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Letter Re: Advice on Privacy in Firearms Purchases

Hi Jim,  
If I buy a handgun on AuctionArms.com [1] and have it shipped to a FFL [2] will the authorities know it is registered under my name?  

Thank you,   – John G.

JWR Replies: The following applies only to SurvivalBlog readers in the United States: Well, considering that by law, final delivery of a gun bought out of state means that you must fill out a Form 4473 that will be kept on file permanently with your dealer. Also, an Instant Background Check will be required. So, yes, you will leave a paper trail. (Although it isn’t “registration”, per se.)

However, if your state law allows it, then I recommend that you buy your guns from private parties who lives in your state, and pick them up in person, paying cash, or sending a US Postal Service Money Order in advance.  That will minimize the paper trail.  You should find private sellers through AuctionArms.com, GunBroker.com [3], GunsAmerica.com [4], or at local gun shows [5] in your own state.

And, needless to say, stock up on original factory made full capacity magazines [6] immediately after you determine what model pistol you will be buying. There are already rumors of another ban. If one is enacted, you can expect the prices of 11+ round magazines to triple or quadruple!