Internet Gun Sales

Internet Shopping

If you are listening to the media, you may be under the impression that Internet gun sales create a huge loophole in the law.  The media won't tell you that federal regulations still apply to Internet sales of firearms at all levels.  You cannot directly purchase and receive firearms over the internet.  Only licensed dealers or licensed individuals can receive firearms and they have to abide by the state and federal laws before transferring the guy to the buyer. 

When you use the Internet to order from outfits like Amazon.Com, LLBean.com or Costco.com, items are packaged and shipped right to your door.  However, when you buy a firearm, direct delivery to your door is not allowed under federal law.[¹]   All firearms must be shipped to a licensed dealer.  Before ordering, you must send a copy of your dealer's license and a copy of your own ID (to prove your age).  Once the order is processed it is shipped to the dealer's address on his license.  When it arrives, the end user still fills out all the required state and federal forms to purchase a firearm.  In some states, like California, all handgun transactions must be performed through a licensed dealer.  

It's quite legal to purchase firearm parts on the internet. Parts such as optic sights, replacement parts, slings, grips, holsters and the like. If you want to buy just the receiver - the main frame of a firearm that holds all the other parts - it is treated like a complete firearm and shipped to a licensed dealer. 

So the next time someone tells you there is an "internet loophole" that must be closed, tell them they are sadly misinformed. Tell them that Internet guns sales are still regulated like any other gun sales.



¹ There are exceptions for "curio & relic" firearms, such as black powder muzzle loaders, guns at least fifty years old or older and those guns made before 1899. These guns are either collectors items or unlikely to be used illegally according to BATFE.