How easy is it to buy a gun?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Abner, Mar 19, 2018.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    I am in the market for a 38 special. What are the steps involved? I don't know because the gun I have was left to me by my uncle, so it is not registered. I am trying to figure out fact from fiction.

    Thanks!
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Go to a gun store and do what they tell you?
     
  3. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member


    If he mentions the unregistered gun then they're apt to tell the police. And since he'll have admitted to felony possession, they won't sell him another gun.

    That's what I picture, anyway.
     
  4. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Steve's suggestion is a good one although I heard a story once about someone who did that and the store owner didn't even want to talk until you showed your FID card. The exact process is going to vary a bit depending on where you live. Some states have stricter laws than others. If I were going to buy a handgun (for the first time) I would go to a Police Station and ask about the process. They will likely have copies of the relevant forms and in my experience, are happy to provide that kind of info.
     
  5. heirophant

    heirophant Well-Known Member

    I bought a shotgun recently.

    The shotgun was easy (even here in California where it's illegal to even think about guns). Go to the store, fill out a long government form that asks whether you have any felony arrests, have ever been hospitalized for psychiatric reasons and so on. Then wait while they run the form on their computer background check thing. If the state check comes back clean, pay your money. Then there's a ten day waiting period. Go back to the store and pick up your new purchase.

    Purchasing a handgun is a little more complicated. In California you need more IDs (proof that you really live at the address on your DL, utility bills will satisfy that). Then there's a written test on safe handling of a handgun (extremely easy and you can retake it if you fail) and a hand's on test where you show that you know how to work the gun's action, make sure there isn't a round chambered and stuff like that. The gun-store guy administers the tests.

    More details here:

    https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs#3

    https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-Firearms-in-California
     
  6. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Oops, I didn't quite word if correctly. The gun is registered in my late uncles name. He left it to me. He was a LEO (FBI).
     
  7. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member


    I don't think that will work in California. You might want to check (anonymously) on the laws involved.
     
  8. heirophant

    heirophant Well-Known Member

    According to this...

    https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs#5

    Family transfers of firearms without having to go through a gun dealer only applies to parents and children and grandparents and grandchildren. Uncles don't count.

    So my guess is that you would have to submit paperwork through a licensed firearms dealer, undergo the background check etc, as if you were purchasing the weapon from the dealer. I assume that the dealer would charge you a fee for that service. I have no idea what kind of evidence you might or might not have to produce that your uncle really did leave you the gun.

    You probably should talk to a licensed firearms dealer about what you need to do.

    More information here

    https://oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/firearms/pdf/cfl2016.pdf
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2018
  9. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Oh, thanks. I will read up on that.
    Thanks once again. I really don't have any evidence that my uncle left me his gun, only verbal.
     
  10. Marcus Aurelius

    Marcus Aurelius Active Member

    Most states don't require guns to be registered. Last time I checked, there are only six states that do, plus the District of Columbia.
     
  11. Marcus Aurelius

    Marcus Aurelius Active Member

    California, Connecticut, Michigan, New York, Hawaii, New Jersey and the District of Columba are the states/district that require gun registration.
     
  12. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I live in California so I would need to register it I guess. I am picturing piles of paperwork in my head! :(
     
  13. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member

    I'm no lawyer, and have never played one at Motel 6, but seeking to register the gun would be admitting possession. I think you need some good info before proceeding.
     
  14. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Hmm, yeah, you right! I will tread carefully! Too bad Bruce isn't around!

    Thanks!
     
  15. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    The following is unverified and un-evaluated:

    States that Require Registration of All Firearms

    District of Columbia
    Hawaii

    States that Require Registration of Handguns
    New York

    States that Require New Residents to Report Their Firearms
    California
    Maryland (handguns and assault weapons)

    States that Prohibit Registries of Firearms
    Delaware
    Florida
    Georgia
    Idaho
    Pennsylvania
    Rhode Island
    South Dakota
    Vermont

    Source:
    http://lawcenter.giffords.org/gun-laws/policy-areas/gun-owner-responsibilities/registration/
     
  16. decimon

    decimon Well-Known Member


    As an active LEO, Bruce may have some restrictions.

    nosborne48 is a lawyer and was in the Navy in New Mexico so he can do do anything. ;-)
     
    Abner likes this.
  17. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Or maybe you can consult an attorney near you and stop talking about this on a public forum.
     
  18. Icampy

    Icampy New Member

    Do nothing about what you have already, and just go walk into a gun store and buy a .38, easy. S&w has several no-lock versions out right now (no idea if they are on the approved roster in cali, though).
     
  19. Icampy

    Icampy New Member

    And in the future, dont ask about something you already have if you live in a state that ignores constitutional rights.
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2018
  20. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

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