Alpha Shooter World’s Guide to Buying Firearms
Purchasing a firearm online is a relatively straightforward process, that requires a little bit of planning, especially if it’s your first time. The basic steps are:
Step 1
First, find a local FFL (we have a search page below) that will take care of the background check process and confirm they are willing to process transfers for online purchases (not all FFL’s will do this for various reasons, so it’s best to confirm on their website or by calling them).
Confirming that the FFL will accept the transfer is EXTREMELY important, and often overlooked. If a firearm is shipped to an FFL that will not complete the transfer, you are responsible for any costs associated with either having the firearm shipped to a different FFL, or returned to us.
Step 2
Purchase your firearm, and we ship it to the FFL
If you are purchasing a firearm with a higher capacity magazine than your state allows, and the firearm is marked as ‘Restricted Capacity Available’, we will replace any magazines that are not legal in your state with the same number of OEM, Magpul, or equivalent quality magazines based on what is available at the time of purchase, or permanently modify the included magazine(s) to meet your state capacity requirements. This will likely add additional shipping time to your order.
Step 3
Once your firearm arrives, visit the FFL to complete any required paperwork and pay the transfer fee.
Also, carefully inspect your firearm, making sure it’s the correct product and that the serial number matches the paperwork you’re completing. Once the transfer is completed you CANNOT return the firearm.
You can then either take your firearm home, or;
Step 3.1
For states with a waiting period, wait until you’re given the all clear from the FFL, then return to collect your firearm and enjoy happy, and safe, shooting!
Federal Firearms Licensee Search
If you need to find an FFL you can try searching through https://fflezcheck.atf.gov or https://fflgundealers.net/. Please note we are not affiliated with either site.
Please note that just because an FFL is listed in the search engine does NOT mean they are willing to process transfers for online purchases. It’s important that you confirm that they will process your transfer before purchasing your firearm.
Buying a gun online is easy. Contrary to what some may believe, doing so does not create a loophole that allows a person to avoid doing a background check. You can purchase a gun online just like any other product. However, it cannot be shipped directly to you. Every gun purchased online is shipped to a licensed firearms dealer, where the buyer can pick it up. Below we’ll detail the most commonly asked questions when it comes to buying a gun online
Yes, you can purchase a gun online just like any other product. The only difference is that we cannot ship a firearm directly to you. A firearm must be shipped to a licensed firearms dealer, where you can pick it up.
No, we can not ship a firearm to your house, unless you have an FFL.
An “FFL” is a Federal Firearms License. These licenses are commonly held by gun stores, pawn shops, and sporting goods stores. However, there are also many individuals that hold an FFL.
With thousands of dealers across the country, there’s a good chance you have a few nearby. You can find one by searching our FFL Dealer Locator.
When you place your order with us, the FFL Dealer Locator will let you choose a licensed dealer to have your firearm shipped to. Out of courtesy to the receiving dealer, it is always recommended that you contact them to inquire about any possible transfer fees and to make any necessary arrangements for picking up your firearm
Yes, you must contact the FFL dealer you’ve chosen to make them aware of the transfer and to make any necessary arrangements for picking up your firearm. It is also recommended that you inquire about any possible transfer fees they may charge.
By not contacting the dealer, there is a higher chance that the dealer will not accept your firearm, or that the dealer will not be available when the package is expected to arrive. If the firearm is returned to us for one of these reasons, additional shipping charges and/or return fees may apply.
Yes, but not through us. Any necessary paperwork and background check is completed between you, the actual buyer/transferee, and the receiving dealer. This is usually done at the time you pick up your firearm.
When first contacting the dealer you’ve chosen, it is recommended that you make arrangements with them to pick up your firearm. When we ship your firearm, we include your contact information in the package. Most dealers will use this information to notify you once the firearm is ready to be picked up.
Some dealers may require extra time before a firearm is ready to be picked up. If you see that the package has been delivered, but you haven’t received a call from the dealer, you may also contact them yourself to inquire when the firearm will be ready.
Any firearm purchased from Sportsman’s Outdoor Superstore can be returned to us, provided that it hasn’t been picked up from the receiving FFL dealer.
While the firearm is still in the possession of the FFL dealer, please inspect the firearm thoroughly to ensure that there are no visible defects. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please contact us before picking up the firearm from your dealer. We can arrange to have it returned to us, and upon delivery and careful inspection of the firearm, we will provide you with your choice of either a replacement, if available, or a refund of the firearm.
Return and/or restocking fees up to $50 per firearm may be deducted from your refund depending on the reason for return.
