Even though there are deals to be had, many hesitate when it comes to purchasing used guns from a pawn shop.
Buyers worried about the legality of the used guns in pawn shops should keep in mind that those businesses are subject to the same laws as regular firearm dealers. As long as they are following the rules, buyers should be able to move forward with confidence.
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Used gun sales in pawn shops are mostly regulated by state laws, but there are some federal statutes that apply. An important factor to consider about used guns purchased in these stores is that most states require pawn brokers to keep detailed records of their transactions. This is going to include who sold the gun to the shop, as well as serial and model numbers for items they sell. In some states, those records have to be turned over to police to check for stolen merchandise.
It is to the advantage of the a shop to identify any potentially illegal weapons.
According to the National Pawnbrokers Association, among the laws that regulate the pawn industry is the U.S. Patriot Act and the Bank Secrecy Act, which require pawn brokers to report any suspicious activity relating to firearms.
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The U.S. Patriot Act also requires a valid ID — and potentially a fingerprint — for gun sellers to do business with a pawn shop. That reduces the likelihood buyers are going to run into an illegal gun at these kinds of businesses.
In order to handle guns at all, a pawn shop has to be a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL). If you are concerned about the operation, ask to see their license.
Pawn shops will be required to do a background check on you before you purchase.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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