How to Legally Own a Gun in America
Owning a gun in America can be a complex and intimidating process, especially for those who are new to firearms. However, with the right information and guidance, it is possible to legally own a gun in the United States. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to legally own a gun in America.
Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
Before you can legally own a gun in America, you must meet the eligibility requirements set by the federal government. According to the Gun Control Act of 1968, you must be:
• At least 18 years old to purchase and own a rifle or shotgun
• At least 21 years old to purchase and own a handgun
• A U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident
• Not a fugitive from justice
• Not a user of, or addicted to, illegal drugs
• Not been adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to a mental institution
• Not been dishonorably discharged from the military
• Not been a renegade of a foreign government
Step 2: Research and Choose a Gun
Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can start researching and choosing a gun that is right for you. Here are some factors to consider:
• Type of gun: Handguns, rifles, and shotguns are the most common types of guns. Handguns are the most popular choice for self-defense, while rifles and shotguns are often used for hunting and target shooting.
• Caliber: The caliber of a gun refers to the size of the bullet it fires. Common calibers include.22,.38,.45, and 9mm.
• Action: The action of a gun refers to how it is fired. Common actions include semi-automatic, revolver, and bolt-action.
• Safety features: Look for guns with safety features such as trigger locks, chamber flags, and safeties.
Step 3: Find a Gun Dealer
Once you have chosen a gun, you will need to find a licensed gun dealer to purchase it from. Here are some tips for finding a gun dealer:
• Check online directories: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) maintains a list of licensed gun dealers on its website. You can also check online directories such as the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) dealer locator.
• Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family members, or coworkers who own guns for recommendations. They may have had positive experiences with a particular dealer.
• Check with local law enforcement: Your local law enforcement agency may be able to provide information on licensed gun dealers in your area.
Step 4: Complete the Background Check
Before you can purchase a gun, you will need to complete a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). Here’s what you need to do:
• Fill out the Form 4473: The gun dealer will provide you with a Form 4473, which is the federal form used to conduct the background check. Fill out the form completely and accurately.
• Wait for the background check: The gun dealer will submit the form to the NICS, which will conduct a background check to ensure that you are eligible to own a gun.
• Wait for the results: The background check process typically takes a few minutes, but it can take up to 3 days in some cases. The gun dealer will notify you once the results are available.
Step 5: Complete the Paperwork
Once the background check has been completed, you will need to complete the paperwork to transfer ownership of the gun. Here’s what you need to do:
• Fill out the Form 4473: You will need to fill out the Form 4473 again, this time to transfer ownership of the gun.
• Sign the transfer: Sign the transfer form to acknowledge that you are the new owner of the gun.
• Take possession of the gun: Once the paperwork is complete, you can take possession of the gun.
Step 6: Store and Secure Your Gun
Once you have purchased and owned a gun, it is your responsibility to store and secure it properly. Here are some tips:
• Use a gun safe: A gun safe is a secure container that can be locked to prevent unauthorized access to your gun.
• Use a trigger lock: A trigger lock is a device that can be attached to the trigger of your gun to prevent it from being fired accidentally.
• Use a cable lock: A cable lock is a device that can be used to secure your gun to a fixed object, such as a table or a chair.
• Keep your gun unloaded: Always keep your gun unloaded when it is not in use to prevent accidents.
Conclusion
Owning a gun in America can be a complex and intimidating process, but with the right information and guidance, it is possible to legally own a gun in the United States. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are eligible to own a gun, choose the right gun for your needs, find a licensed gun dealer, complete the background check, complete the paperwork, and store and secure your gun properly.
Table: Gun Safety Tips
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a gun safe | Store your gun in a secure container to prevent unauthorized access |
| Use a trigger lock | Attach a device to the trigger of your gun to prevent accidental firing |
| Use a cable lock | Secure your gun to a fixed object to prevent theft or unauthorized use |
| Keep your gun unloaded | Always keep your gun unloaded when it is not in use to prevent accidents |
Additional Resources
- National Rifle Association (NRA) – www.nra.org
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) – www.atf.gov
- National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) – www.nssf.org
