shotgun barrel at least 20", can't ever fire more than 12 shots without reloading, etc.). A local gun shop employee posting at either AR15.com or MDShooters described the process.

 

[cassandrasdaddy]

go to nearest high school buy any gun you want cheap too usually stolen so less than retail a kid i worked with paid 400 bucks for the very first desert eagle the dc cops confiscated. it appeared to be new his punishment? 6 months probation

 

[dc2wheel]

Transfers are handled through DC Police Firearms Registration Division. They can be reached at (202) 727-4275 and are located in room 3077 of Police HQ at 300 Indiana Ave. NW. As K-Romulus said, after getting the appropriate paperwork from MPD you can go ahead and purchase from an FFL in MD & VA, most of whom are familiar with the process.

 

[romma]

What a deplorable testament of Communist Statehood this thread points out DC as...

How do people live there?

 

[tinygnat219]

It's done all the time. Shotguns seem to be the weapon of choice.
Tell your buddy to go to Gilbert's Small Arms Range in Lorton, VA. They will hook him up / tell him what is required.

There's a guy on here, username "Striker" who works there, or goes there frequently, he may be able to assist.

 

[redneckrepairs]

Can a DC resident buy a shotgun in another state, and bring back to DC?

My first impression is to say NO it cannot legally be done. However i dont live back in that hellhole , and really dont know . IIRC even a shotgun must be regestared with dc and then be stored either disassembled or locked . So i would honestly at this point suggest you call DCPD and find out what it takes if it is even possible to bring a gun inn . Other than that DC vs Heller may well change all the rules about july of this new year . I strongly suspect that all of dc government will up to and including lie to you about ownership and the ability to do same today . there is a real psh ( pants chitting hysteria ) going on back there since the what is now heller case was upheld by the local circuit court . I for one wont reccomend you go be a " test case " in any event and possibly we have a lawyer who does firearms law on a federal level who will chime inn with an opinion for you .I just feel it ironic that living in " the seat of freedom " you are among the most restricted of folk .

 

[barnetmill]

I believe that DC allows muzzle loading weapons without registration. However, I doubt that they would allow you to legally use it for self defense.

 

[ctdonath]

In DC? Get a C&R permit - and get weapons shipped to your door. $30 for 3 years.

 

[dc2wheel]

You'd have a better chance of seeing nationwide CCW laws pass in Congress than have any distributor/retailer ship you a C&R firearms to the District. Yes - it MAY be legal, but I've had major online retailers refuse to ship even small parts like stocks & spring to my DC work address.

 

[Smith]

Just curious, how disassembled must a gun be to officially be "disassembled"?

 

[dc2wheel]

DC Code doesn't state how disassembled, but does indicate a trigger lock is also an acceptable means of disabling the firearms.

Except for law enforcement personnel described in § 7-2502.01(b)(1), each registrant shall keep any firearm in his possession unloaded and disassembled or bound by a trigger lock or similar device unless such firearm is kept at his place of business, or while being used for lawful recreational purposes within the District of Columbia.

 

[ptmmatssc]

In DC? Get a C&R permit - and get weapons shipped to your door. $30 for 3 years.

You'd have a better chance of seeing nationwide CCW laws pass in Congress than have any distributor/retailer ship you a C&R firearms to the District. Yes - it MAY be legal, but I've had major online retailers refuse to ship even small parts like stocks & spring to my DC work address.

Here's a question . If you have a C&R , and you buy a C&R gun in another state , do you still have to "register" it? Do you still have to go through all the hoops DC has if you have a C&R ?