Gun Show Question

[STAGE 2]

I've been to a couple but only to look and "fondle". However there is one this weekend and I'm seriously thinking about picking something up. How does purchasing a pistol work at a gun show, specifically with respect to background checks and all of that legal stuff?

S2

 

[pauli]

well, what state are you in?

in virginia, here's how it goes:

"i'll take it."
"come around the table and have a seat and we'll get you started. ok, i need to see two forms of id - license and checkbook will do - while you fill out the state and federal forms. yes, they've changed AGAIN."
"can i go pick up some ammo while you're on the phone?"
"sure."
"ok, i'm back."
"congratulations, you passed. here's the total."
"here's a check."
"here's a receipt and your new firearm. have a nice day."

note: hard to decipher slower virginia dealer's accent changed to protect the ears of the innocent.

 

[mindpilot]

State

Depends on your state. MN you need your Permit to buy (Handguns) renewed yearly. THey then call the NICS (FBI) and do an instant check to make sure your not on the naughty list. If not and you got the money. You got the gun.

Other states may have other things goin down. Was at a show this weekend and bought a handgun and it took under 5 min with paperwork and call. MN

where are you?

 

[jefnvk]

In MI, it is exactly the same as you would do if buying at a gun store or from a private party.

 

[modifiedbrowning]

As was said depends on your state. Here in MT if you are buying from a dealer you have to fill out the 4470 and do the NICS unless you have CCW which exempts you from the NICS. If you buy from a private seller it depends on his conditons. If he doesn't care about paperwork you can give him the money and take the gun.

 

[Bill73]

As was said depends on your state. Here in MT if you are buying from a dealer you have to fill out the 4470 and do the NICS unless you have CCW which exempts you from the NICS. If you buy from a private seller it depends on his conditons. If he doesn't care about paperwork you can give him the money and take the gun.

It's the same in Texas. I have never been ask for ID when purchased from an individual, nor do I ask when selling. And yes, I have refused to sell to someone who I don't feel right about.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

In spite of all the hype about gunshow loopholes, absolutely nothing is different at gunshow that for purchases made in the outside world. The advantage of buying at a show, is that you'll likely find at least one of what you're looking for and there may even been enough competitive action going on that you save a few bucks. Exhibitors holding FFLs must log every sale and do the appropriate sales and background checks. There is no way around this, in spite of what all these knuckleheads say. Private transactions may or may not be regulated by the venue or state laws. Usually, the county or city details uniformed patrol officers to "walk" the show as well as a plain clothes officer or two. ATFE agents have been know to walk these shows as well. All the dealers know this and an FFL would have to be pretty stupid to try any under the table sales.

 

[loose cannon]

if your in missouri,up to a week b4 the show you need to go to the sheriffs dept for your county,there u fill out a"aplication for a permit to acquire a concealable firearm"give it to the window guy and depending on your county wait from 5 minutes to 7days to recieve your"permit to aquire a concealable firearm"or what i call a PITA,

this permit you take to the gunshow and when you find the handgun you wish to buy you give it to the dealer he fills out the bottom and returns a copy to the sheriffs dept within 30days.then you fill out mr 4473 he makes a phone call and if you dont have a evil twin brother somewhere you get aproved by the feds too. then you pays your money and hauls ur new iron home cost of pita 5-10 bux depending on ur county.

we will once again try to eliminate this foolishness in jan/06 wish us luck

 

[STAGE 2]

Thanks for the replies guys. The reason I ask is that I have heard stories of shady dealers and ATF agents posing as parking lot sellers. Whether this is true really doesn't matter, but I want to mke sure who I'm buying from and the process is legit. I'm located in TX for those interested.

So from what I gather the process is no different than walking into the local gun shop, filling out the form and having them do the check.

This brings me to a second question though. How do they do a background check if they are at the show. Is it something they call in from their cell phone?

 

[AirForceShooter]

I'm in Florida.
The parking lot is perfectly legal for us and you usually get great deals there.

AFS

 

[Bill73]

Thanks for the replies guys. The reason I ask is that I have heard stories of shady dealers and ATF agents posing as parking lot sellers. Whether this is true really doesn't matter, but I want to mke sure who I'm buying from and the process is legit. I'm located in TX for those interested.

So from what I gather the process is no different than walking into the local gun shop, filling out the form and having them do the check.

This brings me to a second question though. How do they do a background check if they are at the show. Is it something they call in from their cell phone?

Yep, just like a gun shop. You will find some table sales that are not FFL holders and no 4473, or background check is done. The FFL's use their phone to call for the federal check.

You will see some customers walking with a gun they intend to sell and one can buy direct from them, no questions ask. The same with those advertised in the classified section of the newspaper.

Good hunting at the show! The San Antonio show is held the first weekend of every month, Austin the third.

 

[MechAg94]

What show are you refering to? I know there is one in Pasadena this weekend.

You can buy a gun from a non-FFL without the background check. I have run into people that will only buy guns this way as there is little or no paper trail. Whatever.

Also, get a CHL so they don't have to call in for the background check.

 

[pauli]

ATFE agents have been know to walk these shows as well.

they've also, as i understand it, been known to be ejected from shows for attempting illegal purchases

 

[SouthpawShootr]

True. Once ATF agents are discovered attempting entrapment, they are ejected from the show. Niether the promoters nor the dealers view them as your nice nieghborhood cops. Dealers will have them bounced for trying something illegal.

 

[Janitor]

In spite of all the hype about gunshow loopholes, absolutely nothing is different at gunshow that for purchases made in the outside world.

I believe this is a national thing. As far as I know, most (if not all) states pretty much treat a purchase at a gunshow like any other purchase. You may be making a quiet, "right now" private purchase, or you may be buying from a dealer and having to wait a week (MN w/o a purchase permit) to pick it up.

Should work just the same as it does in the real world.
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