Gun ownership and self-defense for those who are denied by 4473

[Marker Mike!]

Apparently I’m disqualified as a gun owner, by section 12f of the ATF Form 4473, which asks if you have ever been committed to a mental institution (3 weeks in a psychiatric ward for a chemical imbalance about a year ago; a therapist even told me I’m not a concern for being violent, and that there’s no evidence that I’d be violent, if I understood her correctly).

It’s infuriating that I’m being treated as an insane person or a criminal, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

What guns, for both sporting and self-defense use (forget CCW; I’m disqualified for that, too) can a person own and use that don’t require the Form 4473 to be used as a background check? I don’t hunt, but would like to someday (I assume I’m not disqualified for hunting). I’m pretty sure I can still buy ammo and black powder (I did so in March).

What firearms would best be used for, say, self-defense? I’ve heard cap and ball revolvers are good, but would a muzzle-loading shotgun be better? Are there any legal issues that I should be aware of because I have a mental disorder and would need (heaven forbid) to actually use a gun for self-defense?

Also, how expensive is it to shoot for fun?

I have not tried to buy a gun using the 4473 background check.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[bryskee]

a big knife?

 

[jakemccoy]

I don't know the answer to your question. However, I thank you for bringing up this issue that I never thought about before now. Someone who is close to me is going through a chemical imbalance. Mental issues run in his family. He's starting to experience problems at age 46. He hasn't been admitted to any kind of psychiatric facility (yet). I must keep this thread in mind because I was thinking about bringing him to the range with me. Now, I guess have to be mindful of any legal issues. Again, I don't know much about this topic.

This thread may be better off in Legal.

 

[Erik M]

I would imagine that being comitted to an institution would mean that you were remanded into the custody of the state, If you were in a hospitol for treatment of a cureable illness I dont think its falls under the same definition. I am not citing from any legal experience, I would recommend that you ask a lawyer with experience in the matter.

 

[stoveboltgunnut]

Unless you were ADJUDICATED mentally defective by a judge, then you are still eligible to buy and posses firearms.

Contact the NRA for a lawyer in your area that specializes in gun laws, and consult with them. Even if you were adjudicated, there is a process to regain your rights.

 

[Albatross]

No background checks with private sales. Buy from a non-dealer source. Like want ads or friends. Don't buy a firearm if your aren't sure that your not crazy.

 

[leadcounsel]

Unless you were ADJUDICATED mentally defective by a judge, then you are still eligible to buy and posses firearms.

Contact the NRA for a lawyer in your area that specializes in gun laws, and consult with them. Even if you were adjudicated, there is a process to regain your rights.

+1. My read is that you're not disqualified. Talk to a paid attorney and give him the specifics.

 

[suemarkp]

Was going to mention what the others said -- I think you have to be sent there, not voluntarily go.

But if it doesn't work out, consider large bore air rifles. You can get 9mm, 45, and 50 caliber pre-charged pneumatic air rifles. Will set you back about $600 plus an air pump for another $200. The 45 one I've seen has power approaching that of a 45 ACP (200 grain projectiles at around 600 fps).

http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/show.pl?cmd_rifles=show_guns_caliber&Caliber=0.350
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/show.pl?cmd_rifles=show_guns_caliber&Caliber=0.450
http://www.pyramydair.com/cgi-bin/show.pl?cmd_rifles=show_guns_caliber&Caliber=0.500

It would be nice if there were large caliber air pistols, but the biggest I've seen are 22 caliber, and you'd be lucky to get 550 fps.

Check your state laws for how muzzle loaders are classified. They may consider them firearms and have similar mental disqualifications.

 

[jnyork]

Mike, you are asking for legal advice on the internet, which is not really the place to go. Get a lawyer, Mike, get the right story from the right source.

 

[JWF III]

Quote:
Unless you were ADJUDICATED mentally defective by a judge, then you are still eligible to buy and posses firearms.

Contact the NRA for a lawyer in your area that specializes in gun laws, and consult with them. Even if you were adjudicated, there is a process to regain your rights.

+1. My read is that you're not disqualified. Talk to a paid attorney and give him the specifics.

+1 more. That's how I've always understood it.

Ask an attorney. It would be wise, just to make sure you're in the right.

Wyman

 

[rbernie]

If you are disqualified to purchase a firearm via a 4473, then you are disqualified to own those types of weapons. Do not let anyone advise you to bypass the 4473 via a FTF sale - you will still be illegal.

Any weapon that you can buy from a store without a 4473 is clearly available as an option. However, you may not need to give up. You need to see an attorney. The NRA can help you find one locally, if you contact them.

I'm closing this thread before it turns silly with all sorts of non-helpful rants against the eeeeevils of the .gov and the 4473...

If you pursue this, please check back in and let us know how it turned out. I do not think that your situation is as dire as it seems to you.