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Buying Online, Explained
How FFL transfers work.
Buying a firearm online is legal, safe, and easier than most people expect. Here’s everything you need to know before your first order.
The short version. Firearms bought online can’t ship to your house. They ship to a licensed dealer (FFL) near you, where you complete a background check in person and pick up your firearm. That’s it — the same paperwork you’d do buying at any gun shop.
Why the FFL system exists
Under federal law, a licensed firearms dealer must be involved in every firearm sale between residents of different states — which is nearly every online purchase. This isn’t red tape for its own sake: it’s what makes sure the person receiving the firearm is legally allowed to own one, right at the point of transfer.
An FFL (Federal Firearms License) holder is any licensed dealer authorized by the ATF to conduct firearm transfers. That includes big-box stores, small local shops, pawn shops, and even some private ranges. There are thousands of them across the country — you likely have several within a short drive.
Step by step
Choose your firearm
Browse our catalog and add what you want to your cart. Ammunition, accessories, and non-firearm items ship directly to you — only firearms need to go through an FFL.
Select your FFL dealer at checkout
During checkout, you’ll pick the licensed dealer near you where your firearm will ship. We have a network of participating FFLs, or you can nominate your own — as long as they’re willing to receive the transfer for you.
We ship to your FFL
Once we verify the receiving FFL’s license, we ship your firearm to them directly. You’ll get tracking info and an estimated delivery date. Nothing arrives at your home address.
Your FFL notifies you
When your firearm arrives at the receiving dealer, they’ll call or email you to schedule pickup. Most transfers are ready within a day or two of shipping arrival.
Visit the FFL in person
Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport). The dealer will have you fill out ATF Form 4473 — the standard background check paperwork you’d complete for any firearm purchase.
Complete your background check
The dealer submits your information to NICS (the National Instant Criminal Background Check System). Most checks return an approval in minutes. Some states have additional waiting periods.
Take your firearm home
Once approved, the FFL will complete the transfer and hand you your new firearm. You now legally own it — the same as if you’d walked into a shop and bought it in person.
What you’ll need
- Valid government-issued photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport. It must show your current address matching the state where you’re picking up.
- Concealed carry permit (if applicable) — in some states, a CCW can waive waiting periods or additional forms.
- Cash or card to cover the FFL’s transfer fee (typically $25–$50).
- Time — most transfers take 15–30 minutes at the dealer.
Common questions
Can I just have it shipped to my house?
No. Federal law requires firearms to ship dealer-to-dealer. This isn’t a Glock One policy — it applies to every online firearms retailer.
What if my background check is denied?
If the NICS check comes back denied, the FFL cannot transfer the firearm to you. You have the right to appeal the denial through the FBI. In this case, we can arrange to return the firearm — restocking fees may apply. This is why we recommend confirming your eligibility before ordering.
How long does the whole process take?
From order to holding the firearm: usually 5–10 business days. Two to five days for shipping, plus however long it takes you to visit your FFL.
What if my state has extra rules?
Some states have additional restrictions — waiting periods, magazine capacity limits, feature bans on certain rifles, or outright prohibitions on specific firearms. See our state restrictions page for the full breakdown.
Important. You must be at least 21 to purchase a handgun and 18 to purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) under federal law. Your state may have stricter requirements. It is illegal for us to sell a firearm to anyone prohibited by federal or state law from owning one.
Questions?
If you’re unsure about anything — how the process works, whether a particular firearm ships to your state, or how to choose an FFL — just ask us. This is the kind of question we get every day, and we’re happy to help before you order.