How to buy a handgun in Arizona?

How to Buy a Handgun in Arizona: A Comprehensive Guide

Arizona is known for its strong gun culture, and the state has some of the most lenient gun laws in the country. If you’re interested in buying a handgun in Arizona, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements

Before you can buy a handgun in Arizona, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the state. You must:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a resident of Arizona
• Not be a fugitive from justice
• Not be a convicted felon or have a felony conviction pending
• Not be a mentally ill person or have a mental illness that renders you incapable of handling a firearm
• Not be an illegal alien

Step 2: Obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID)

To buy a handgun in Arizona, you need to obtain a Firearms Identification Card (FID) from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). You can apply for the FID in person at a DPS office or by mail.

Here are the requirements for a FID:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Be a resident of Arizona
• Not have a felony conviction or a conviction for a domestic violence offense
• Not have a mental illness that renders you incapable of handling a firearm
• Not be a fugitive from justice

Step 3: Choose a Gun Store

Once you have your FID, you need to choose a gun store where you want to buy your handgun. Make sure the store is licensed by the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and has a good reputation.

Here are some tips for choosing a gun store:

• Research the store online to read reviews and check their reputation
• Check if the store has a wide selection of handguns and other firearms
• Check if the store has knowledgeable staff who can help you with your purchase
• Check if the store has a comfortable and safe environment for trying out firearms

Step 4: Select a Handgun

Once you’ve chosen a gun store, it’s time to select a handgun. Here are some tips for choosing the right handgun:

• Determine your budget: Handguns can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars
• Consider your purpose: Are you looking for a self-defense handgun or a target shooting handgun?
• Consider your skill level: If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with a handgun that has a lower recoil and is easier to handle
• Consider the caliber: Handguns come in a variety of calibers, including 9mm,.40 S&W, and.45 ACP

Step 5: Fill Out the Background Check Form

Before you can take your handgun home, you need to fill out a background check form. The form is used to check your eligibility to own a firearm. You can fill out the form at the gun store or online.

Here are the questions you’ll be asked on the form:

• Name and address
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Citizenship status
• Felony convictions
• Domestic violence convictions
• Mental health issues
• Illegal drug use

Step 6: Pass the Background Check

After you’ve filled out the background check form, you’ll need to pass a background check. The background check is conducted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and can take anywhere from a few minutes to several days.

Here are the types of background checks you can expect:

• Instant background check: This type of check is conducted electronically and can take a few minutes
• Delayed background check: This type of check is conducted manually and can take several days

Step 7: Complete the Purchase

Once you’ve passed the background check, you can complete the purchase of your handgun. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:

• Sign the paperwork: You’ll need to sign a transfer form and a receipt for the purchase
• Pay the sales tax: You’ll need to pay a 5.6% sales tax on your purchase
• Take your handgun home: You can take your handgun home with you once you’ve completed the purchase

Additional Requirements

In addition to the steps outlined above, there are a few additional requirements you’ll need to follow when buying a handgun in Arizona:

• Waiting period: You’ll need to wait 72 hours after applying for a handgun permit before you can take possession of your handgun
• Training: You’ll need to complete a firearms safety course before you can purchase a handgun
• Storage: You’ll need to store your handgun in a secure location and keep it out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals

Conclusion

Buying a handgun in Arizona is a straightforward process that involves meeting the eligibility requirements, obtaining a Firearms Identification Card (FID), choosing a gun store, selecting a handgun, filling out a background check form, passing a background check, and completing the purchase. By following these steps and understanding the additional requirements, you can ensure a safe and legal purchase of your handgun.

Table: Handgun Purchase Process

Table: Background Check Form Questions

Table: Handgun Calibers

Note: This article is intended to provide general information and is not intended to be legal advice. It is recommended that you consult with a lawyer or law enforcement officer for specific guidance on buying a handgun in Arizona.