Part of our job as the best online gun store is to make sure gun owners and potential gun owners make informed decisions about how to buy firearms and guns online.

There is way too much misinformation about guns floating around on the internet from both anti-gun advocates and pro-gun advocates. Here, we deal just with facts. This time, we will talk about interstate law and online gun sales.

When dealing with gun laws, we are dealing with federal, state, and local laws simultaneously. Most states, however, prohibit local governments from imposing gun laws that are more restrictive than existing state laws. And remember, each state’s laws are different, so check your state’s laws to see how they affect you.

What Federal Law Says

The Gun Control Act of 1968 is a federal law that regulates the interstate commerce (sales between states) of guns. The GCA requires citizens and legal residents to be 18 years of age or older to purchase a shotgun, rifle, and ammunition. Handguns and other firearms can only be sold to persons 21 years or older. In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Brady Bill, creating the National Instant Criminal Background Check System or NICS which officially launched by the FBI in 1998.

The GCA prohibits the direct mail ordering of firearms (this is to include online sales). The only exception to this law is the shipping of a firearm for repairs or modification. For clarification, this means that:

1.To sell a firearm, you must have a Federal Firearm License

2.Someone with an FFL cannot sell to

Convicted felons, domestic abusers, person with a history of mental health issues

Individuals convicted of a misdemeanor related to gun violence or domestic violence

Fugitives from justice

Non-U.S. citizens, non-residents, and persons who have renounced their U.S. citizenship

Persons dishonorably discharged from the military

Unlawful users of controlled substances, including those who hold a medical marijuana card (as of 2011)

Federal background checks are not required under federal law for intrastate (same state) firearm transfers between private parties. Many states, however, do require background checks for private firearm transfers. These states will either require the sales or transfer to be processed through an FFL holder or they will require the buyer to obtain a license or permit in that state.

To Buy Firearms and Guns Online

You can browse, research, shop, and make a payment for a firearm online. However, the online gun store is prohibited from mailing your purchased gun to you. You will have to go to your local FFL gun store, fill out Form 4473, and have a background check before receiving your gun.

The most common way to make gun purchase online is to buy from one of the best online gun stores, like Lakeshore. You will pick out your gun, pay for it online, then pick it up at Lakeshore or your local gun retailer. And should you have any questions or concerns, our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you.