Buying a Firearm Online Is Easier Than You Think

Shopping online gives you access to a much wider selection than you may find at a single local store. But one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Can I legally buy a firearm online?”

Yes. Purchasing a firearm online is legal under federal law when the transaction and transfer are completed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. The important distinction is that a firearm generally isn’t shipped directly to your home. Instead, we ship it to a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) of your choice, where you complete the required transfer process.

For most customers, it’s a straightforward process.

How an Online Firearm Purchase Works

1. Choose and purchase your firearm online

Browse our available inventory and complete your purchase through our website just as you would with many other products.

2. Select a local FFL

Choose a licensed dealer in your area to receive the firearm. This can be a gun shop, sporting-goods retailer, range, or another properly licensed FFL that accepts transfers.

Our automated checkout makes this even easier by allowing you to search for and select your preferred FFL directly during the checkout process. There’s no need to track down shipping information or figure out where the firearm needs to be sent—we’ll use the FFL information associated with your selection to help streamline the process.

We still recommend contacting your selected FFL before ordering to confirm that they accept incoming transfers and to ask about their transfer fee. Many local dealers offer transfers for around $25, although fees vary by dealer and location.

3. We ship your order to the FFL

Once the necessary dealer information is received and verified, your firearm is shipped to the receiving FFL—not directly to you.

4. Complete the transfer with your dealer

When the firearm arrives, your receiving dealer will contact you or make it available for pickup. You’ll complete the required ATF Form 4473 and applicable background-check process with that dealer, along with any additional requirements that apply in your jurisdiction.

5. Take your purchase home

Once the dealer confirms that all applicable transfer requirements have been satisfied, the firearm can be transferred to you.

That’s it.

What Does an FFL Transfer Cost?

The receiving dealer sets their own transfer fee. Around $25 is common with some local FFLs, although fees vary considerably depending on the dealer and location.

Before placing your order, a quick call to your preferred FFL can confirm both their fee and their procedure for receiving an online purchase.

Even after accounting for a transfer fee, buying online can be worthwhile because it gives you access to inventory, configurations, finishes, and custom options that may not be available locally.

Why Can't It Be Shipped Directly to My House?

Federal law generally requires firearms purchased from an out-of-state dealer to be transferred through an appropriately licensed dealer in the purchaser's state of residence. The receiving FFL handles the required paperwork and background-check process before transferring the firearm to you.

This system allows you to shop online while keeping the actual firearm transfer within the established legal process.

Already Have an FFL You Trust?

Great. Simply use your preferred dealer for the transfer.

If you don't already have one, finding an FFL nearby is usually easy. Many local firearm retailers and ranges offer transfer services specifically for customers purchasing firearms online.

Before ordering, contact the dealer and ask:

• Do you accept firearm transfers from other FFLs?
• What is your transfer fee?
• How should the selling dealer send or obtain your FFL information?
• Are there any additional state or local requirements I should know about?

A two-minute phone call can usually answer everything you need to know.

Don't Let the Transfer Process Keep You From Shopping Online

For first-time online buyers, terms like “FFL transfer,” “Form 4473,” and “background check” can make the process sound more complicated than it actually is.

In practice, the process is simple:

You purchase online → we ship to your chosen FFL → you complete the required transfer with them → you take your purchase home once legally approved.

The receiving dealer handles the transfer paperwork and helps ensure the transaction complies with the requirements applicable to you.

At Stronghold Armament, our goal is to make the purchasing process straightforward from the moment you place your order through shipment to your receiving dealer.

See something you want in our inventory? Don't let the fact that we're online stop you. Choose a local FFL, place your order, and we'll handle our side of getting it where it needs to go.

Firearm laws and transfer requirements vary by jurisdiction and can change. Customers are responsible for ensuring they are legally eligible to purchase and possess the firearm and that the firearm is lawful in their jurisdiction. Your receiving FFL can advise you regarding the transfer requirements that apply to your transaction.