How to Buy Firearms Online
Buying a firearm online is legal when handled through the proper transfer process. Raven Rock Armory helps customers understand firearm purchases, FFL transfers, state restrictions, frames, receivers, firearm kits, NFA / SOT regulated items, and customer responsibilities when ordering online.
Firearms purchased online generally cannot ship directly to your home. In most cases, they must ship to a valid Federal Firearms License holder, commonly called an FFL dealer, for final transfer.
Can You Buy a Firearm Online?
Yes. Firearms may be purchased online, but they must be transferred through the proper licensed process. In most cases, the firearm ships to a valid FFL dealer, and the receiving dealer completes the final transfer before the firearm can be released to the buyer.
Raven Rock Armory only processes firearm orders in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. All firearm orders are conditional until required information is received, verified, and approved for shipment.
How the Online Firearm Purchase Process Works
1. Place Your Order
Select the firearm or FFL-regulated item and complete checkout through Raven Rock Armory.
2. Provide FFL Information
Enter or provide the receiving FFL dealer’s information during checkout or when requested after checkout.
3. FFL Verification
Raven Rock Armory verifies the receiving FFL dealer before the firearm is shipped.
4. Final Transfer at Dealer
The receiving FFL completes the final transfer process before releasing the firearm to the buyer.
Information Needed at Checkout
When purchasing a firearm from Raven Rock Armory, the information needed to begin and complete the order can be provided during checkout. This may include the buyer’s contact information, billing and shipping details, and the receiving FFL dealer information.
If the receiving FFL dealer is not selected or provided during checkout, Raven Rock Armory may contact the customer after the order is placed to request the required dealer information before shipment can proceed.
Common FFL Information Needed
- Receiving FFL dealer name
- FFL dealer address
- FFL dealer phone number or email address
- FFL license copy, if not already on file or available for verification
- Customer name and order number so the receiving dealer can match the shipment correctly
Final Transfer Requirements
The final firearm transfer, federal paperwork, background check, waiting period, or other state-required steps are completed by the receiving FFL dealer before the firearm is released to the customer.
Learn About FFL TransfersState and Local Restrictions
Online firearm purchases are commonly allowed when the firearm is shipped to a valid FFL dealer and the buyer is legally allowed to receive the firearm. However, many states, cities, and local jurisdictions restrict certain firearms, magazines, ammunition, firearm parts, NFA items, or specific product configurations.
Some products may not be legal to ship to certain locations even if they are legal in Montana. Customers are responsible for understanding the laws that apply in their state, county, city, and local jurisdiction.
Common Restriction Areas
- Magazine capacity limits
- Assault weapon or restricted-feature firearm laws
- Handgun roster or approved-firearm requirements
- Waiting periods or permit-to-purchase requirements
- Ammunition shipping restrictions
- Age restrictions that differ from federal minimums
- NFA item restrictions, including suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, destructive devices, and other regulated items
Frames, Receivers, Firearm Kits & ATF Rule 2021R-05F
ATF Rule 2021R-05F updated federal firearm regulations related to frames, receivers, firearm kits, privately made firearms, marking requirements, and FFL recordkeeping. For customers, the practical takeaway is that some items that may look like unfinished parts, kits, receivers, or build components may still be treated as firearms or regulated items depending on the item and how it is classified.
Frames, receivers, serialized components, certain firearm kits, and some build-related products may require shipment to a valid Federal Firearms License holder. Raven Rock Armory will not ship firearms or FFL-regulated items directly to a customer’s home when an FFL transfer is required.
Customers are responsible for confirming that any firearm, frame, receiver, kit, part, magazine, ammunition, or regulated accessory can be legally purchased, shipped, transferred, and possessed in their state or local jurisdiction.
Frames & Receivers
Regulated frames, receivers, lowers, and serialized components may require FFL transfer handling.
Firearm Kits
Some kits or combinations of parts may be regulated depending on classification, configuration, and transfer requirements.
FFL Transfer Required
If an item is classified as a firearm or regulated receiver, it must ship to a valid receiving FFL.
Orders That May Require Extra Review
Orders shipping to states or jurisdictions with additional firearm restrictions may require extra review before shipment. These may include, but are not limited to, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and any city, county, or municipality with additional local restrictions.
This list is not a complete legal guide and may change at any time. Raven Rock Armory reserves the right to cancel, hold, or request additional information for any order that may not comply with applicable federal, state, or local law.
NFA / SOT Regulated Products
Certain products are regulated under the National Firearms Act, commonly referred to as NFA items. These may include suppressors, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, machine guns, destructive devices, and any other weapons classified under the NFA.
NFA items require additional approval and transfer steps before the customer may take possession. Depending on the item and transaction, this may involve a qualified SOT dealer, ATF transfer paperwork, fingerprints, photographs, trust or individual information, tax payment where applicable, and ATF approval before final transfer.
Important NFA / SOT Notice
NFA and SOT regulated products cannot be transferred directly to the customer until all required federal, state, and local transfer requirements have been completed and approved. Some states and jurisdictions prohibit or restrict ownership of certain NFA items. The customer is responsible for knowing and following all laws that apply in their state and local area.
Customer Responsibility
By placing an order with Raven Rock Armory, the customer confirms that they are legally allowed to purchase, own, and receive the product ordered. The customer is responsible for understanding and following all federal, state, county, city, and local laws that apply to their purchase.
Raven Rock Armory may request additional information, require FFL verification, hold an order for compliance review, or cancel an order if the product cannot be legally shipped or transferred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a firearm purchased online be shipped directly to my home?
In most cases, no. Firearms purchased online must be shipped to a valid FFL dealer, where the final transfer process is completed.
Can I provide my FFL dealer information during checkout?
Yes. Raven Rock Armory provides the required checkout area for firearm purchase and FFL transfer information. If additional information is needed, we may contact you after the order is placed.
What happens if my state does not allow the firearm I ordered?
If the firearm, magazine, ammunition, accessory, receiver, kit, or regulated item cannot legally be shipped or transferred to your location, the order may be held, changed, or canceled.
Do frames and receivers require an FFL transfer?
Many frames, receivers, lowers, and serialized firearm components are treated as firearms and require shipment to a valid receiving FFL dealer.
Do NFA items require extra paperwork?
Yes. NFA items require additional transfer steps and approval before the customer may take possession. These items may also be restricted or prohibited in certain states or local areas.
Can firearms and ammunition ship together?
No. Firearms and ammunition generally cannot ship in the same package and may require separate shipments, separate tracking, and separate shipping charges.
Does Raven Rock Armory provide legal advice?
No. This page is for general customer information only and is not legal advice. Customers should review their own state and local laws or speak with a qualified legal professional if they have questions about legality.
Helpful Raven Rock Armory Pages
Questions Before Ordering?
If you are unsure whether a firearm, frame, receiver, kit, accessory, ammunition, magazine, or NFA / SOT regulated item can be shipped to your location, contact Raven Rock Armory before placing your order.
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