Help Qs on Buying Guns (US)

[yellowsouled]

Live in a red / gun friendly state in the US, so availability isn't an issue. Cost isn't even a major concern, seeing as if I'm buying a gun, maxing my credit card or tanking the score won't be something I'd have to worry about for long.

My biggest concerns are:

1) Not having the clerk at the store / shop become suspicious of reasons for purchasing
2) My parents not finding out that I'm buying a gun (or considering this) at any point in the process (edit: I'm 21+, just still live with parents if there's a concern here)
3) General social anxiety related issues — connected to step #1

I've read the firearms guide and am generally cognizant of the "steps" to getting a gun. It seems that online purchases, though, require more steps.

There's actually a gun shop (read: pawn shop) in my very town, but a relative works there, and I'm decently sure she'd ask my parents what I need a gun for regardless of my reasoning. Even if she didn't, I still am not confident that I'd come off as non-suspicious. I'm pretty sure gun stores can refuse sales if you're raising red flags, and "socially awkward and visibly anxious woman-appearing thing wants largest caliber shotgun avaliable, has no previous firearms experience" probably isn't a normal customer profile.

Has anyone here successfully bought a firearm from a shop / store before? Did they question your motives or ask specific questions? I'd waffle if they asked why I wanted it or why x exact gun / caliber.

 

[endofline2010]

I have bought firearms face to face (private sale), from a pawn shop FFL (shipped there), Bass Pro, and a gun shop.

Depending on your state, private sale may be the easiest. There usually isn't a background check, and the transaction is very quick. You may not even need to show id, but a lot of sellers want to check to make sure you're not from out of state.

Contrary to what you think, buying online and shipping to an FFL is actually super easy and fast. Also going to be the cheapest you can get a gun (probably).

Gun shops and sporting goods stores are both also pretty easy, but often took the longest overall because of lines.

The conversations were always short and to the point. Never really made a lot of small talk. Never got asked anything about why I was buying the gun. Just fill out the form, pay, and go.

 

[L'absent]

I'm not a pro-lifer, just don't want to make it easier for someone.

Really? You don't help him because in your opinion he shouldn't stop suffering, but find the path to a joyful life? With God? With psychotherapy? With what? Is he so immature that he can't figure out what's best for him? Have you established an age at which a person can leave life for this user, or have you established it for all of us? I have no words, really.

 

[Tig]

It's a simple process, just fill out the forms, read the questions, answer "CAREFULLY" like your pro life.
All they care about is sales.

 

[bobblong]

Just say you buy it for self defense , store it at home or whatever if asked . Act natural

 

[yellowsouled]

I have bought firearms face to face (private sale), from a pawn shop FFL (shipped there), Bass Pro, and a gun shop.

Depending on your state, private sale may be the easiest. There usually isn't a background check, and the transaction is very quick. You may not even need to show id, but a lot of sellers want to check to make sure you're not from out of state.

Contrary to what you think, buying online and shipping to an FFL is actually super easy and fast. Also going to be the cheapest you can get a gun (probably).

Gun shops and sporting goods stores are both also pretty easy, but often took the longest overall because of lines.

The conversations were always short and to the point. Never really made a lot of small talk. Never got asked anything about why I was buying the gun. Just fill out the form, pay, and go.

Thanks. Gun isn't my first method of choice, but I figure I ought to keep my options open — especially in a state where the gun laws are incredibly fast and loose.

Really? You don't help him because in your opinion he shouldn't stop suffering, but find the path to a joyful life? With God? With psychotherapy? With what? Is he so immature that he can't figure out what's best for him? Have you established an age at which a person can leave life for this user, or have you established it for all of us? I have no words, really.

Can't see what that person said because they deleted their reply (account?) but thanks for the defense. I'm 21+ and *neurotic*, not stupid or unstable, lol.

Thanks for other replies, by the way. Not sure how to mass reply without it looking stupid (been a lurker for a couple years, just recently made an account).

 

[shrizoid]

Live in a red / gun friendly state in the US, so availability isn't an issue. Cost isn't even a major concern, seeing as if I'm buying a gun, maxing my credit card or tanking the score won't be something I'd have to worry about for long.

My biggest concerns are:

1) Not having the clerk at the store / shop become suspicious of reasons for purchasing
2) My parents not finding out that I'm buying a gun (or considering this) at any point in the process (edit: I'm 21+, just still live with parents if there's a concern here)
3) General social anxiety related issues — connected to step #1

I've read the firearms guide and am generally cognizant of the "steps" to getting a gun. It seems that online purchases, though, require more steps.

There's actually a gun shop (read: pawn shop) in my very town, but a relative works there, and I'm decently sure she'd ask my parents what I need a gun for regardless of my reasoning. Even if she didn't, I still am not confident that I'd come off as non-suspicious. I'm pretty sure gun stores can refuse sales if you're raising red flags, and "socially awkward and visibly anxious woman-appearing thing wants largest caliber shotgun avaliable, has no previous firearms experience" probably isn't a normal customer profile.

Has anyone here successfully bought a firearm from a shop / store before? Did they question your motives or ask specific questions? I'd waffle if they asked why I wanted it or why x exact gun / caliber.

Would just going to a private seller be an option for you? I feel as if that could eliminate some of the anxiety you might get by going to an actual store, also I love undertale as well didn't think I'd see another fan here

 

[cloudyskye]

If you're in a red state it's fairly easy. If it's a long gun you can even just go to wal mart. Middle of the day during the week will be less crowded but you'll also be the center of attraction so to speak. Since you have anxiety best to know what you want and any ammo b4 you go so you're not just standing there going "uhhhh..." they're gonna try to upsell you probably acase, more expensive (not necessarily better) ammo more rounds cammo etc.. just refuse politely. They're used to it. Yes they can deny any sale they're not comfortable with. If you need to practice at home what you're gonna say. If you're of age, can pass background and at least know what you want you should be fine. Personal defense is always a good reason for purchase if asked.

 

[TAW122]

I'm in a similar boat (as of my living situation) now since I live with parents (financial and economic reasons), so while I have no problems with legally acquiring one nor really the cost (money wouldn't matter if I'm going to CTB in the near future or so), but of course the thing with parents and people who may know me. Sometimes I've considered taking the extra step of going to a different town (within the state too) to where people don't know me or recognize me and then go in and purchase the firearm (fill out paperwork, show ID, pass the background check and pay then walk out with a newly legally acquired firearm) without much hassle.

Ideally, if I had my own place by myself, the parents and family aspect wouldn't really be as complicated and makes things a bit 'easier'. I suppose in your case, it's probably better to hide legal ownership of a firearm from your family as they may try to probe and pry into why you want one and also further complicate things. I would also probably avoid the store that your relative works in to avoid awkward interactions. While nobody in my family owns a firearm (they decided not to for their own reasons and prerogative),

 

[Fritz]

If you are in a red state and are not a felon and don't act weird when you buy, you shouldn't have any problems. Just approach it like any other transaction. You can buy from a pawn shop, but I don't understand the reservation from buying at a gun shop. Given what you plan to do with the gun, do you want to risk buying a used gun that may not work properly when you can easily, legally buy a new gun at a gun shop? The gun shop just wants to legally sell guns. They aren't going to scrutinize you or ask any questions beyond those on the form that you fill out when buying.