Firearms & Guns for Sale – What You Need to Know
If you are in the market for a firearm but do not know where to begin, there are many ways to purchase a firearm. For the most part, firearms can be purchased online through a federally licensed firearms dealer. These sales are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Before purchasing a firearm, you will need to fill out two forms: the Federal Form 4473 (yellow two-page application) and the State Form DPS-67-C (application for purchase). You will need to send the forms to the FFL that you are working with and they will process them for you.
In California, you must have a license to buy firearms. In order to sell a firearm in the state, it must undergo safety and firing tests. This includes sights, night sights, and trigger safety. However, some firearms, including handguns, are exempt from the licensing requirement.
In Connecticut, you may not be able to purchase a machine gun unless you have a certificate of possession issued prior to January 1, 2014. The state law does not permit the transfer of select-fire weapons. For example, you are not allowed to buy a semi-automatic machine gun unless you have a certificate. If you have a Certificate of Possession, you must have purchased the weapon prior to April 4, 2013. A valid sale receipt or DPS-3 form is acceptable proof. In addition, you must appear in person to take a photo.
Keeping a record of gun sales is essential to law enforcement, because accurate records help identify illegal gun sellers and buyers. Under federal law, licensed firearms dealers must keep records of all firearm sales. However, this requirement does not apply to private sellers, which is why states have enacted laws to help fill this gap.
