Help Question about background checks when buying a gun

[_wishforwings]

Hello, so i am new and wanted to ask if people in the US (especially the south) could maybe explain how a background check goes when you buy a gun, and more specifically i was curious if just a regular depression diagnosis without any other mental disorders on record (and no psych ward visits) is enough to be denied from buying a gun. I assume not since it is the US but I wouldn't know, lol. I think at least having a general idea would give me more peace of mind. I'm truthfully more heavily planning on FSH, but it is still nice to know.. Apologies if this has been asked or if its like stupid idk

 

[BradGuy123]

In my state they do a federal background check. What that involves is stuff like criminal convictions, domestic violence convictions, warrants, indictments and things like that. They also check for court ordered involuntary mental health commitments. I think there's more. But I don't think they can access private medical records or if you went to a therapist on your own. So in answer to your question if the doctor diagnosed you with depression it would not disqualify you from buying a gun. Gun laws vary from state to state. In my state it's pretty easy to get a gun. In other states, it's difficult. It's not a stupid question at all.

 

[DeathSweetDeath]

Yeah, you should be good .

 

[Winry]

You're good. Especially if TX or FL. Diagnosis alone is not enough to decline. Need baker acts/arrests/etc

 

[aRose]

Sounds like you're good from what you've said so far. Mine took a few extra days because they pulled records from a previous state and they took forever to provide the info. I even got anxious about an old issue (no conviction but ended up with another record of sorts) and called the firearms division of the local police and explained my worries (it's kinda a big deal if you apply and have issues come up) another were like Nah it's just this state is being lazy. So fret not - they don't dig deep even if you give them all the tools to do so.

 

[OnMyLast Legs]

I'm trying to psych myself up to go buy a shotgun now. I know the background check should approve me ~instantly but I feel like a parade float of red flags. All in my head. Courage, buddy. Come on.

 

[slowlydying2mrrw]

Just look up a private dealer. I found a private dealer online and bought mine less than 5 minutes.

I'm trying to psych myself up to go buy a shotgun now. I know the background check should approve me ~instantly but I feel like a parade float of red flags. All in my head. Courage, buddy. Come on.

In the US, you can buy a shotgun in Walmart, depending on states, most you don't need a background check.

 

[OnMyLast Legs]

In the US, you can buy a shotgun in Walmart, depending on states, most you don't need a background check.

My WalMart doesn't have them, but I think a sports store next door does. There is an instant background check and a long form to fill out. No waiting period or license or anything. Private party has no background check at all.

 

[slowlydying2mrrw]

My WalMart doesn't have them, but I think a sports store next door does. There is an instant background check and a long form to fill out. No waiting period or license or anything. Private party has no background check at all.

I have a record and know I can't go through a gun shop. My advice is find a personal dealer, do it all private.