Yes — you can legally buy a gun online in the United States. Millions of firearms are purchased online every year. The process is straightforward, fully legal, and in many cases gives you access to better selection and pricing than a local gun store. Here's exactly how it works.
How Online Gun Purchases Work
When you buy a firearm online, the gun cannot be shipped directly to your home. Federal law requires that all firearm transfers go through a federally licensed dealer (FFL). The process works like this:
Step 1: Purchase the firearm online from a retailer like Impact Guns.
Step 2: Choose a local FFL dealer near you to receive the shipment. If you don't have one in mind, use our FFL Dealer Lookup to find licensed dealers in your area.
Step 3: We ship the firearm directly to your chosen FFL dealer.
Step 4: You go to the FFL dealer, show your ID, complete ATF Form 4473, and pass a background check through the NICS system.
Step 5: Once approved, you take possession of your firearm.
The FFL dealer typically charges a transfer fee for this service — usually $15–$50 depending on the dealer. This fee goes to your local FFL, not to Impact Guns.
Is It Legal to Buy a Gun Online?
Yes, with the process described above. The key is that the firearm must transfer through a licensed FFL dealer — you cannot have it shipped directly to your home. This applies to handguns, rifles, and shotguns purchased from any online retailer. The same federal background check (NICS) that applies at a local gun store applies to online purchases — there is no "online loophole."
What Is a Background Check?
Every firearm purchase from a licensed dealer — whether in-store or online via FFL transfer — requires a NICS (National Instant Criminal Background System) background check. Your local FFL dealer conducts this check when you pick up the firearm. Most checks are approved within minutes. Occasionally a check is "delayed" and requires additional processing time — typically 3 business days. If you are legally permitted to own a firearm, the background check is a routine step.
What Firearms Can Be Shipped?
Rifles and shotguns — Can be transferred through any FFL dealer in your state.
Handguns — Must transfer through an FFL in your state of residence. You cannot pick up a handgun at an FFL in a different state from where you live.
Suppressors — As of January 1, 2026, suppressors no longer require a tax stamp. They transfer through an FFL dealer just like any other firearm with a standard background check.
NFA items (pre-2026) — Machine guns and certain other NFA items still require the traditional Form 4 process. Suppressors and SBRs no longer do as of 2026.
State Laws
Federal law sets the baseline, but state laws may add requirements. Some states restrict certain firearms, magazine capacities, or features. When purchasing from Impact Guns, we ship to all states where a particular firearm is legal. If you live in a state with specific restrictions (California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, etc.), check your state's laws or ask your local FFL before purchasing. We have dedicated pages for California legal guns, New York legal guns, New Jersey legal guns, and Massachusetts legal guns.
How to Find an FFL Dealer
Use our FFL Dealer Lookup tool to find licensed dealers near you. You can also ask any local gun store — virtually all are FFLs and accept transfers. Contact them before ordering to confirm they accept transfers and their current fee. Some dealers require you to notify them before the shipment arrives.
Why Buy a Gun Online?
Selection — Online retailers carry far more inventory than most local gun stores. If you're looking for a specific model, configuration, or caliber, online is often the only way to find it in stock.
Price — Online retailers typically offer competitive pricing, especially on in-demand models.
Convenience — Browse and purchase on your schedule. The only in-person step is the background check at your FFL.
FAQ
Can guns be shipped to your house?
No — federal law requires all firearm transfers to go through a licensed FFL dealer. The firearm ships to your chosen local FFL, where you complete the background check and take possession.
Do you need a background check to buy a gun online?
Yes. The same NICS background check required at a local gun store applies to all online firearm purchases. There is no online exception to the background check requirement.
How long does it take to buy a gun online?
Shipping typically takes 3-7 business days to your FFL dealer. The background check at pickup takes minutes for most approved buyers. Total time from order to possession is typically 5-10 business days.
How much does FFL transfer cost?
Transfer fees vary by dealer, typically $15–$50. This fee goes to your local FFL, not Impact Guns. Call your FFL before ordering to confirm their current fee.
Is it cheaper to buy guns online?
Often yes, especially on popular models. Factor in the FFL transfer fee when comparing prices. Even with the transfer fee, online pricing is frequently lower than local retail on in-demand firearms.