Need info about buying firearms

[cybrhick]

I am a newb to this site, and firearms. I am ignorant of state and federal law. So I figured I'd ask those who are not.

Is it still legal to buy a gun from an individual without registering it? How about trading for a gun? Must it be registered?

 

[Javelinadave]

No registration required unless you live in Illinois, California or a few other "more progressive" states.

 

[Texas1911]

http://www.texasguntalk.com/forums/beginner-articles/12789-quick-guide-texas-gun-laws.html
http://www.texasguntalk.com/forums/...e-sales-face-face-transfer-other-options.html

 

[Texasjack]

Mind if I add something a bit off-topic? If you're going to show your toys on a public forum, you might want to edit the license plate so it doesn't show. Good folks on the TGT, but lots of trolls around the internet.

 

[cybrhick]

It's no longer a valid plate. But yeah, I agree.

 

[cybrhick]

Great info. So one more question. How does the transaction change if I were to buy/trade a firearm from an individual while out of state?

 

[Texas1911]

Great info. So one more question. How does the transaction change if I were to buy/trade a firearm from an individual while out of state?

You cannot legally by a firearm from an individual from another state. That is regulated by the ATF, and the transaction must go through an FFL in your state of residence.

 

[cybrhick]

So I would have to ship it to a dealer, and then fill out paperwork and such? Just trying to learn here.

 

[Texas1911]

So I would have to ship it to a dealer, and then fill out paperwork and such? Just trying to learn here.

You would pay for it ... then have the seller ship the gun to an FFL here in Texas.

 

[cybrhick]

And what paperwork must be filled out to retrieve the firearm from the FFL? I know I'm asking a bunch of questions. I'm just trying to understand everything BEFORE I start looking and/or purchasing. Been trying to horsetrade as much as possible since money is tight.

 

[Bithabus]

And what paperwork must be filled out to retrieve the firearm from the FFL? I know I'm asking a bunch of questions. I'm just trying to understand everything BEFORE I start looking and/or purchasing. Been trying to horsetrade as much as possible since money is tight.

You fill out a form 4473, where you list your name and address and indicate that you are not a criminal, mental defective, etc. Then the dealer calls NCIC to make sure you are not prohibited, and you walk out with the gun. If you have a CHL the phone call is not necessary.

 

[MR Redneck]

You cannot legally by a firearm from an individual from another state. That is regulated by the ATF, and the transaction must go through an FFL in your state of residence.

What if you buy from another person FTF in another state? Say if I bought a gun from somebody while in NM/ No FFL then, right?

 

[cybrhick]

What if you buy from another person FTF in another state? Say if I bought a gun from somebody while in NM/ No FFL then, right?

That was what I asked earlier.

 

[cybrhick]

You fill out a form 4473, where you list your name and address and indicate that you are not a criminal, mental defective, etc. Then the dealer calls NCIC to make sure you are not prohibited, and you walk out with the gun. If you have a CHL the phone call is not necessary.

So, wouldn't the 4473 in essence be a form of registering the firearm to you?

 

[Javelinadave]

Yes but it is a federal thing not a state thing.

 

[Bithabus]

What if you buy from another person FTF in another state? Say if I bought a gun from somebody while in NM/ No FFL then, right?

That would be a felony.

 

[MR Redneck]

That would be a felony.

Is It because im not a resident of that state? Im just wondering, because I never even thought about that. I always thought if you were shipping it was the only reason to go FFL.

 

[Bithabus]

Is It because im not a resident of that state? Im just wondering, because I never even thought about that. I always thought if you were shipping it was the only reason to go FFL.

Yes.

 

[Texas1911]

Is It because im not a resident of that state?

Bingo. That is interstate commerce ... which is the ATF's bread and butter.

 

[Texas1911]

So, wouldn't the 4473 in essence be a form of registering the firearm to you?

Not really ... the FBI is the group behind the NICS check, and they only know you are buying a firearm that is either a long gun, other, or handgun. I suppose the ATF could subpoena all the records and go house to house, but the likelihood of that is slim to none. They don't have the manpower, balls, or authority to do that in the state of Texas. In essence, they'd be putting themselves out of a job as well.