Difference between revisions of "How do I BUY A GUN?"

Revision as of 09:44, 14 November 2009

Frequently Asked Questions: How do I BUY A GUN?

Simple answers for simple questions

Discussion: Locks, How to live in California and buy a gun

California requires substantially all firearms transfers to take place at a CA-licensed FFL. Other states allow “face to face” (FTF) transfers, but California does not.

There are two general methods to buy a gun: Dealer Sale, the topic here, and Private Party Sale (see that article).

California FFLs are highly regulated.

Every firearms transfer to non-licensed persons has some common factors:

• DROS and 4473 paperwork are both required.

• Dealer fees and the purchase price are both required.

• Unless the buyer is exempt, a 10 calendar-day wait is required before delivery.

• During that 10 days, CA-DOJ will perform the background check.

• Before delivery, the buyer must have an appropriate safety device.

FOR LONG GUNS

• The buyer must provide proof of identity

• DROS is simple; no firearm identification information is recorded.

• Either a lock or the California Safe Affidavit is acceptable.

FOR HAND GUNS

• Unless the buyer is exempt, or the handgun is one of the exempted models/kinds, a handgun must be on the Roster.

• Unless the buyer is exempt, he must have a Handgun Safety Certificate.

• The buyer must provide proof of identity AND proof of California residency.

• Identifying information is recorded: handguns are registered to the buyers.

• Unless the buyer is exempt, the buyer must perform a handling demonstration.

• FEDERAL law, as currently enforced by BATFE, will not allow the California Safe Affidavit as a substitute for a lock.

References

Buying and selling firearms in California