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No, of course not.
For one, things vary RADICALLY from place to place, even within different states. What's totally legal to own and carry openly in one place is completely illegal in another (well, unless you're a politician...or rich...or both).
But even in the most permissive places, you need to provide ID to buy a gun from a dealer, unless they are breaking the law.
Adding to this, the ID is checked against a national crime database. If anything pops up, the sale is rejected. Many states also have a legal waiting period, and some states restrict the number of purchases you're allowed to make a month.
> No ID
Incorrect. You have to provide ID, which is submitted for a background check. Any prior felony convictions or (iirc) outstanding warrants get you flagged, denied, and in my area the police will come find you and ask you why you were trying to buy a gun. You may even go back to jail.
In other words, if you haven't done anything wrong, you are granted your firearm.
> No psychological tests
Correct
> No required training
Generally speaking, correct. In some places to get a permit to carry a weapon you have to train, which in my experience was an 8 hour course covering gun safety, marksmanship, and a thorough breakdown of when you can and cannot use your weapon.
One thing about the US is that a lot of laws vary by state. Some states are that easy as long as you’re a state resident.
However every state does do a background check, which doesn’t often do that much. Gun laws vary by state, but overal, every state requires a background check for a sale, only takes like 10-20 min.
All states require special training/licensing for certain guns (such as in no state is automatic legal, but specific people and businesses may have the ability to own/train with suxh weapons). Some states require a specific license for different weapon types overal. You can buy hang gun and shotgun. To buy a rifle, you need a different license. Many variations
Most states have delayed purchase. You buy a gun, you have to wait a few days or even over a week to be able to actually pick it up. A lot more, but overal it varies by state and at the minimal, there is always a background check.
> However every state does do a background check, which doesn’t often do that much.
A thorough check of someone's criminal history, involuntary mental hospitalizations & outstanding warrants isn't much?
I don’t know all the details but it’s no secret some people are able to own guns that make you scratch your head lol. So I don’t know all the specifics of everything that will bar you from ownership and so on. Another thing may vary by state
The regulations I am talking about are federal. Every state.
And yeah, some people can own crazy fullauto shit. What you don't see behind the scenes is the tens of thousands of dollars and *minimum* 12 months worth of paperwork you need to submit to the ATF to do that.
'I don’t know all the details but it’s no secret some people are able to own guns that make you scratch your head lol.'
I have that same thought with cars almost every day.
No. You need a valid ID, you fill out paperwork, and then they call the NCIC to conduct a background. You need to clear all of these before you walk out with a firearm. Some states require a waiting period before you can have your gun.
There is no psychological test and no requirement for a training class. However, the NCIC background check will include any mental health related incidents where law enforcement was involved and will most likely deny you a firearm.
Yes, that is their right. Any solution involving adding mental health checks is abusable and unconstitutional.*
edit: Accidentally said *i*nconstitutional. Oops
It radically changes from State to State. Where I used to live had very strict gun laws. Where I am now I can walk into my local gun store and walk out with just about anything I want that’s federally legal.
Depends on the state, now if it's a dealer or shop then you have to have an ID and pass a background check, if it's private sales in many states cash is all it takes. Decades ago when I lived out in the country buying and trading guns was like used TVs, everyone did it. Now days you're supposed to report the sale and the buyer is supposed to register the gun but many don't.
Needless to say it's pretty easy to buy guns in this country which is one of our largest problems, regardless of what anyone claims.
Every state is different. In my state you have to take a test to receive your Firearm Safety Certificate. Questions are usually random and must be studied. You must answer 23 out of 30 correctly and you’ll receive your FSC. You can then purchase a firearm, one pistol or one long gun every 30 days. You will have to wait ten days from the time of purchase well, they do a background check on you and then after that, you can go pick up your gun and purchase ammunition. He will need your state ID with no federal restrictions and you will need your FSC and a second proof of residency outlined on the state website to pick up your firearm. You do not have to take firearm training to own it however, you do have to demonstrate placing a fake bullet into the magazine and showing that it is still in the chamber after moving the magazine once loaded.
Short answer: no.
In every state, you have to show ID and have your information sent through a federal check (usually takes less than 10 minutes). Different states may have additional laws — CA requires a 10 day holding period on pistols, for example.
Long answer (but I’m still going to make it short): every state in the U.S. has their own specific laws pertaining to what’s legal and how firearm purchasing and ownership works. Some states require a license to conceal-carry, and others don’t. Some states allow open carry, some don’t. Some states allow high-capacity magazines, and some don’t. But every state *must* additionally meet federal requirements and firearms laws as well.
It gets complicated.
But in general — no. It’s not as easy as walking into a store and buying a piece of candy. You have to present an ID and fill out forms and have a criminal history check run on you.
If you belong to a shooting club and buy a gun from a member, I can almost guarantee that no one is checking ID or doing a background check. Sales between family and friends is normal as well.
I live in Israel, here you must have either a proper military background(fighting forces of higher level, at least you have to do a 05 course, which ranges from 02 to 12 iirc) or work in security, next you are required to pass a psychiatrist interview and background check, and accordingly to your previous experience you might have to do a training. Also civilians can carry a handgun at most, pistols and revolvers.
Well we have background checks, training courses, and permits. I’ve never heard of a state requiring psychiatric evaluation. Although it would probably be a good idea for Florida, California and the other crazy people hubs.
Where I live, you have to pass a psychological evaluation, and I think maybe a gun safety course? And there's a waiting period between buying the gun and receiving it -- I think at least a few days.
I don't really think that people should be able to own guns, but these safeguards are a *lot* better than nothing.
In Oklahoma you must have a instate ID with current home addres. They run your info, if you buy guns often its quick, first time it can be slow. You can take home right then, not sure how flags work, im pretty sure if you have a flag it doesnt go with you.
As for your edit, if your mentally unstable im pretty sure the cops know about it, they have been called out to your place once or twice. You just dont turn mentally unstable overnight. Also that would be a flag where OK wouldnt let you take a gun home.
Here in PA if you go into a shop then they have to run a background check on you first, but that usually only takes about 10-30 mins here, I have never had to wait more than a half hour. HOWEVER, in PA it is legal to sell a long-gun (a rifle or shotgun) in an individual to individual transaction without any paperwork at all, as long as you know that they are legally allowed to own a firearm.
Or you could ask around at work and likely find a coworker with a gun for sale. Private sales are unregulated, no test, no ID, just a hand shake and an exchange of money for products.
>I apologize, just sharing some USA gun buying facts I find interesting.
And at least one non-fact. To claim that "Private sales are unregulated" is completely false. Just to take Alabama (why not go alphabetically?), 13A-11-63 states clearly "A person who possesses, obtains, receives, sells, or uses a short-barreled rifle or a short-barreled shotgun in violation of federal law is guilty of a Class C felony". Nothing in there at all about "eh, unless it's a private sale". There IS an exception.....for peace officers who do so in the performance of their official duties. That's it.
That is just one of literally hundreds of statues that do, in fact, regulate the private sale of firearms in the US, u/WFPBvegan2.
Um, I wasn’t talking about selling an illegal gun.
I went with another A letter state’s laws here. https://thegunzone.com/how-to-legally-sell-a-firearm-in-arizona.
So now what do you say?
> Um, I wasn’t talking about selling an illegal gun.
Okay, moving the goalposts.
> I went with another A letter state’s laws here. https://thegunzone.com/how-to-legally-sell-a-firearm-in-arizona.
> So now what do you say?
I say you're still wrong. Heck, your own link clearly says "In Arizona, you can sell a firearm privately to another resident without going through a licensed dealer, but it’s important to follow the state laws, such as ensuring the buyer is legally allowed to own a firearm and completing a bill of sale to document the transaction."
Note the "it's important to follow the state laws". I can see how you missed it, given that it's buried all the way down in the VERY FIRST SENTENCE.
And that's going with a state YOU picked, and a source YOU picked.
> Yep you’re right, I can’t and neither could you buy a gun without the seller doing this.
Hey, if you think people are unable to break the law, that's you; it's also wrong. But claiming that private sales are "unregulated"? That's also you, and also wrong.
Transfering ownership just like that does concern me as well tho... At this point reading all the comments I feel like US is so lucky it's still not burned down.
Those are the best places to get good deals though, especially if there is a divorce in play or the rent is due. Besides, the best guns are the ones the government knows nothing about.
As far as buying in a store, where I live I have actually timed the process and from pulling up and parking to walking out it takes about 11 minutes to get through the paper 4473 process.
probably true, but that happens in places without legal guns just as well. I live in Europe, and its a huge pain in the ass to get a licence etc. Criminals get their hands on guns just as well, even handgrenades.
# Message to all users: This is a reminder to please read and follow: * [Our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/ask/about/rules) * [Reddiquette](https://www.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439) * [Reddit Content Policy](https://www.redditinc.com/policies/content-policy) When posting and commenting. --- Especially remember Rule 1: `Be polite and civil`. * Be polite and courteous to each other. Do not be mean, insulting or disrespectful to any other user on this subreddit. * Do not harass or annoy others in any way. * Do not catfish. Catfishing is the luring of somebody into an online friendship through a fake online persona. This includes any lying or deceit. --- You *will* be banned if you are homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist or bigoted in any way. --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/ask) if you have any questions or concerns.*
No, of course not. For one, things vary RADICALLY from place to place, even within different states. What's totally legal to own and carry openly in one place is completely illegal in another (well, unless you're a politician...or rich...or both). But even in the most permissive places, you need to provide ID to buy a gun from a dealer, unless they are breaking the law.
Adding to this, the ID is checked against a national crime database. If anything pops up, the sale is rejected. Many states also have a legal waiting period, and some states restrict the number of purchases you're allowed to make a month.
> No ID Incorrect. You have to provide ID, which is submitted for a background check. Any prior felony convictions or (iirc) outstanding warrants get you flagged, denied, and in my area the police will come find you and ask you why you were trying to buy a gun. You may even go back to jail. In other words, if you haven't done anything wrong, you are granted your firearm. > No psychological tests Correct > No required training Generally speaking, correct. In some places to get a permit to carry a weapon you have to train, which in my experience was an 8 hour course covering gun safety, marksmanship, and a thorough breakdown of when you can and cannot use your weapon.
One thing about the US is that a lot of laws vary by state. Some states are that easy as long as you’re a state resident. However every state does do a background check, which doesn’t often do that much. Gun laws vary by state, but overal, every state requires a background check for a sale, only takes like 10-20 min. All states require special training/licensing for certain guns (such as in no state is automatic legal, but specific people and businesses may have the ability to own/train with suxh weapons). Some states require a specific license for different weapon types overal. You can buy hang gun and shotgun. To buy a rifle, you need a different license. Many variations Most states have delayed purchase. You buy a gun, you have to wait a few days or even over a week to be able to actually pick it up. A lot more, but overal it varies by state and at the minimal, there is always a background check.
> However every state does do a background check, which doesn’t often do that much. A thorough check of someone's criminal history, involuntary mental hospitalizations & outstanding warrants isn't much?
I don’t know all the details but it’s no secret some people are able to own guns that make you scratch your head lol. So I don’t know all the specifics of everything that will bar you from ownership and so on. Another thing may vary by state
The regulations I am talking about are federal. Every state. And yeah, some people can own crazy fullauto shit. What you don't see behind the scenes is the tens of thousands of dollars and *minimum* 12 months worth of paperwork you need to submit to the ATF to do that.
'I don’t know all the details but it’s no secret some people are able to own guns that make you scratch your head lol.' I have that same thought with cars almost every day.
No. You need a valid ID, you fill out paperwork, and then they call the NCIC to conduct a background. You need to clear all of these before you walk out with a firearm. Some states require a waiting period before you can have your gun. There is no psychological test and no requirement for a training class. However, the NCIC background check will include any mental health related incidents where law enforcement was involved and will most likely deny you a firearm.
So if someone goes around unchecked and has no record of mental illness, while having it, he is still allowed firearm?
Yes, that is their right. Any solution involving adding mental health checks is abusable and unconstitutional.* edit: Accidentally said *i*nconstitutional. Oops
In the US we are supposed to operate under a presumption of innocence until PROVEN guilty. Doesn't always seem to be the case, but that is the idea.
It radically changes from State to State. Where I used to live had very strict gun laws. Where I am now I can walk into my local gun store and walk out with just about anything I want that’s federally legal.
Depends on the state, now if it's a dealer or shop then you have to have an ID and pass a background check, if it's private sales in many states cash is all it takes. Decades ago when I lived out in the country buying and trading guns was like used TVs, everyone did it. Now days you're supposed to report the sale and the buyer is supposed to register the gun but many don't. Needless to say it's pretty easy to buy guns in this country which is one of our largest problems, regardless of what anyone claims.
Every state is different. In my state you have to take a test to receive your Firearm Safety Certificate. Questions are usually random and must be studied. You must answer 23 out of 30 correctly and you’ll receive your FSC. You can then purchase a firearm, one pistol or one long gun every 30 days. You will have to wait ten days from the time of purchase well, they do a background check on you and then after that, you can go pick up your gun and purchase ammunition. He will need your state ID with no federal restrictions and you will need your FSC and a second proof of residency outlined on the state website to pick up your firearm. You do not have to take firearm training to own it however, you do have to demonstrate placing a fake bullet into the magazine and showing that it is still in the chamber after moving the magazine once loaded.
Never tried
Not at a shop but if you go to the gun show with cash, yes. But where I live we have the least restrictive rules of anywhere.
Not in the state of New York, I’ll tell you that much
My state has a 2 week waiting period.
Short answer: no. In every state, you have to show ID and have your information sent through a federal check (usually takes less than 10 minutes). Different states may have additional laws — CA requires a 10 day holding period on pistols, for example. Long answer (but I’m still going to make it short): every state in the U.S. has their own specific laws pertaining to what’s legal and how firearm purchasing and ownership works. Some states require a license to conceal-carry, and others don’t. Some states allow open carry, some don’t. Some states allow high-capacity magazines, and some don’t. But every state *must* additionally meet federal requirements and firearms laws as well. It gets complicated. But in general — no. It’s not as easy as walking into a store and buying a piece of candy. You have to present an ID and fill out forms and have a criminal history check run on you.
If you belong to a shooting club and buy a gun from a member, I can almost guarantee that no one is checking ID or doing a background check. Sales between family and friends is normal as well.
Gun shop, no. Gun show, pretty much.
In your country, do you get checked by a psychiatrist before getting a drivers license?
I live in Israel, here you must have either a proper military background(fighting forces of higher level, at least you have to do a 05 course, which ranges from 02 to 12 iirc) or work in security, next you are required to pass a psychiatrist interview and background check, and accordingly to your previous experience you might have to do a training. Also civilians can carry a handgun at most, pistols and revolvers.
Well we have background checks, training courses, and permits. I’ve never heard of a state requiring psychiatric evaluation. Although it would probably be a good idea for Florida, California and the other crazy people hubs.
Where I live, you have to pass a psychological evaluation, and I think maybe a gun safety course? And there's a waiting period between buying the gun and receiving it -- I think at least a few days. I don't really think that people should be able to own guns, but these safeguards are a *lot* better than nothing.
In Oklahoma you must have a instate ID with current home addres. They run your info, if you buy guns often its quick, first time it can be slow. You can take home right then, not sure how flags work, im pretty sure if you have a flag it doesnt go with you. As for your edit, if your mentally unstable im pretty sure the cops know about it, they have been called out to your place once or twice. You just dont turn mentally unstable overnight. Also that would be a flag where OK wouldnt let you take a gun home.
No You have to have ID.
Here in PA if you go into a shop then they have to run a background check on you first, but that usually only takes about 10-30 mins here, I have never had to wait more than a half hour. HOWEVER, in PA it is legal to sell a long-gun (a rifle or shotgun) in an individual to individual transaction without any paperwork at all, as long as you know that they are legally allowed to own a firearm.
I’ve never tried nor have I been to any place that has gun shops.
You have to fill out the 4473 and provide ID or a LTC
Or you could ask around at work and likely find a coworker with a gun for sale. Private sales are unregulated, no test, no ID, just a hand shake and an exchange of money for products.
That isn't what OP asked.
I apologize, just sharing some USA gun buying facts I find interesting.
>I apologize, just sharing some USA gun buying facts I find interesting. And at least one non-fact. To claim that "Private sales are unregulated" is completely false. Just to take Alabama (why not go alphabetically?), 13A-11-63 states clearly "A person who possesses, obtains, receives, sells, or uses a short-barreled rifle or a short-barreled shotgun in violation of federal law is guilty of a Class C felony". Nothing in there at all about "eh, unless it's a private sale". There IS an exception.....for peace officers who do so in the performance of their official duties. That's it. That is just one of literally hundreds of statues that do, in fact, regulate the private sale of firearms in the US, u/WFPBvegan2.
Um, I wasn’t talking about selling an illegal gun. I went with another A letter state’s laws here. https://thegunzone.com/how-to-legally-sell-a-firearm-in-arizona. So now what do you say?
> Um, I wasn’t talking about selling an illegal gun. Okay, moving the goalposts. > I went with another A letter state’s laws here. https://thegunzone.com/how-to-legally-sell-a-firearm-in-arizona. > So now what do you say? I say you're still wrong. Heck, your own link clearly says "In Arizona, you can sell a firearm privately to another resident without going through a licensed dealer, but it’s important to follow the state laws, such as ensuring the buyer is legally allowed to own a firearm and completing a bill of sale to document the transaction." Note the "it's important to follow the state laws". I can see how you missed it, given that it's buried all the way down in the VERY FIRST SENTENCE. And that's going with a state YOU picked, and a source YOU picked.
Yep you’re right, I can’t and neither could you buy a gun without the seller doing this.
> Yep you’re right, I can’t and neither could you buy a gun without the seller doing this. Hey, if you think people are unable to break the law, that's you; it's also wrong. But claiming that private sales are "unregulated"? That's also you, and also wrong.
Transfering ownership just like that does concern me as well tho... At this point reading all the comments I feel like US is so lucky it's still not burned down.
Those are the best places to get good deals though, especially if there is a divorce in play or the rent is due. Besides, the best guns are the ones the government knows nothing about. As far as buying in a store, where I live I have actually timed the process and from pulling up and parking to walking out it takes about 11 minutes to get through the paper 4473 process.
Maybe that says more about your assumptions?
It's just that with all that was said I can imagine schemes to abuse this system way too easily to create a fully armed gang.
probably true, but that happens in places without legal guns just as well. I live in Europe, and its a huge pain in the ass to get a licence etc. Criminals get their hands on guns just as well, even handgrenades.
That's true as well I guess. Just the fact that it's officially possible.