It is completely legal to buy firearms online. The first step is to make your purchase, then Step 2 is to contact a local dealer to facilitate a FFL Transfer. A good dealer will take over from there and all you need to do is wait on a phone call for pickup.
What’s an FFL and why is it called a transfer?
FFL stands for Federal Firearms License, and an FFL transfer is simply the process of changing possession of a firearm from an FFL to another FFL or customer. In almost all cases, it is not legal to receive a gun at your home or transfer a gun across state lines without the involvement of a dealer. Having an FFL dealer receive your online purchase is what keeps this process secure, safe, and legal.
When you buy a gun online from an FFL like McNamer Arms, federal law requires you to have it shipped to a dealer with a federal firearms license so they can conduct the background check and legally transfer the gun to you. When your chosen FFL dealer notifies you that your purchase from us has arrived, you just show up to your FFL’s licensed location, fill out ATF Form 4473, pass your background check, and take your purchase home.
Once you complete Form 4473, they conduct the federal background check through the National Instant Criminal Check System, and you pay the FFL their transfer fee. At this point your new gun has been properly transferred.
1. Select a local FFL
Use this tool to locate a nearby FFL for your firearm transfer. Keep in mind that you must confirm they will actually accept your item and perform the transfer, and that their fee is reasonable.
2. Contact FFL and confirm transfer
Before buying a gun online, it’s best to already have an FFL dealer to conduct firearm transfers for you, so when speaking with them for the first time, make sure to confirm that they are willing to accept the firearm shipment and that you’re comfortable with their fee to do so. Some state and local jurisdictions may impose fees or additional paperwork that you have to complete, so be sure to discuss this with the FFL dealer if you have any questions about the local transfer process. Once that’s established, simply provide your contact information and communicate that you plan to purchase a gun online and have it shipped to them. Once you have completed the first transfer with them, it’s courteous to send them a heads-up the next time a firearm purchase will be sent to them for you to pick up. It helps them to know what item is headed their way and where it’s coming from.
3. Buy your gun
If you’re shopping with us, you can order online at any time, just browse our selection of handguns, long guns, silencers, and NFA firearms, then add the ammunition and accessories you need. It’s easy to explore our online gun store inventory, you can search by keyword, model, manufacturer, caliber, capacity, safety, and price. Select the firearms or parts you want, add them to cart, specify your FFL during checkout, then complete your payment.
4. How to transfer to your dealer from our Online Gun Store
To buy from our online gun store, there are a couple ways to get your receiving dealer in contact with us.
Use an FFL dealer you already know
If you already have your FFL dealer’s information, enter the FFL information in the available boxes on the check out page to place your order.
Search for an FFL dealer using the online tool
If you need to locate an FFL, use this FFL locator service. The “FFL Search” feature also displays during checkout when you’re buying from us. Just make contact with the local FFL of your choice and confirm they’ll handle your transfer.
5. Go get your new gun
Your local FFL will notify you when your shipment has arrived. Make sure you bring a government-issued ID with your picture and current address, licenses, or permits depending on your state and the items you have purchased. Inspect the firearm before accepting the transfer, complete necessary paperwork and background check, then accept firearm possession. Gun transfers and usage are always subject to government regulations, so keep up to date on how to stay in compliance with these regulations in your area.