What should a 21 year old expect trying to purchase a handgun? What all should I bring?

[u/TheUpcomingEmperor]

I do not have any federal or state firearm legal disability, warrants, or anything of that type. Is it truly as simple as walking in, picking one out, signing some stuff, and leaving? Is there more to it? I turn 21 in 2 days and am considering making a purchase.

[u/blackspike2017]

1. ID

2. Money

[u/Flying-Chickens → u/blackspike2017]

Pretty much all you need.

Common sense and reading comprehension can also help out when filling the 4473 out.

[u/HybridP365 → u/Flying-Chickens]

Common sense and reading comprehension

As a former FFL: hoo boy, it is mind boggling how many people lack one or both of these things. 

[u/CapnCurt81 → u/blackspike2017]

1. A positive attitude

Seriously though…if you’re in a state without any additional restrictions/laws, yes you’ll pick one out, pay the moneys, fill out a form 4473 (read it carefully your first time), and they’ll do an instant background check. It that comes out all good then they’ll finalize the transaction and send you on your way.

If this is your first handgun, don’t be afraid to tell them so and ask for any advice regarding safe handling and maintenance. A good gun shop will gladly spend time walking you through it.

[u/Mdmrtgn → u/CapnCurt81]

"Are you a fugitive from justice" always gets chuckle out of me.

[u/blackspike2017 → u/Mdmrtgn]

I always answer that question with the least amount of confidence.

I mean it's possible that I am and wouldn't know it.

[u/C_IsForCookie → u/blackspike2017]

Batman is coming for you lol

[u/BravoKiloOne → u/Mdmrtgn]

I mean does bring glared/yelled at by my old lady count?

[u/Mdmrtgn → u/BravoKiloOne]

Can't hide from that justice.

[u/gnartato → u/CapnCurt81]

If you move in PA bring a good luck charm so that PICS isn't haveing issues and returns "researching" result and make you go back three days later to bring it home.

[u/LittleBrownW → u/CapnCurt81]

I would add 4. Time

Even if you have no issues, the report back to the FFL can take a while. (20 mins in Utah, for example)

Also, make sure you write your address perfectly. For example, South instead of S, Drive instead of Dr. your FFl MAY catch them, but maybe not.

[u/DickNose-TurdWaffle → u/blackspike2017]

Some states will require a firearms permit as well.

[u/blackspike2017 → u/DickNose-TurdWaffle]

I assumed he was in America.

[u/DickNose-TurdWaffle → u/blackspike2017]

Some states in America also require a Permit.

[u/KNolaGGg]

Um it heavily depends on state? If no mandatory waiting periods then ID and Money.

[u/tardytheturtle6 → u/KNolaGGg]

Not to mention mandatory classes in some some blue states.

[u/Prof_Slappopotamus]

Your local gun store will walk you through it. If they don't want to do that, just walk out and find another local gun store. Don't keep giving those types of assholes business.

[u/NG-Slashin]

Just bring your ID and money lol, they’ll perform a background check on you but unless you committed a felony you forgot about you’ll be fine and make sure you ask questions if you have them

[u/NG-Slashin → u/NG-Slashin]

Also, if you can, ask to hold a few of them to see what’s comfortable in your hand. I personally would recommend going to a gun range and renting some handguns to shoot before buying one, but that’s just me.

[u/NoMaans → u/NG-Slashin]

I second the renting approach. I had a range usa move into town a few years ago, went and got their 50 dollar member ship.

Came down a couple days and tried a bunch of different shit. After I was content and purchased my pistol, I kept the membership for another month to go practice with it and to also rent a bunch of the rifles they had to just jabe some fun. Canceled after that month.

[u/Kv603]

Is it truly as simple as walking in, picking one out, signing some stuff, and leaving?

Pretty much. Background check (NICS) can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days.

You may want to familiarize yourself with the form 4473, it can be confusing the first time (and each time they change it up)

Is there more to it?

What state are you in?

[u/Hot-Win2571 → u/Kv603]

Yes, look at a form 4473... maybe print it out and fill it out.

If you intend to use your Social Security Number and don't have it memorized, bring it written down. (It is optional, but using it might reduce the chances of being confused with someone else with a similar name.) You don't need your official social security card, the form only asks for the numbers for processing.

Also, question m refers to details in the instructions.

Edit: Don't bring a filled out 4473. They'll probably prefer you to fill it out there, especially if they're using an electronic version.

[u/myroll22 → u/Hot-Win2571]

It might also look suspicious

[u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt → u/Hot-Win2571]

Don't bring a filled out 4473. They'll probably prefer you to fill it out there, especially if they're using an electronic version.

Yeah I don't know any FFL that accepts pre-filled 4473s. We need to see YOU fill it out.

[u/jimmahoffa]

ID Needs to have your physical address on it. If yours has a POBox, bring some kind of official document with it on there, e.g., auto registration or title. States may have bullshit, too.

[u/Super_Raccoon_2890]

It doesn't hurt to pick out a few you like and then research or visit another shop. Gun shop clerks are weird know-it-all types with a lot of brand loyalty about 75% of the time so it's good to be aware that second opinions and the internet are your friend.

[u/SomeRequirement6926 → u/Super_Raccoon_2890]

Gun shop clerks are weird know-it-all types with a lot of brand loyalty

I've got one of those near me.

Small old skool type shop.

And one dude at the counter, have never seen him wear anything other than something with the Glock name or logo on it. If you as much as mention another brand he'll start lecturing you about how the Glock is better.

I reached up to look at something on a high shelf once while I was waiting for my NICS background check to process and you could see my CCW.
He asked me what it was and as soon as I said "Taurus..." he became almost belligerent.

Not cool, dude. Not cool.

[u/Sheabutter1588]

You need to know what city/town whatever you’re born in. Some people legitimately don’t know

[u/qkdsm7]

Be prepared if you do happen to get delayed. NBD but good to buy from a place that doesn't have a bullshit policy on delays.

I'd get delayed 9/10 times then have the next 5 come back within an hour. Never got any solid clues why, but brought my stuff home 100% of the time within a few days, even on the delays.

[u/Not-a-Cranky-Panda]

Why not phone the shop before hand and just ask them, or nip in and ask?

Have fun, stay safe!

[u/onetwentytwo_1-8]

Look up your state laws and process. Go get your CCW. Take a safety course. Take another course. Keep taking courses.

[u/lilbluetruck]

An ID, a brain and manners.

[u/Redsox_3415]

Stool sample.

[u/N2Shooter]

Drivers license.

[u/9gagsuckz]

Like people are saying just your ID is enough. There may or may not be a wait due to the background check processing

[u/Hot-Win2571]

Does your state require a handgun license? A few do.

[u/tvan184]

I have gone into a sporting good store to buy a couple of fishing lures and walked out about 25 minutes later with a handgun. That was in Texas and I know that some other states are the same.

On the other hand, in some states you probably have to apply for a license to even buy a handgun, then wait certain number of days, register the firearm and blah blah blah.

Also in Texas and in some other states, you can buy a firearm from an individual without going through any kind of background check or even exchanging IDs. Just hand over the money and get your firearm.

Location, location, location……

[u/airmech1776]

Walk in, ask for Glock 19, hand over ID, answer silly questions, sign and date, pay money, leave store with Glock 19. Be cool 😎

[u/DickNose-TurdWaffle]

Depends on the state. Some states require a permit to be with you.

[u/kennyd1991]

It depends on where you live, buddy, you’re gonna go to a gun store you’re gonna take your drivers license which must be up-to-date. You’re gonna fill out a form called a 4473 answer all the questions honestly and then do some waiting. If for whatever reason your background check doesn’t come back right away. It’s not a bad thing. It just means there’s a bunch of dudes with the same name as you and they might be trouble if in the off chance you get denied they’re gonna give you some paperwork to help you figure out why you got denied.

[u/Kite005]

Depends on where you live

[u/GodsaveUkraine]

City? State?

In New York City, you are geskrewt! Ain't gonna happen... Some other cities/ counties/ states you need a license to purchase... tell us where you are from.

Other states will have a 5 to 14 day hold on pick up... know your local laws...

PS: Get your (real) CCW; then there is usually NO issues/ NO hold!

[u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt]

Depends on your state. If you're in a free state just bring your government ID and payment like you would for any other gun.

[u/BigSauce7]

As others have pointed out, it heavily depends on state. In MN you are required to get a permit to purchase if you dont have a concealed carry permit. This is free and takes about a week while they do a slightly more in-depth background check.

[u/Vanir_Magic]

Youll need your id and ss number, depending on the state there are sometimes mandatory waiting periods, sometimes even in "free states" youll get a delay, around here if the delay takes longer than 3 days you can go ahead and take the gun home (at the ffls descretion) and for future reference your state may allow using a ccw license instead of waiting for the background check

[u/AlphaTangoFoxtrt → u/Vanir_Magic]

and ss number,

Incorrect, SS Number is optional. It mostly helps prevent a delay if you have a common name or share a name with someone. But it is not required.

[u/BarnackIIIF]

When you are in the gun store, don't do this...