THE #1 ASKED QUESTION: IS BUYING A FIREARM ONLINE LEGAL?
Yes, however the physical transfer of a firearm must take place at a licensed firearm dealer. Many of our first-time purchasers have commented that they found the process to be simple and straightforward. We’ll be glad to guide you through it.
Here’s a quick summary:
(1) Purchase the firearm from our site as you would any other item.
(2) The firearm will ship directly to your local FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) dealer.
(3) Complete your background check when you pick it up at your dealer. Done!
Need help finding an FFL near you? No problem. We can help you with that too. We have included a link below to assist you with locating local FFL’s by zip code.
*PLEASE READ BELOW for a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process with important details that will help you easily provide us with the information needed before shipping can take place – we are here to help, so don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions!
- How to Buy a Gun Online? Let’s get started. Add the firearm to your shopping cart and purchase the firearm just as you would any other item on our website. If you would like parts and accessories shipped directly to you, rather than to your local dealer, please order those separately from any firearms.
- If you already know which local FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) dealer you would like to receive your firearm, you may input their information into the appropriate text fields and order comments section during checkout. It is your responsibility to contact your dealer and have them send us a copy of their license. Most dealers would like the customer to contact them to let them know that a firearm is being shipped to them and they will in turn send us a copy of their license. If your dealer requires us to contact them, please let us know and we will be happy to do so. Please have them send a copy of their license to us directly at: FFL@CenterfireReserve.com
- Because we focus on obtaining and stocking some of the more difficult to obtain items, we recommend purchasing your firearm as soon as you know you want it rather than searching for a local dealer first. This ensures that the firearm is reserved for you and does not allow anyone else to purchase it out from under you. You may search for a local dealer and forward us their information when you have it.
- Please note that dealers will charge a fee for the transfer service (receiving the firearm(s) and completing your background check paperwork) and this fee can vary significantly from one dealer to the next. One dealer may charge $20, while another dealer just down the road may charge $75. You are responsible for finding out the amount of the fee and paying this fee directly to your receiving dealer, generally at the time you pick-up the firearm(s). It is not included in the purchase price.
- No “Straw Purchases” of firearms. The individual paying for the firearm and completing the 4473 Firearms Transaction Record at the time of pick-up must be the same person (the intended owner).
- If you do not have a dealer chosen and need to find one, please use one of the references below to help find one in your area. Handguns and NFA weapons must be transferred to you in your state of residence, however rifles may be transferred to you in other states if your state laws allow it. Please do not simply choose a dealer from the FFL finder without first contacting them to confirm they will receive your firearm. There is a small chance a dealer may have gone out of business and not yet informed ATF, they may have moved and not had their license updated yet, or they could have simply decided to stop accepting transfers so it is always important to call fist and check.
Please note that you are responsible for determining whether a firearm or any other restricted items are legal for you to own in your area. If you have any questions we will try to help.
If you do not have a dealer selected and need help finding one, you may use the below FFL search to find a dealer in your area. You are responsible for contacting the dealer to determine their pricing and availability for the transfer service. Any information on either searches below are subject to being out of date.
- To search the GunBroker list of dealers click here. The dealers listed here may not be on file with Centerfire Reserve and it would be your responsibility to have them send a copy of their license. Please have them send it to us directly at: FFL@CenterfireReserve.com
- Once we have a copy of their license on file we will then be able to ship the firearm.
How to Buy a NFA Firearm Online
The steps for purchasing a silencer (suppressor) or short-barreled rifle (SBR) online are similar to purchasing a firearm above. However, there are some additional steps and and a longer waiting period. First, your receiving dealer (FFL) must possess an additional license called a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) to deal in NFA weapons. Some important information to know before placing your NFA order:
- Before being able to take possession of your NFA weapon, you will need to fill out the appropriate ATF application (known as an eForm4) and submit it to ATF electronically through the NFA Division’s EFORMS website. The local dealer that you select to receive the item will help you fill out and submit this form properly. Please note that your FFL will likely charge a “transfer fee” for receiving the NFA item and submitting your eForm4 application paperwork (which includes electronic fingerprints and a photo). We have no control over what other dealer’s charge for their transfer fee, so please be sure to ask them what their fee is before you purchase an NFA item from us and have it shipped it to them. For our local (Ohio) customers, who wish to have an NFA item that we don’t have in stock transferred here for them, our NFA transfer fee is $95.
- For each and every NFA weapon you purchase, you will be required to pay a one time $200 Transfer Tax directly to the ATF to receive your tax stamp.
- NFA weapons are legal to own in most states. Please check with your receiving dealer for local laws concerning NFA weapons before purchasing. If you are unsure, please contact us before making a purchase. For new buyers, we also recommend taking a quick look at the American Hearing Association’s map with details on suppressor legality and ownership.
- ATF must approve the transfer of every NFA weapon, including the transfer from us to your dealer. For items we have in stock, wait times we are seeing average 2-3 days before ATF approves the transfer from us to your dealer. Once your dealer has received the NFA item they will work with you to submit your eForm4 application that will be necessary to receive your NFA tax stamp. We are currently seeing approval times averaging between 6-8 months. These times can and will vary.
- Payment in full must be made before we can submit any paperwork. If you are denied or otherwise cannot complete the transfer, your order is subject to our regular restocking fees. We will not process any refunds or store credit until the NFA weapon has been returned to us from your dealer. Please note that some dealers allow customers to use NFA weapons (in their presence) during this waiting period. We cannot and will not issue a refund or store credit for NFA weapons returned used.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about how to buy a gun online. We are here to answer them!