How to Buy a Gun Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Buying a firearm online is one of the best ways to find competitive prices, rare models, and firearms that your local shop doesn't stock. The process is straightforward once you understand how it works — and it's completely legal in most states. This guide walks you through every step.

By Dwight Ringdahl — GunExpos.com

Is It Legal to Buy a Gun Online?

Yes. Federal law allows the online purchase of firearms. However, a firearm purchased online cannot be shipped directly to your home (with narrow exceptions for C&R license holders buying curios and relics). Instead, the firearm must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) dealer near you, who completes the transfer.

This means an online firearm purchase involves three parties:

  1. You — the buyer
  2. The seller — an online retailer, auction winner, or private seller
  3. Your local FFL — the dealer who receives the firearm and processes your background check

Step 1: Find Your Firearm

Popular places to shop for firearms online include:

  • GunBroker.com — The largest online firearms auction site (see our GunBroker guide)
  • Guns.com — Large retailer with new and used inventory
  • Palmetto State Armory — Known for AR-15 parts and budget-friendly options
  • Sportsman's Outdoor Superstore — Wide selection, frequent sales
  • Bud's Gun Shop — Competitive pricing, large inventory
  • Tombstone Tactical — Good selection of handguns and tactical gear

Compare prices across multiple sites. Use aggregators like WikiArms or gun.deals to find the lowest price on a specific model.

Step 2: Find a Local FFL for the Transfer

Before you purchase, you need a local FFL willing to receive the shipment and complete the transfer. This is critical — do not buy until you've confirmed your FFL.

How to Find One

  • Search our FFL dealer directory for transfer-friendly dealers near you
  • Call ahead and ask: "Do you accept online firearm transfers? What's your fee?"
  • Get the dealer's FFL license information (most will email or fax a copy to the seller)

Transfer Fees

Typical FFL transfer fees range from $20 to $75 per firearm. Some dealers charge less for multiple guns in one shipment. A few high-volume shops charge as little as $15.

Step 3: Complete Your Purchase

When you check out on the seller's website:

  1. Provide your FFL's information — Name, address, phone number, and FFL license number
  2. Pay for the firearm and shipping — Most sellers charge $20–$40 for shipping via FedEx or UPS
  3. Confirm the seller has your FFL's license on file — The seller must verify the receiving FFL before shipping

Some sellers handle the FFL verification automatically. Others require you to have your FFL email or fax a copy of their license directly.

Step 4: Wait for Shipment

Firearms must ship via common carrier (FedEx, UPS) — not USPS for handguns. Typical transit time is 3–7 business days. Your FFL will contact you when the firearm arrives.

Step 5: Complete the Transfer at Your FFL

When you visit your FFL to pick up the firearm:

  1. Bring valid government-issued photo ID — Driver's license or state ID
  2. Complete ATF Form 4473 — The federal firearms transaction record
  3. Pass the NICS background check — Usually completed in minutes
  4. Pay the transfer fee — To your local FFL
  5. Take your firearm home

Some states have additional requirements:

  • Waiting periods — California (10 days), Florida (3 days for handguns), Illinois, Hawaii, and others
  • State permits — Connecticut, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and others require state-issued permits
  • Registration — Hawaii, New York City, and Washington D.C. require registration

Check your state's specific requirements in our state gun law guides.

Step 6: Inspect Your Purchase

Once you have the firearm:

  • Verify the serial number matches your purchase documentation
  • Inspect for any shipping damage
  • Function-check the firearm (unloaded)
  • Contact the seller immediately if anything is wrong

Online Buying Tips

  • Read seller ratings and reviews before buying from auction sites
  • Factor in total cost — Purchase price + shipping + transfer fee + tax
  • Buy from reputable sellers — Established retailers are safer than unknown auction sellers
  • Save all documentation — Order confirmation, shipping tracking, receipts
  • Know your state's laws — Some states restrict online firearm or ammunition purchases

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Buying before finding an FFL — Always confirm your transfer dealer first
  2. Ignoring total cost — A "$50 cheaper" online price evaporates with shipping and transfer fees
  3. Not reading the listing carefully — Especially on auction sites (is it new? Used? Complete?)
  4. Shipping to the wrong FFL — Double-check the address before confirming
  5. Not knowing your state's laws — Some states have additional requirements beyond federal law

Is Buying Online Worth It?

For many buyers, yes. Online purchasing gives you:

  • Access to a far larger inventory than any local shop
  • The ability to compare prices across dozens of sellers
  • Access to rare, discontinued, and hard-to-find models
  • Often lower prices (even after shipping and transfer fees)

For common firearms at mainstream prices, your local dealer or gun show may be just as competitive. But for specific models, used firearms, and bulk purchases, online buying is hard to beat.

Find FFL transfer dealers near you in our dealer directory.