How to Buy Firearms Online
Buying a firearm online can be straightforward when the order is completed through the proper licensed transfer process. Raven Rock Armory helps customers understand online firearm orders, receiving FFL requirements, regulated frames and receivers, location-based restrictions, and final transfer procedures.
A firearm purchased online generally ships to a valid Federal Firearms License holder rather than directly to the customer. The receiving FFL completes the required paperwork, identification review, background-check process, and final transfer.
Can You Buy a Firearm Online?
Yes. A customer may order an eligible firearm online, but the firearm generally must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer for the final transfer. The receiving dealer will verify identification, complete the required transfer documents, conduct or initiate the applicable background-check process, and confirm that the transfer may legally be completed.
All Raven Rock Armory firearm orders remain subject to product availability, payment verification, receiving-FFL verification, applicable laws, shipping restrictions, and final approval for fulfillment.
How the Online Firearm Purchase Process Works
1. Select the Firearm
Choose the firearm you want and carefully review its manufacturer, model, caliber, finish, capacity, configuration, and product details.
2. Place the Order
Complete checkout using accurate customer, billing, contact, and payment information.
3. Select a Receiving FFL
Choose the licensed dealer that will receive the firearm and complete the final transfer.
4. FFL Verification
Raven Rock Armory verifies the receiving dealer’s license information before releasing the firearm for shipment.
5. Inspect at the Dealer
Inspect the firearm at the receiving FFL before accepting it or completing the final transfer.
6. Complete the Transfer
Complete the required identification review, paperwork, background-check process, waiting period, permit requirement, or other applicable transfer steps.
Receiving FFL Information
The receiving FFL information may be selected during checkout or provided after the order is placed. A firearm cannot be released for shipment until the required dealer information has been received and verified.
Contact the receiving dealer before placing the order. Confirm that the dealer is willing to accept the shipment, verify its transfer fee, and ask whether it has any additional procedures or restrictions.
Common FFL Information Needed
- Receiving dealer’s business name
- Dealer address
- Dealer phone number or email address
- FFL license copy or verifiable license information
- Customer name and Raven Rock Armory order number
Receiving Dealer Fees
The receiving FFL may charge a separate transfer fee, background-check fee, storage fee, compliance fee, or other locally applicable charge.
These fees are determined by the receiving dealer and are separate from the Raven Rock Armory order total.
Inspect the Firearm Before Transfer
Inspect the firearm at the receiving FFL before completing the transfer. Verify the manufacturer, model, caliber, finish, barrel length, condition, serialized item, and included accessories.
Do not complete the transfer if the firearm is incorrect, visibly damaged, or materially different from the firearm ordered. Ask the receiving dealer to retain the firearm and contact Raven Rock Armory before accepting it.
After a firearm has been transferred to the customer, the sale is generally final. Mechanical or manufacturing issues discovered after transfer are typically handled through the manufacturer’s warranty or service process.
State and Local Restrictions
Firearm, ammunition, magazine, receiver, accessory, and transfer laws vary by state and local jurisdiction. A product that is lawful in Montana may be restricted or prohibited in another location.
Customers are responsible for confirming that every product in their order can be legally purchased, shipped, transferred, possessed, and used in the destination jurisdiction.
Restrictions May Include
- Magazine-capacity limits
- Restricted firearm types or configurations
- Feature-based firearm restrictions
- Approved-firearm or handgun-roster requirements
- Permits, waiting periods, or purchase authorizations
- Ammunition sales or shipping requirements
- Age requirements that differ by product or jurisdiction
- NFA-product restrictions
- Local city, county, or municipal restrictions
Orders That Require Additional Review
Orders shipping to jurisdictions with additional firearm, magazine, ammunition, receiver, or accessory restrictions may require manual review before fulfillment.
Raven Rock Armory may request additional information, consult the receiving FFL, remove a restricted item, hold the order, or cancel an order that cannot be confidently or legally completed. Laws and restrictions can change, so any examples provided on this website should not be treated as a complete legal guide.
Frames, Receivers and Serialized Components
A firearm frame or receiver, serialized lower receiver, and other item classified as a firearm under federal law must be handled and shipped according to the applicable firearm-transfer requirements.
An item’s appearance or product name does not by itself determine whether it is regulated. Classification may depend on its design, stage of manufacture, included components, configuration, and applicable federal requirements.
Raven Rock Armory will ship an item classified as a firearm only to an eligible and verified receiving FFL unless another method is specifically permitted by law.
Frames and Receivers
Regulated frames, receivers, and serialized lower receivers generally require licensed transfer handling.
Parts and Kits
The regulatory status of parts, kits, and combinations of components depends on their classification and configuration.
FFL Verification
When an item requires an FFL transfer, receiving-dealer information must be verified before shipment.
NFA-Regulated Products
Products regulated under the National Firearms Act require additional transfer procedures. Depending on the classification, these products may include suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, machine guns, destructive devices, and certain other regulated weapons.
An NFA transfer may require an eligible receiving dealer, the appropriate ATF application, applicant information, fingerprints, photographs, payment of an applicable tax, and ATF approval before the item can be transferred to the customer.
Contact the Receiving Dealer First
Before ordering an NFA-regulated product, confirm that the receiving dealer is properly qualified to receive and process the item. Also confirm that the product may legally be transferred and possessed in your state and local jurisdiction.
Shipping Firearms and Other Products
Firearms, ammunition, hazardous materials, oversized products, and accessories may ship from different warehouses or through different carriers. An order may therefore arrive in multiple packages with separate tracking numbers and delivery dates.
Firearms and ammunition are often fulfilled separately because of carrier, packaging, warehouse, or regulatory requirements. Separate shipping charges may apply.
Customer Responsibility
By placing an order, the customer represents that they are legally eligible to purchase and receive the products ordered. The customer is responsible for providing accurate information and complying with all laws that apply to the transaction and destination.
Raven Rock Armory does not provide legal advice and cannot guarantee that every product is lawful in every jurisdiction. Customers should consult the receiving FFL or a qualified legal professional when they have questions about local legality.
An order may be delayed, modified, or canceled when required information is missing, the receiving FFL cannot be verified, the product is restricted, or the transaction cannot legally be completed.
Delayed, Denied, or Uncompleted Transfers
A delayed, denied, canceled, or otherwise uncompleted transfer does not automatically qualify the customer for a full refund. Firearms, special orders, shipping charges, transfer fees, return shipping, supplier charges, restocking fees, and administrative costs may be non-refundable or deducted from an approved refund.
The customer should review Raven Rock Armory’s Shipping & Returns policy and the receiving dealer’s policies before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an online firearm order ship to my home?
Generally, a firearm purchased online must be shipped to an eligible FFL dealer for the final transfer rather than directly to the customer.
Should I contact my receiving FFL first?
Yes. Confirm that the dealer will accept the shipment, verify its fee, and ask about any local requirements before ordering.
What if the firearm is damaged or incorrect?
Do not complete the transfer. Ask the dealer to retain the firearm and contact Raven Rock Armory for instructions.
Do frames and receivers require an FFL?
A frame, receiver, serialized lower, or other item classified as a firearm must be handled according to the applicable licensed-transfer requirements.
Do NFA products require additional approval?
Yes. NFA-regulated products require additional procedures and applicable ATF approval before transfer to the customer.
Can an order arrive in multiple shipments?
Yes. Products may ship separately from different warehouses and may have different tracking numbers, delivery dates, and shipping charges.
Helpful Raven Rock Armory Pages
Questions Before Ordering?
Contact Raven Rock Armory before ordering when you have questions about the online purchase process, receiving FFL information, product classification, shipping, or transfer requirements.
Shop Firearms FFL Transfer Information