We have the right to own guns here in the US, and it’s exciting. But, sadly, we’ve got to worry about keeping some people away from guns because they do bad things with them. Some of us can’t wait to buy a gun, but have you ever wondered what the laws are behind purchasing and owning a gun?
Guns can be used in many positive ways, but there is also a negative side. It isn’t the gun killing people; it is the person behind the gun! If our right to bear arms got taken from us law-abiding citizens, the bad people out there would still continue to own and purchase guns illegally, and they would be able to overpower the rest of us easily.
What Do I Need To Buy a Gun?
Buying a gun isn’t as easy as many people think; you have to know the conditions. The conditions and requirements are different depending on the type of gun you purchase, such as a handgun, rifle, shotgun, or black powder. Take black powder guns for example; there is no background check required; you simply need to be 18 years old or older with a proper photo ID.
Below is a list of all the requirements you’ll need to meet when purchasing a rifle, shotgun, or handgun.
Regulations For Handguns
- Must be 21 years of age or older
- Valid ID
- Utah resident
- Must pass a background check
Regulations For Rifles and Shotguns
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Valid ID
- Can be a resident of any state as long as you comply with the laws of your residential state, such as firearm and/or magazine capacity restrictions, etc.
- Must pass a background check
But, restrictions aren’t just for guns. There are individual requirements for purchasing guns and ammo; you must be at least 18 years old to buy any rifle or shotgun ammo and 21 years old or older to purchase ammunition for a handgun.
What is a Concealed Firearms Permit?
A concealed firearm permit allows the holder of the permit to carry a gun; to get one, you have to be at least 18 years of age and pass a background check. Utah recently passed a law that allows anyone 21 years of age or older to conceal and carry a firearm without a permit; you will still need a permit if you are between 18 and 20 years old. Once you have your concealed firearms permit, you will be able to carry and conceal your gun in Utah legally.
Used vs. New Guns
There isn’t any difference when purchasing a used vs. new gun. You still have to pass a background check unless it is a private party sale. For a private party sale to take place, you will need a bill of sale, valid ID, and be 18 years old for a rifle or shotgun and 21 years old for a handgun. The same paperwork is required when buying a new gun. The only true difference will lie in whether you aim to buy a brand new gun or a used gun. A used gun has the potential to save you money, but beyond that, you’ve got to decide for yourself!
How Long Does a Background Check Take?
A background check can take a couple of minutes to a couple of months. Occasionally a background check may take a little longer if you have a common first and last name. Your background check results will depend on your record, if you are a felon or have any criminal charges, etc. Once you get the results, you’ll know whether you can buy a gun or legally can’t; there are no ifs, ands, or buts. It can be a waiting process, but you should be cleared relatively fast if you have a clean record.
It’s important to remember that making more restrictions is not the answer to stopping shootings. We have regulations, and they keep bad people away from buying guns. Bad people who already buy guns undermining our current laws will always have guns and won’t be stopped by more laws they’re already breaking. Sadly, you can’t control that; it’s just like drugs. You can catch them one at a time, but not all at once! Guns aren’t killing people; it is whoever is pulling the trigger; the gun doesn’t have a mind of its own!
