With the current state of affairs concerning a gun purchase, it seems even a recognized “responsible gun owner” can have trouble buying a gun. The process becomes more complicated when considering how communications provided by the internet allows you to buy from other resources than the display models available at your local gun store.
The fact is, making an online gun purchase does not circumvent a loophole in the law, but rather provides opportunities not otherwise available with some distinct advantages and disadvantages compared to a brick and mortar store.
Buying a gun online really only requires one extra step than buying locally. Federal law prohibits mailing a firearm to a personal address, so you’ll have to discuss the matter with your local firearms dealer who has a federal permit to deal in guns. It’s not unheard of for a small business to provide the service for free as a promotional opportunity, since they know you’ll be buying ammunition, accessories, and range time, along with bringing an interesting weapon they don’t offer to their store. Another option is most pawnbrokers have their federal firearms permit, and can charge a fair arbitrary fee to cover their time in receiving the shipment and holding it until you pick it up in person.
The main advantage of buying a gun online is that you have unlimited access to whatever you want rather than the best selling guns a local dealer keeps in stock. Murphy’s law states that if you prefer Winchester, your local dealer only stocks Remington, or if you like the form and function of a Mossberg, your dealer is a hard enthusiast of Winchester. Any gun owner knows each of those brands are reliable great guns, but when you’re spending your hard earned cash you deserve the model which best suits your personal preference.
The disadvantage of buying online is that you don’t get a chance to actually see and feel the weapon before committing to the purchase. If there is a problem, the gun is non-returnable other than discussing a manufacturing defect with the factory that actually produced the gun.
Like anything else you might do online, you need to do some research work about the person you plan to buy from. Simply type into your internet search engine the dealer’s name followed by, “reviews” and you’ll see plenty of gun forums in which people discuss their experiences with the business. Remember, there is always going to be an internet troll who thinks it’s clever to post a fake negative review, and human nature says people are more likely to report a negative experience than a purchase which went according to expectations, but you’ll generally get a good intuitive idea of what it’s like to work with that dealer.
Whether you decide to buy online or locally, enjoy your new gun! As always, stay safe and be aware of how to abide by any local laws or restrictions which may affect your ability to remain a responsible gun owner.
~ Firearm Daily
