Q&A for How to Buy a Gun

In the United States, the answer is almost always no. You are not required to have a license to buy or own a handgun that is kept inside your home. Having a Concealed Carry Permit in your state, however, may make the process quicker.

Yes, a machine gun per U.S. Code is any weapon of any caliber (or in this case, gauge) capable of firing more than one shot per trigger pull. They are required to have been registered prior to 1986 for civilian ownership, undergo an onerous background check (and wait for months), and have a $200 tax paid on them.

If by "assault rifle" you mean a select-fire, magazine-fed automatic rifle, like an M-16 or an AK-47, then the answer is complicated. First off, all types of machine guns are banned in the US as of 1986, meaning you cannot legally buy a machine gun manufactured in the US after 1986 unless you are a professional gun dealer with a level 2 FFL. But, you can legally buy any used machine gun manufactured in the US before 1986, as long as you don't live in any of the states where all machine guns are banned, like California. You will also need to have $10,000 and meet all of the standard criteria as well. Upon purchasing it, you will also need to register it with the police and pay extra taxes.

If they are, in fact, fully automatic, then they will have been grandfathered in and can be legally owned by you. You will just have to pay a special tax and register it with the police. If they aren't fully automatic, then you're fine.

No, a convicted felon cannot purchase a gun. However, if you have had your crime expunged, then you are not legally classified as an active felon and may purchase a firearm.

Shotguns generally are unsuitable for combat, but you may use it if it is all you have.

Contact a gun store that has a Federal Firearms License (FFL) and will perform private party transfers. Meet the person you intend to give the gun to at the gun store and bring the firearm. The person receiving the gun will have to take a gun safety test, fill out a form for the background check and pay a fee for the test and for the transfer of the handgun. At this point the FFL will take possession of the handgun for the duration of 10 days (240 hours) while the background check is being performed. After approval of the background check and 10 days have passed, the person you are giving the gun to can pick it up.

Check your requirements. You need to have the right licenses, be 18 or older, and not considered mentally unfit. You also need proper identification cards and/or passports.

"Currently." This let's us assume that once the person has been released and had been properly treated, then they would most likely be eligible. Of course, that person must be wary of the prejudices of the person analyzing the background check, if it is necessary.

You simply have to apply for a permit, as long as said gun isn't a semi or fully automatic.

Yes, you need a photo ID. Yes, they will run a background check. Yes, you will fill out a form, it's called ATF form 4473 (mentioned in the article), and you will also need to supply thumb prints and a copy of your photo ID.

You need the right licenses. You have to not currently be treated for a mental disorder, and spend a certain time on the range.

Unfortunately, yes. If it is not federal, and it's not considered violent, i.e. aggravated assault, robbery, murder, etc., you could get it expunged pretty easily as long as you keep your record squeaky clean for about 7 years or so. If It is a violent felony, and it's your only conviction, your state may allow you to ask your governor for a pardon and full restoration of rights, but keep in mind, there is murky water about whether or not the feds will indict you anyway, since the only pardon for federal restoration of rights is through the president.

Legally, no, there is not. If you're 13, you do not need a gun, and if you feel that you do, you should talk to someone about what's going on in your life.

You'll have to get someone older to buy it for you, like your parents or older friends. It is illegal to sell firearms to someone under the age of 18.

It depends on the state you live in. Concealed carry is allowed in nearly every state if you have a permit; however, open carry is limited to certain states, and several cities have restrictions on open carry.

Technically, no. You may only buy a gun for sporting purposes, not solely for home defense. You can purchase a firearm, but expect to train regularly with it; if you are unable to pass a marksmanship test, you will likely have your firearms permit revoked.

Current Nebraska Laws (as of 29 Oct 2019) require you to be 21 to obtain a conceal carry permit.

Yes, is fully legal and you can own a AR-15 rifle with a bump stock in Georgia.