Purchasing a handgun, what can I do?

[Dparks]

I'm only 20 and I know I can't buy from a dealer, but my friend is willing to go in and buy it for me. From what I've read as long as he doesn't buy it and turn around and then sell it to me its legal. So in other words can I give him the cash and have him buy it? I've found threads on this subject, but there is never a solid answer. If you can answer my question would you mind giving me a link to where you found this information at?

 

[indoorsoccerfrea]

No. That is considered to be a straw purchase, where he is buying it with the intention of giving it to you. That is illegal. Don't buy from a dealer, meet someone you trust from INGO who has a gun you like. Face to face transfers are legal in Indiana.

 

[Fishersjohn48]

In the context of United States federal gun laws, a straw purchase is defined as any purchase from a dealer holding a Federal Firearms License where the buyer conducting the transaction is acting as a proxy for another person. The law does not distinguish between someone who is purchasing on behalf of a person who legally cannot purchase or possess a firearm, and one who is not.
In the United States, straw purchases are a felony violation of the Gun Control Act of 1968 for both the straw purchaser (who can also be charged with lying on Federal Form 4473) and the ultimate possessor. One of the questions on Form 4473 is “I am the buyer of this firearm” and the purchaser must answer honestly yes or no, by checking the appropriate box in ink. However, purchase of a firearm as a bona fide gift for someone who can legally own such a firearm is permitted.[1]
Many gun shops have jointly participated in programs (such as: “Don’t Lie For The Other Guy”) to deter such purchases.[2]

 

[indoorsoccerfrea]

I have purchased all of my handguns from INGO members, all of which I did before I was 21.

 

[MrsGungho]

your friend can not buy a gun for you. Straw purchase

find a gun you like in the ads here and buy private

 

[jgreiner]

I'm only 20 and I know I can't buy from a dealer, but my friend is willing to go in and buy it for me. From what I've read as long as he doesn't buy it and turn around and then sell it to me its legal. So in other words can I give him the cash and have him buy it? I've found threads on this subject, but there is never a solid answer. If you can answer my question would you mind giving me a link to where you found this information at?

Don't go that route, that could get you in a great deal of trouble. Which will haunt you forever.

 

[SSGSAD]

I'm only 20 and I know I can't buy from a dealer, but my friend is willing to go in and buy it for me. From what I've read as long as he doesn't buy it and turn around and then sell it to me its legal. So in other words can I give him the cash and have him buy it? I've found threads on this subject, but there is never a solid answer. If you can answer my question would you mind giving me a link to where you found this information at?

Then, I have to ask THIS question, WHAT is the diofference, between this, and him, BUYING the gun at a LATER date ????? Since it is LEGAL to purchase from a private party ?????

 

[Rookie]

Intent.

 

[BrandonHtwo0]

No. That is considered to be a straw purchase, where he is buying it with the intention of giving it to you. That is illegal. Don't buy from a dealer, meet someone you trust from INGO who has a gun you like. Face to face transfers are legal in Indiana.

This.

Handguns are great, but you dont want to get into legal trouble. The folks here on INGO always have some great pistols in the WTS section and you would be surprised at the selection and prices. You will save money over new also. I would only use the gun shop to handle some firearms and figure out what you like. Good luck on the purchase!

 

[KG1]

Since you only have 1 post how about becoming a site supporter then you can pick out a nice item from the classifieds here and hopefully make a deal with the seller.

 

[shibumiseeker]

Then, I have to ask THIS question, WHAT is the diofference, between this, and him, BUYING the gun at a LATER date ????? Since it is LEGAL to purchase from a private party ?????

Intent. And the fun part is that YOU get to prove that your intention was to buy the gun for yourself and then decided you wanted to sell it. Rail against it all you want, but that's how it is, and most people don't consider it worthwhile to risk federal charges and tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees to prove they are innocent.

Can he get away with it? Probably. But any secret two people know is at risk of not remaining a secret and the BATFE pursues these things aggressively.

And the best part is, now that he's posted this publicly, even if the friend honestly does buy a gun for himself then sells it to the OP and a charge of straw purchase is made, the OP is screwed.

 

[BE Mike]

A parent or legal guardian can purchase the pistol for you from the dealer.

 

[nucone]

I'm only 20 and I know I can't buy from a dealer, but my friend is willing to go in and buy it for me. From what I've read as long as he doesn't buy it and turn around and then sell it to me its legal. So in other words can I give him the cash and have him buy it? I've found threads on this subject, but there is never a solid answer. If you can answer my question would you mind giving me a link to where you found this information at?

So you have a friend that is willing to commit a felony to purchase a gun on your behalf? See ATF form 4473 at http://www.atf.gov/forms/download/atf-f-4473-1.pdf

 

[Dparks]

Alright, Thanks for all the information. I'll definitively look on here for the gun
I want. I appreciate all the help