People purchase firearms for many reasons. According to Statista, about 42% of U.S. families own one or more firearms. These are primarily used for hunting or self-protection. Some firearms are used for recreational marksmanship or target practice as well. If you're considering buying local firearms, there are four important steps to keep in mind for doing that safely and legally.

There Are Legal Requirements

First, you need to get acquainted with the legal requirements in PA to purchase a firearm. Our team has extensive knowledge of the requirements for gun ownership, including the following. You must be at least 18 years old to purchase. You must be free of any type of violent crime convictions as well. Undocumented immigrants cannot own guns, and those declared mentally ill by the court can also not own guns. Other people who cannot qualify to purchase a gun legally include drug addicts, habitual drunkards, fugitives from justice, or anyone convicted of three separate DUI charges in a five-year span. This includes those who are under active protection from abuse orders. If none of these apply to you, then you can purchase a gun.

Local Gun Stores Sell Firearms

If you're cleared for purchase, then you'll want to visit a licensed PA gun store. We've seen that there are many federally licensed firearms dealers in the state. These shops are run by knowledgeable professionals who can help you select the right firearm for your particular needs. You should take your time selecting a gun because it's a big purchase, and you want to make sure you're happy with your choice.

There's an Application Process

Once you've made your selection, you'll need to fill out an application to purchase the gun. This application will collect basic information and check your criminal and mental health background. This application will be run on your behalf to validate your answers.

A Background Check Is Necessary

The information you provided on the application will be put into the state system, and a background check will be performed to verify your information. In our experience, if you pass this step and are legally cleared for purchase, you'll pay a $20 to $30 background check fee. From there, you can complete your purchase.

At first glance, it may seem like a lot of steps to take, but these safeguards are in place for the protection of everyone in PA. If you're interested in purchasing local firearms, please give Pocono Mountain Firearms a call today or stop by to see our inventory. We look forward to hearing from you.