Are you considering buying a firearm as a gift for someone special? While purchasing firearms online can be affordable and convenient, it's essential to ensure that you adhere to legal guidelines before making such a huge investment. Before diving into the details of how to buy handguns online and give them as gifts, make sure to review the basics. Learn who can own or purchase a firearm in your state, what restrictions there are on giving guns as gifts, and other helpful information regarding legally owning firearms.
What You Need to Know About "Prohibited Persons"
Being a prohibited person means you are not legally allowed to purchase, possess, or own firearms. Factors that may prohibit you from buying or owning guns include:
- Individuals convicted of certain crimes, such as felonies or domestic violence.
- Those deemed mentally unfit to own a weapon.
- Or individuals subject to restraining orders.
Before you can buy handguns online to send as gifts, you must ensure that you and the recipient are not prohibited. When purchasing firearms online, buyers must go through a background check process. This check covers criminal and juvenile delinquency records, mental health records, warrants, and more.
When purchasing a handgun online as a gift for someone else, the recipient must also go through the same background check process. If the recipient is also prohibited, they will not be allowed to receive the firearm.
How to Buy Handguns Online Safely
To buy handguns online, first find a licensed, reputable dealer. One of the easiest ways to evaluate an online retailer is to look at reviews from past customers. Read positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded picture of the dealer's business practices. Next, browse the company's inventory. At Jim's Firearms, you can find plenty of high-quality options, whether you are searching for firearm accessories or looking to buy handguns online.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the dealer's customer service team. A reputable dealer should be responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful in addressing your concerns. When in doubt, trust your instincts when evaluating an online firearms dealer. If something feels off or you don't trust the dealer's business practices, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Shipping Your Firearm
Before shipping a firearm, check the laws in your state and the recipient's state to ensure that you comply with all applicable regulations. If you're sending a gun to someone in another state, you'll need to have it shipped to a licensed dealer in their state. You can typically find a list of licensed dealers online or by contacting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Make sure to notify the recipient before shipping a firearm and ensure they are legally allowed to receive it.
Once you've confirmed that you and the recipient are not prohibited, you'll need to complete any necessary paperwork. These documents include a bill of sale and a firearm transfer form. Then, securely package the firearm in a container that meets all applicable regulations. You may also need to include additional documentation, such as a copy of the recipient's driver's license or other identification.
Finally, ship the firearm to the recipient's closest federally licensed firearms dealer following all federal and state regulations. Once the authorized dealer has received the gun, the recipient can pick it up after completing any necessary paperwork.
Find the Perfect Guns for Gifting at Jim's Firearms
If you are searching for a firearm for a loved one, you're sure to find something they'll love at Jim's Firearms. We offer a wide range of firearms, from pistols to custom 1911s, as well as accessories to satisfy any gun enthusiast. Browse our inventory today, or reach out to us with any questions. When you buy handguns online as a gift, we can deliver products and services you can trust.