Buying Shotguns Online Safely

Buying a shotgun online can offer great selection and competitive prices, but it requires understanding the legal process and knowing how to evaluate sellers you can't meet in person.

Key point: You cannot have a firearm shipped directly to your home. All online firearm purchases must be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer who conducts the required background check.

How Online Firearm Buying Works

Find Your Gun Online

Browse online dealers, auction sites, or classified listings. Compare prices and verify the seller's reputation before purchasing.

Find a Local FFL

Contact a local dealer who will receive the transfer. Ask about their transfer fee (typically $25-75). Some require you to be an existing customer.

Provide FFL Information

Give the seller your local FFL's information. The seller and receiving FFL will exchange copies of their licenses before shipping.

Seller Ships to FFL

The firearm ships to your chosen dealer, not to you. Dealers can receive firearms via common carriers; individuals cannot.

Complete Transfer at FFL

Visit your local FFL to complete Form 4473 and pass the NICS background check, just like buying from them directly. Pay any transfer fee.

Take Your Gun Home

Once approved, the gun is yours. Some states have waiting periods that apply regardless of where you bought the firearm.

Types of Online Sellers

Major Online Retailers

Established dealers like Buds Gun Shop, Sportsman's Warehouse, or Gallery of Guns. Generally reliable, with return policies and customer service. Prices are usually competitive.

Auction Sites

GunBroker is the largest firearms auction site. Sellers range from major dealers to private individuals. Check seller ratings, feedback, and return policies carefully.

Classified Listings

Sites like Gun Trader or local forums. Often better prices but higher risk. Face-to-face transfers may be possible for in-state sales, depending on state law.

Manufacturer Direct

Some manufacturers sell through their websites. Ships to your FFL just like any other online purchase. May have exclusive models or configurations.

Evaluating Online Sellers

Green Flags

• High feedback rating (99%+ on auctions)
• Established business with physical address
• Clear return/exchange policy
• Responsive customer service
• Secure payment options
• Detailed item descriptions with photos

Red Flags

• New seller with no history
• Prices too good to be true
• Wire transfer or money order only
• No clear contact information
• Vague descriptions or stolen photos
• "No returns" on used items

Payment Safety

Credit cards: Best protection. You can dispute charges if goods aren't delivered or are misrepresented.

PayPal (where allowed): Buyer protection available, though PayPal's firearm policies are restrictive.

Personal checks: Some sellers accept them but hold shipment until cleared. Slower but safer than alternatives.

Wire transfers/money orders: No recourse if scammed. Use only with highly reputable sellers.

Escrow services: For high-value transactions with unknown private sellers, consider using a firearm-friendly escrow service. They hold payment until you receive and approve the item.

Buying Used Guns Online

Used guns online require extra caution since you can't inspect before buying:

Request detailed photos: Ask for photos of the bore, action open, stock from multiple angles, any wear areas. Sellers who refuse are hiding something.

Ask specific questions: How many rounds fired? Any repairs? Original parts? Why selling? Good sellers provide detailed histories.

Request inspection period: Some sellers allow inspection at your FFL before you complete the transfer. If problems exist, the gun returns to the seller.

Research fair market value: Know what similar guns sell for. Overpriced is wasteful; underpriced is suspicious.

Calculating True Cost

Online price isn't your final cost. Add these before comparing to local dealers:

Gun price $1,200.00

Shipping (insured) + $50.00

FFL transfer fee + $50.00

Sales tax (if applicable) + $78.00

True cost $1,378.00

Sometimes local dealers match or beat online prices when you account for all costs—and you can handle the gun before buying.

State Law Considerations

Magazine capacity: Some states restrict magazine capacity. Sellers may not ship to restricted states, or you may need to have magazines blocked.

Waiting periods: California, Florida, and others require waiting periods. Your FFL handles this—you'll pick up the gun after the period expires.

Assault weapon laws: Some shotguns with certain features may be restricted in states like California, New York, or Massachusetts.

Registration requirements: Some jurisdictions require firearm registration. Your FFL should inform you of local requirements.

When to Buy Online vs. Local

Buy Online When...

• Model isn't available locally
• Significant price difference persists
• You know exactly what you want
• You've been fitted and know your specs
• Limited local dealer options

Buy Local When...

• Price difference is small after fees
• You want to handle before buying
• You need fitting or customization
• Building a dealer relationship matters
• First shotgun purchase