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Buying a Gun Online

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know

How do I purchase a gun marketed by Your Unique Arms?

It is perfectly legal to purchase a gun online.  It is by no means “shady,” and millions of people buy online every year.  There are very specific legal steps to follow.  Let’s take a few minutes and look at everything you need to know to buy your first gun online.

The first thing to understand is the gun you order will not be delivered to your doorstep.  The Gun Control Act of 1968 prevents firearms from being delivered directly to private parties from a seller.  The first step is to find a local firearms dealer in your area.  This will be a business that has a Federal Firearms License (FFL) secured through the Department of Justice’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms division.  Your online purchase will need to be shipped to a shop with a current FFL.  Once you have found a local shop, reach out to them and let them know you will be making an online purchase.  Almost all shops charge a “transfer” fee for receiving the gun and managing the paperwork.  
This is as much a courtesy fee as it is a processing fee.  When a gun arrives at a shop there is specific legal documentation that must take place in the shop’s log books.  This takes time.  Because the shop is providing a required service, it is reasonable for a buyer to pay a transfer fee for their time and effort.  Transfer fees can range anywhere from $20 to as high as $75 in some cases.  If the fee is acceptable, it is good business to notify the shop that you will be making an online purchase and will have the gun sent to their address.  
Once you have arranged for an FFL shop to receive and transfer your gun, then you can proceed with your purchase.  If you have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.  When you are satisfied, then it is time to complete your purchase.  You will be prompted to provide the name and address of your selected FFL shop that will receive the gun.  Fill the info in and then contact your local shop.  Give them the provided contact information for the online vendor so they can provide them with a copy of their FFL.  Once again, larger and well-organized online businesses will be able to do this for you with little more than a click of the mouse.  Within a short time, your gun will be on its way to the gun shop.  Once it arrives, they will contact you and you begin the home stretch of getting your gun.  
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Once you arrive at the shop inspect the gun in detail.  Make sure it is as you ordered without any issues.  If there are issues, then do not accept the transfer.  Trying to remedy issues after a transfer has taken place complicates the process.  If everything looks good, then it is time for the paperwork.  In order to take possession of your new gun, you will need to complete an ATF Form 4473 and pass a background check through NICS (The National Instant Criminal Background Check System).

This is the same form and background check you would complete if you purchased a firearm in any gun store.  Buying online in no way circumvents any legal processes.  Some disqualifiers for any firearms purchase, be it online or in person are:

  • You were convicted of a crime punishable with over a year in prison.
  • You are a fugitive from justice.
  • You are an unlawful user or addict of any controlled substance.
  • You are in the United States illegally.
  • You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
  • You have renounced your United States citizenship.
  • You have a restraining order out against you.
  • You are under indictment for a crime that could be punishable with over a year in prison.

Along as you are in good legal standing, you will be cleared for the transfer.  Once you pass the background check, you are free to take your firearm home! We suggest you spend a few minutes in the shop which facilitated your transfer to see if they have anything you need.  

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