Articles
Plain-language explainers on how firearm purchases actually work, from transfers to paperwork and everything in between.
- Buying a Firearm
How to Legally Sell a Firearm You Own
How to sell a gun you own the right way: who you can legally sell to, when a sale has to go through an FFL, what records to keep, and the mistakes that create real legal risk.
Read article → - Buying a Firearm
What Is a Straw Purchase and Why It Matters
A straw purchase is buying a gun for someone who cannot legally have one, or hiding the real buyer. Here is what makes it a federal crime, how it happens by accident, and how to stay clear of it.
Read article → - Buying a Firearm
What Is the National Firearms Act (NFA)?
A plain-language guide to the National Firearms Act: what it regulates, including suppressors and short-barreled rifles, what the tax stamp now costs after the change that took effect in January 2026, and how an NFA transfer differs from buying a regular gun.
Read article → - Buying Guide
Range Bag Essentials: What Every Shooter Should Carry
A practical buyer's guide to building a range bag that has you covered. The gear that belongs in every bag, what a good version of each looks like, rough price ranges, and the cheap mistakes to skip.
Read article → - Rifles
AR-15 vs AR-10: Which Is Right for You?
The AR-15 and AR-10 look alike but do different jobs. How they compare on caliber, recoil, weight, range, and cost, and which platform fits your needs.
Read article → - Buying a Firearm
Do You Need an FFL to Buy a Lower Receiver?
Yes, a serialized lower receiver is legally a firearm and ships to an FFL with a background check. Here is why, how it works, and where unfinished receivers fit in.
Read article → - Ammunition
FMJ vs HP vs SP Ammo: What the Difference Actually Means
FMJ, hollow point, and soft point ammo explained in plain terms: how each bullet is built, what it is good for, and which one to use for range, defense, or hunting.
Read article → - Buying a Firearm
How Long Does a 4473 Take? What to Expect at the Counter
How long Form 4473 and the background check take when you buy a gun: usually a few minutes to fill out and minutes for the check, plus what causes a delay.
Read article → - Buying Online
Buying a Firearm Online: How It Actually Works
Wondering how buying a gun online works? You order online, it ships to a local dealer, you pass a background check at pickup, and take it home. Here is the flow.
Read article → - Handguns
Understanding Handgun Calibers: 9mm, .45 ACP, .380 ACP Explained
What handgun calibers actually mean and how 9mm, .45 ACP, and .380 ACP differ in recoil, capacity, and use. A plain guide to choosing the right one for you.
Read article → - Buying Online
How FFL Transfers Work When You Buy a Firearm Online
Bought a gun online? It ships to a licensed dealer near you, not your door. Here is how an FFL transfer works, step by step, and what to bring.
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