Can I buy a rifle

[Cannibul]

So you can be charged w/ a felony if you deliberately answer falsely.
(See the top of page 2.)
https://www.atf.gov/file/61446/download

Something that RARELY happens. Something along the lines of 1 time per 100,000.

 

[MEHavey]

The questions are not needed

The question puts the onus on the buyer to self-identify/swear that he (she -- or it these days) is not knowingly a prohibited person, and is, in fact, the purchaser of the weapon.

I have no problem w/ either point in protecting the seller.

 

[MEHavey]

Something that RARELY happens

That it rarely happens is not the issue.
That you COULD be charged w/ a felony for false swearing makes people step back a bit before signing their name.

 

[Tommygunn]

That it rarely happens is not the issue.
That you COULD be charged w/ a felony for false swearing makes people step back a bit before signing their name.

But would likely be more effective.....if it was actually enforced..... maybe.