15 Barriers to Entry that Aspiring Gun Owners Must Face
- Background checks
All federally licensed firearm purchases require a NICS background check, with some states imposing additional screening or permits. - Age restrictions
Federal law sets minimum ages (18 for long guns, 21 for handguns from FFLs), with states free to impose stricter limits. - State-specific firearm laws
States vary widely on purchase requirements, magazine limits, firearm types, and licensing. - Federal firearm law compliance
Purchasers must comply with federal prohibitions on certain firearms and accessories under the Gun Control Act and NFA. - Mental health prohibitions (not evaluations)
Federal law restricts firearm ownership for individuals adjudicated mentally incompetent or involuntarily committed—not routine evaluations. - Training requirements (state-dependent)
Some states require training for permits or carry licenses, not for basic firearm ownership. - Waiting periods
Certain states mandate waiting periods between purchase and firearm transfer. - Prohibited person status
Felony convictions, certain restraining orders, and specific misdemeanor convictions can bar firearm ownership. - Domestic violence convictions or orders
Federal law prohibits firearm possession for individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence or subject to qualifying restraining orders. - Firearm safety education (jurisdictional)
Some states or localities require safety instruction as part of licensing or permit processes. - NICS delays or denials
Background checks may result in delays, especially for common names or incomplete records. - Registration or reporting requirements
A small number of states and cities require registration or reporting after purchase. - Transportation laws
Firearms may need to be unloaded, locked, or separated from ammunition depending on jurisdiction. - Carry licensing
Carrying a firearm in public may require a permit unless the state allows permitless carry. - Cost and administrative burden
Fees, training costs, time delays, and paperwork create practical barriers beyond legal eligibility.
