Owning a firearm comes with many responsibilities.
First, you’ll need to be 18 years old to purchase a long gun or shotgun and 21 to purchase a handgun. As part of your purchase decision process, I hope you’ve had a chance to try the firearm before purchasing it. This is especially important for first-time firearms owners so they can better understand if the firearm they have decided on will actually work well for them.
Once the decision is made, you’ll have to pass a background check conducted with the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). That process starts with you providing non-expired, government issued identification that includes your name, photo and current physical address to the FFL. They will then have you complete a form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record). In addition to your identifying information, you’ll answer questions that determine if you are a prohibited possessor. If you falsify this form, it is a felony! Once the form is completed, the identifying information is communicated either electronically or by phone to the FBI NICS Check system for adjudication.
One of four possible responses likely will happen next. Your form will proceed, or it will be returned, delayed or denied. These responses can take just a few minutes or up to 30 days. Once the FFL has received a “proceed” response (or some FFLs will transfer it if no response has been received in three working days, a technically legal option) you’ll pay for your purchase and are free to take it home.
It is important to note that only your personal identifying information is shared with the FBI. No specifics about the firearm you are purchasing are transmitted and the FBI has no way of knowing if the transaction actually takes place. If, at some time in the future, the FBI needs to track a firearm from the manufacturer to the retail purchaser, they must formally request a copy of the 4473 from the FFL (a Firearms Trace).
Here in Arizona, private party to private party sales of firearms are legal. In these sales, you are expected to know the laws and not sell a firearm to a person who is legally prohibited from possessing it. That would include their age, criminal and mental health status. When selling a firearm to a private party, it is critically important to document that process with a bill of sale that should include the make, model and serial number of the firearm, the purchaser’s full name, address and if possible, a copy of their driver’s license. This would help protect you if, at some time in the future, that firearm is used in a crime and traced.
An alternative to private party sales that many people choose is to sell your firearm to an FFL. By doing so, you are ensuring that the next owner of that firearm will be required to pass a NICS check. Most firearms retailers will either purchase or accept on consignment firearms you would like to sell. They are also well equipped to help you best understand the value of the firearm you are selling.
Owning a firearm comes with many responsibilities. Proper training, safe storage, safe handling and at some point, safe disposition of the firearm to someone else. Make sure you are being a safe and responsible firearms owner! FBN
By Rob Wilson
Rob Wilson is the owner (with his wife, Elise) of Timberline Firearms & Training in Flagstaff. They offer a full line of firearms, accessories, safes and ammunition along with Liberty Safes. For more information, visit timberlinefirearms.us.
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