Straw purchases have several different meanings in both the business world and the firearm world. In accordance with firearm terminology, a straw purchase is when Individual A purchases a firearm for Individual B. But it’s a little more complicated than that. Here is how to fully understand what a straw purchase is, and why they are illegal.
The Purchasing Process
During the purchasing process of a firearm, a straw purchase is conducted by Individual A purchasing a firearm for Individual B, without including any of Individual B’s information for the firearm records or to the firearm specialist. In order to be in compliance with firearm regulations, the individual who will be in possession of the firearm needs to have their name, home address, date of birth, and other personal identifiers listed on the form, as well as the make, model, and firearm serial number on Federal Form 4473. The buyer must also answer and certify a series of questions, related to their eligibility to own a firearm.
What is Federal Form 4473?
The Federal Form 4473 is the document that records each individual firearm purchase from federal licensed firearm dealers.
You Cannot Purchase a Firearm for Another Individual:
- You cannot purchase a firearm as a gift for another person, if you have reason to believe that the person is prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
- You cannot purchase a firearm for another person if you have reason to believe that they will use that firearm to commit a crime of any kind.
- You cannot purchase a firearm for another person in order to assist them in circumventing the mandatory background check.
- You cannot purchase a firearm for another person so that their name is not listed as a purchaser or possessor for a firearm.
Why Are Straw Purchases in Regards to Firearms Illegal?
Because Individual B’s information is not included in the firearm purchase, it places others at risk. Straw purchases are often how criminals obtain firearms, and it’s difficult to trace the firearm back to the correct individual when they are not documented as the purchaser. Additionally, Individual B would not have been subject to a background check because they did not provide their personal information on the form 4473 for the background check.
How to Avoid this Illegality?
If you are caught conducting a firearm straw purchase, you will be held accountable by a court of law. To avoid this headache, visit our gun shop at Buck & Doe’s, where we follow proper protocol according to federal guidelines. Better to be safe than sorry!
Visit our website to see what our professionals can do for you today!