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Purchasing Guns Background Overview

Purchasing Guns Background Overview Purchasing firearms in the United States, especially handguns, has long been a complex and passionate issue. Guns for sale, is a controversial issue because of the products unique dichotomy.

Gun rights activists view it as a mechanism that enables self-protection, and upholds our country's rich hunting tradition; while gun control enthusiasts believe it is merely a tool used for violence. With these drastic sentiments present, America's government has attempted to regulate handgun purchases, while applying little restriction on hunting firearms such as rifles or shotguns.  
The broad laws placed on gun shops in America are enforced through the Federal government's regulations. Guns for sale will not be awarded to any individual who falls under the various characteristics for ineligibility. 

Must have a clean criminal record

Cannot be a fugitive

Gun shops will not sell to users of certain depressant, narcotic, or stimulant drugs

Guns for sale will not be allowed to illegal aliens, those who have renounced American citizenship, or those dishonorably charged from the military

Guns for sale will be denied to any person with an active restraining order, convicted of domestic violence, or those who have criminal backgrounds in regards to transporting firearms

A dealer of a gun shop must also comply with federal law by meeting regulations. Guns for sale will be legal if the gun shop complies with these regulations-

An individual 21 years or older may acquire a handgun from a dealer who is federally licensed to sell firearms in the state in question.

An individual 18 years or older may may purchase a rifle or shotgun from a federally licensed dealer/gun shop in any state. Hunting guns for sale come with less restrictions

Purchase at a gun shop must be documented by a federal form 4473, which identifies and includes other information about the purchaser, and records the make, model, and serial number of the firearm. Guns for sale that are not documented by such forms will be considered illegal and the dealer will be subject to a year of imprisonment. 

Guns for sale outside of gun shops are much more difficult to regulate and are abused through various loopholes. Private transactions between a seller and a dealer often times do not meet any of the federal laws including back ground checks. Gun shows are the most common arena for illegal gun purchases to take place.

Although the Brady Law instituted a mandatory background check on all firearms purchased at both guns shows and gun shops, loopholes exist in the form of "private transactions." If an individual goes to a gun shop with his personal collection any sale will be regarded as a private transaction and will be deemed free from regulation. 

The regulations of firearms in the United States becomes highly complex when viewing state's interpretations of gun control laws. Each state adopts its own constitution in regards to permits for purchase/carry, license for ownership, requirements, and regulations on guns for sale. Some states have scrupulous stances on gun control while others are very lenient.

The median sentiment will not require a permit for purchase, a license of ownership, nor regulation, but will demand a permit to carry or conceal a handgun. Other states with diverse urban environments, or high crime rates will tend to place more restrictions on gun shops.  

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