Frequently Asked Questions

ATF Form 4473, also called the Firearms Transaction Record, is a federal form required for every firearm purchase from a licensed FFL dealer. It collects personal information about the buyer, including name, address, date of birth, and citizenship status. The form also asks questions about criminal history, mental health, and other disqualifying factors. The dealer uses this information to conduct the mandatory NICS background check. By law, you must complete Form 4473 truthfully — providing false information is a federal felony.

To pick up a firearm from an FFL dealer, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID. Acceptable forms of ID typically include a state driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID. The name and address on your ID must match the information on ATF Form 4473. Some states may have additional ID requirements. If you recently moved, bring both your old and new ID or proof of current address.

NICS stands for National Instant Criminal Background Check System, operated by the FBI. When you purchase a firearm from an FFL dealer, the dealer contacts NICS to verify you are legally eligible to own a firearm. Most checks are completed in minutes and result in one of three responses: Proceed (approved), Denied, or Delayed. A Delayed status means more time is needed to complete the check — the dealer may transfer the firearm after 3 business days if no response has been received. NICS checks are required for all FFL dealer sales and transfers.

If your NICS background check is denied, the FFL dealer cannot legally transfer the firearm to you. A denial means the FBI found a disqualifying record in their database, such as a felony conviction, domestic violence history, or other prohibited status. You will receive a denial notice with a transaction number. If you believe the denial was made in error, you can appeal through the FBI's NICS Appeal process within 30 days. Common causes of incorrect denials include mistaken identity or outdated records.

Under federal law, you do not need a license or permit to purchase a firearm — but you must meet eligibility requirements and pass a background check through the NICS system. Requirements vary by state.

Federal requirements to buy a gun:

• Be at least 18 years old for long guns (rifles/shotguns) or 21 for handguns when purchasing from a licensed dealer
• Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Not be a convicted felon or have disqualifying criminal history
• Not have been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Not be subject to a domestic violence restraining order

State-level requirements vary: Some states require a purchase permit, firearm owner ID card, or waiting period before you can take possession of a firearm. States like Illinois require a FOID card, while others like Texas have no additional permit requirement beyond the federal background check.

Always check your specific state laws before purchasing. An FFL dealer in your area can walk you through the local requirements.

Concealed carry (also called CCW — Carry Concealed Weapon) refers to the practice of carrying a firearm on your person in a hidden manner in public. Laws governing concealed carry vary significantly by state.

Types of carry laws by state:

• Constitutional Carry (Permitless Carry): Many states now allow qualified residents to carry concealed without a permit. As of 2026, over 25 states have some form of constitutional carry.
• Shall-Issue States: The state must issue a permit if you meet the requirements (background check, training course, application).
• May-Issue States: Authorities have discretion to approve or deny permits even if requirements are met. Very few states still use this system.

How to get a concealed carry permit (in most shall-issue states):

1. Verify you meet the eligibility requirements (age, clean record, residency)
2. Complete a state-approved firearms safety or CCW course
3. Submit an application to your local sheriff's office or state agency with required documents and fee
4. Pass a fingerprint-based background check
5. Receive your permit (processing time varies by state)

Important: Even with a permit, concealed carry is not allowed in all locations. Schools, government buildings, courthouses, and other restricted areas are typically off-limits. Always know your state and local laws before carrying.

An FFL transfer is the legal process of transferring ownership of a firearm through a licensed FFL dealer. When you purchase a gun online or from an out-of-state seller, the firearm must be shipped to a local FFL dealer who then completes the required ATF paperwork (Form 4473) and runs a background check before releasing the gun to you. This process ensures all federal and state laws are followed.

FFL transfer fees vary by dealer but typically range from $20 to $50 per firearm. Some dealers charge a flat fee while others may charge more for handguns than long guns. The fee covers the dealer's time to process ATF Form 4473, conduct the NICS background check, and handle the transfer paperwork. Always call ahead to confirm the transfer fee before having a firearm shipped to a dealer.

Yes! Buying a gun online and shipping it to a local FFL dealer is legal and very common. Here's how the process works: (1) Purchase the firearm from an online retailer or private seller. (2) Provide them with your chosen FFL dealer's information (name, address, FFL license number). (3) The seller ships the gun directly to your FFL dealer. (4) When it arrives, your dealer notifies you to come in. (5) You complete ATF Form 4473, pass a background check, pay the transfer fee, and take home your firearm. Use our FFL Search to find a local dealer that accepts transfers.

You can find a licensed FFL dealer near you using the FFL Search tool on this site. Simply enter your zip code or city to see a list of local FFL dealers with their contact information, transfer fees, and hours. You can also check the ATF's official FFL dealer locator or search online directories. When choosing a dealer, compare transfer fees and read reviews to find the best option.

Every gun owner — new or experienced — should follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety at all times:

1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. Even if you believe a firearm is unloaded, always handle it as though it could fire. Never assume.
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep the gun pointed in a safe direction at all times, especially when loading, unloading, or handling.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot. Rest your finger along the frame outside the trigger guard until you are fully prepared to fire.
4. Know your target and what is beyond it. Bullets can travel through targets or miss entirely. Always be aware of what is in front of and behind your target.

Following all four rules simultaneously is the foundation of safe gun ownership. Taking a certified firearms safety course is strongly recommended for all new gun owners.

Responsible gun storage is one of the most important aspects of gun ownership — especially if you have children or others in the home. Here are the recommended storage options:

• Gun safe or gun cabinet: The best option for long-term storage. A quality gun safe provides security against theft and unauthorized access. Look for safes rated by weight and with a UL-listed lock.
• Biometric or quick-access pistol safe: Ideal for home defense firearms that need to be accessible quickly. These allow fast, one-hand access while keeping the gun out of reach of children.
• Trigger locks: An inexpensive layer of protection that prevents the trigger from being pulled. Best used in combination with a safe, not as a standalone solution.
• Lock boxes: Portable and affordable, great for vehicles or temporary storage.

Best practices for home storage:

• Store firearms unloaded when not in active use
• Store ammunition separately from the firearm
• Never leave a firearm unsecured in a home with children
• Keep the storage location known only to responsible adults in the household

Some states have safe storage laws — check your local regulations to ensure compliance.

In most states, a formal gun safety class is not legally required before purchasing a firearm — but it is strongly recommended for all new gun owners.

Why you should take a safety class:

• Learn proper handling, loading, unloading, and clearing malfunctions
• Understand the four rules of firearm safety in a hands-on environment
• Get comfortable at the range before using your gun in a real situation
• Build confidence and improve accuracy through professional instruction
• Some homeowner's insurance and legal defense programs offer discounts for completing certified training

Where to find classes:

• NRA First Steps or Basic Pistol course — widely available nationwide
• USCCA Fundamentals of Handgun Shooting — great for new and prospective gun owners
• Local gun ranges and shooting clubs — many offer beginner-friendly classes
• Your state's concealed carry class — required for a carry permit in most states, and covers both safety and legal use of force

Note: Some states require a safety course as part of the concealed carry permit process. Check your state laws for specific requirements.

An FFL dealer is a federally licensed business or individual authorized by the ATF to buy, sell, and transfer firearms. FFL stands for Federal Firearms License. Dealers must perform background checks on buyers and maintain records of all firearm transactions. They serve as the middleman for online gun purchases and interstate firearm transfers.

The ATF issues several types of FFL licenses depending on the business activity. The most common are: Type 01 (Dealer in Firearms), which covers most retail gun stores and handles transfers; Type 02 (Pawnbroker), for pawn shops dealing in firearms; Type 03 (Collector of Curios and Relics), for hobbyists collecting antique firearms; Type 06 (Manufacturer of Ammunition); Type 07 (Manufacturer of Firearms); and Type 08 (Importer of Firearms). Most gun stores and transfer dealers hold a Type 01 or Type 07 license.

The best first gun depends on your intended purpose, but most new owners choose a handgun — specifically a semi-automatic pistol in 9mm. Here's a quick breakdown by use case:

• Home defense: A full-size or compact 9mm pistol (e.g., Glock 17/19, Smith & Wesson M&P, Sig Sauer P320) or a 12-gauge shotgun offer reliable stopping power and are widely recommended.
• Concealed carry: A compact or subcompact 9mm pistol strikes the best balance between concealability and capacity.
• General-purpose / first gun: A mid-size 9mm semi-automatic pistol is the most popular choice — ammo is affordable, recoil is manageable, and parts are readily available.
• Sport/target shooting: A .22 LR pistol or rifle is a great low-cost option to build fundamentals with minimal recoil.

Visit a local FFL dealer or gun range that offers rentals so you can try different models before purchasing. What feels comfortable in your hand is just as important as the caliber or brand.

The ammunition you buy must match the caliber stamped on your firearm's barrel or slide. Never use the wrong caliber ammunition — it can cause serious injury or damage to the firearm.

Common calibers and what they're used for:

• 9mm Luger (9x19): The most popular handgun caliber in the U.S. Affordable, widely available, manageable recoil. Great for home defense, concealed carry, and range practice.
• .22 LR (Long Rifle): Inexpensive and low-recoil. Ideal for beginners learning to shoot, target practice, and small game hunting.
• .380 ACP: Common in compact carry pistols. Lighter recoil than 9mm but less stopping power.
• .40 S&W and .45 ACP: Larger calibers used for self-defense. More recoil and typically more expensive than 9mm.
• 5.56 NATO / .223 Rem: Standard rifle calibers used in AR-style rifles. Common for target shooting and home defense.
• 12-gauge: Standard shotgun shell used for home defense, hunting, and sport shooting.

Ammo types explained:

• FMJ (Full Metal Jacket): Best for range practice — affordable and widely available.
• JHP (Jacketed Hollow Point): Best for self-defense — designed to expand on impact for maximum stopping power.

When in doubt, ask your local FFL dealer for a recommendation based on your specific firearm and intended use.

Regular cleaning and maintenance is essential for keeping your firearm reliable, safe, and in good working condition. Most firearms should be cleaned after every range session and inspected periodically even when not in use.

Basic cleaning supplies you'll need:

• Cleaning rod or bore snake
• Bore brush (sized to your caliber)
• Cleaning patches
• Solvent/bore cleaner (e.g., Hoppe's No. 9, Break-Free CLP)
• Lubricating oil or CLP (cleaner/lubricant/protectant)
• Microfiber cloths or cotton rags

Basic cleaning steps (always verify the firearm is unloaded first):

1. Clear and unload the firearm — remove the magazine and verify the chamber is empty
2. Field strip the firearm — disassemble according to your owner's manual (typically barrel, slide, recoil spring, and frame for semi-autos)
3. Clean the bore — run a solvent-soaked patch through the barrel, then follow with a bore brush, then dry patches until clean
4. Clean the frame, slide, and other components — use a solvent and brush to remove carbon buildup and residue
5. Lubricate — apply a light coat of oil to the rail surfaces and moving parts per your manual's recommendations
6. Reassemble and function check — verify proper reassembly and test the trigger and safety mechanisms

Always refer to your specific firearm's owner's manual for detailed disassembly and lubrication instructions. Over-lubrication can attract dirt and cause malfunctions, so use oil sparingly.