So you want to purchase a firearm, now what?

**PLEASE NOTE THIS INFORMATION IS PERTAINING TO MN FIREARMS PURCHASES**

One of the most common phone calls we receive at Realm Firearms is someone wanting to purchase their first gun, but they don't know what they need. Its a great question and we are always happy to help a first time firearm buyer! Better safe than sorry, right?

First things first, are you old enough? The minimum age to purchase shotguns and some rifles, and ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 18 years of age or older. All firearms other than shotguns and some rifles, and all ammunition other than ammunition for shotguns or rifles may be sold only to individuals 21 years of age or older. Please do not ask if there are loopholes or ways around this. Licensees are bound by the minimum age requirements established by the GCA regardless of state or local law. Keep in mind some state law or local ordinances establish a higher minimum age for the purchase or disposition of firearms, the licensee must observe the higher age requirement.

Next question is do you have the correct permit? If you are over the age of 21 and you are looking to purchase a handgun, you are going to need either a permit to purchase or CCW (Permit to Carry.) Additionally, Minnesota law requires a person to hold either a Permit to Purchase, issued by your local Chief Law Enforcement Officer/Sheriff's Office, or a Permit to Carry, in order to purchase certain “semi-automatic military-style assault weapons” and some shotguns. Your permit information needs to match your Government issued ID. Additionally, your ID must be Minnesota issued!

Now that the age and permit is squared away, let's talk picking out the right firearm for you. Make sure to check out next week's blog post where we will give you some tips and tricks to getting the right gun for you!

The final step in the process, filling out the 4473. Make sure that you read each question carefully. Incorrectly filling out the 4473 could lead to an instant denial of your application. Once you have completed filling the form out, it will be compared against your ID that was provided. The information will be run through the FBI NICS system. This check will result in one of 3 decisions, Proceed, Denial, or a Delay. If you are denied, you will be provided with your NICS check number and a phone number that you can contact for more information. As the FFL, we are not provided with a reason for the denial. It is the responsibility of the applicant to call and get that information. If you are delayed, you will want to ask your FFL if they honor the Brady Transfer date. Not all FFLs do, and it is at the sole discretion of the FFL if they chose to transfer at that date.

Thanks for reading!!