Background Checks for Online Gun Purchases Explained

Above, picking up my Winchester Model 12 shotgun at Loeffler's Guns Etc. 

Thinking about buying a gun online but never done so before?

Well, you're in luck! Guns.com can sell you a gun online, but there are still procedures to endure (they vary by state, by the way).

I bought my Winchester Model 12 shotgun through Guns.com last year. I had them send it to my favored FFL dealer in Grants, New Mexico, Loeffler's Guns Etc. After it arrived, I went there, went through the background check and walked out with my shotgun.

Guns.com has a page explaining the process.

They begin it with:

Buying a gun online is not only easy and convenient, but it's also safe and legal in all 50 states. While the process is a little different than walking into your local gun store, you’ll still have to pass a background check for your new purchase. If it’s your first time buying a gun online, you may be wondering what to expect and how mandatory gun background checks work when you buy online. 

Buying a firearm from Guns.com is actually better than walking into your local gun store and browsing the current stock. We’re not limited by storefront size, so it’s more efficient to browse our virtually unlimited inventory from the comfort of your own home (or office – don’t worry, we won’t tell the boss). The background check process is the same once you purchase a firearm or win one in an auction. Here’s how to complete it, step by step. 

To read more, go here. 

Court Strikes Down CA Ammo Background Check Law

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down California's law requiring a background check for ammunition purchases, ruling that the law violated the Second Amendment.

CalMatters reported:

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down California’s first-in-the-nation law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases, another blow to the state’s gun control framework that has been pared down, case by case, since the U.S. Supreme Court dramatically expanded gun rights in a monumental 2022 decision. 

The California law that forced ammunition purchasers to pass a background check was passed by voters in 2016. Gov. Gavin Newsom, at the time the state’s lieutenant governor, championed the initiative and was its primary advocate. 

In 2018, before the law went into effect, a group of gun rights advocates and ammunition vendors sued to block the law. 

To read more, go here. 

AG Nominee Pam Bondi and the 2nd Amendment

Pam Bondi, President-Elect Trump's pick for attorney general, has a mixed record on gun rights. That has caused concern with Second Amendment groups.

The Reload has posted an article on her confirmation hearings in the U.S. Senate and her stance on the Second Amendment.

The article begins with:

President-elect Donald Trump’s Attorney General nominee defended her record on gun policy during her confirmation hearing.

On Wednesday, Pam Bondi told the Senate she stood by her record on guns. When Senator Alex Padilla (D., Calif.) questioned her, Bondi emphasized that she has “always been pro-Second Amendment.” However, she also said she’d follow applicable laws.

“I am an advocate for the Second Amendment, but I will enforce the laws of the land,” Bondi said.

When Senator Padilla asked if she’d support raising the minimum age for firearm purchases, implementing “Red Flag” laws, and passing universal background checks, she didn’t commit one way or the other. Instead, she offered to follow up with him after the hearing.

“I would be glad to meet with you and review any legislation you have, Senator,” Bondi responded.

To read more, go here. 

Illegal Aliens Have Second Amendment Rights, Judge Rules

The world is getting crazier and crazier.

A judge appointed by Barack Obama in Illinois ruled that illegal aliens have Second Amendment rights like U.S. Citizens. 

Since we all have to go through a background check when purchasing a firearm, how will illegals be checked for criminal histories? Does our system have access to criminal records of foreign countries?

Newsweek reported:

A judge this month dropped gun charges against an illegal migrant in Illinois, sparking further debate about the rights associated with the Second Amendment.

U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Coleman of the Northern District of Illinois referenced lower court rulings in dismissing firearm possession charges against Heriberto Carbajal-Flores, who was illegally or unlawfully in the United States when he possessed a handgun in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago on June 1, 2020.

"The Court finds that Carbajal-Flores' criminal record, containing no improper use of a weapon, as well as the non-violent circumstances of his arrest do not support a finding that he poses a risk to public safety such that he cannot be trusted to use a weapon responsibly and should be deprived of his Second Amendment right to bear arms in self-defense," Coleman, who was appointed under President Barack Obama, wrote in her eight-page ruling filed March 8.

To read more, go here. 

California Ammo Background Checks Tossed By Federal Judge

2024 is starting out good for California gun owners.

A federal judge has ruled that Californians don't need to pay for and pass a background check every time they buy ammunition.

According to KRCR News:

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California residents don't have to pay for and pass a background check every time they buy bullets, a federal judge has ruled.

The Tuesday ruling by U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez took effect immediately. California Attorney General Rob Bonta asked Benitez on Wednesday to delay the ruling to give him time to appeal the decision. It's unclear if Benitez will grant that request.

Many states, including California, make people pass a background check before they can buy a gun. California goes a step further by making people pass a background check, which cost either $1 or $19 depending on eligibility, every time they buy bullets. A few other states also require background checks for buying ammunition, but most let people buy a license that is good for a few years.

Benitez said California's law violates the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution because if people can't buy bullets for their guns, they can't use their guns for self-defense. He criticized the state's automated background check system, which he said rejected about 11% of applicants, or 58,087 requests, in the first half of 2023.

To read more, go here. 

Background Checks On RVers By Campgrounds, RV Parks

Here's something I've never heard of before: Background checks on RVers by campgrounds and RV parks.

Apparently, this practice has been going on for a bit. It is particularly more frequent for RVers for extended stays (such as snowbirds).

RV Travel has posted an article on this.

They begin it with:

“Can you believe it?!” Robin searched the faces of folks gathered around the campfire. “It will cost me twenty dollars for the Florida campground to run a background check on me! Whoever heard of a ridiculous background check for camping!” Have you heard of RV parks performing background checks?

It was something new to my husband and me. But other folks around the fire acknowledged they’d also experienced this phenomenon during their travels. “It’s pretty common,” Jake said. “Especially if you plan to stay for an extended period of time.”

“I don’t blame campgrounds,” Mike added. “We’ve camped in places where I kinda’ wished they’d have run background checks on some of my neighbors!” He chuckled and indicated the three families who were caravanning with him.

The conversation got me thinking: When did campgrounds begin the practice of running background checks for potential campers? Why do campgrounds do it? Do campgrounds ever refuse folks based on the outcome of these checks? What kind of personal information must a camper provide for the check? How can I trust that my information will not be compromised?

 To read more, go here.