First weapon purchase. Need a license?

[G36Kilo]

Im looking to purchase my first weapon witch will be a side arm. Do I just buy from a dealer and have it registered or Do i need a license first? I know I need a license for concealment but just for open carry, Im not sure.

[allingeneral]

Hi Kilo - Welcome aboard!

No, you don't need a license to purchase a sidearm. You just need to fill out the Firearm transfer form (ATF Form 4473) and pass a 2-minute NICS background check.

Here's the basic form/questionnaire. Right click and "View Image" to view full-size (readable)

[zephyp]

Hi Kilo, ditto what Rick said and there is no need to register your sidearm here in VA. It is not required by any law.

[G36Kilo]

Thanks guys

[herohog]

Just FYI: There is no Federal regulation requiring a license to purchase any gun. You DO need to fill out form 4473 as stated before for guns purchased from a Federally Licensed gun dealer. Private sales of guns between to US citizens does not require that you have the background check and there is no need for the 4473 either. However, on a private sell, you DO need to follow all applicable laws both State and Federal but that basically boils down to making sure the buyer is a legal US citizen and is not a convicted felon and is of legal age (18 for long guns and 21 for hand guns). You can buy Fully automatic weapons after you pass several background checks and pay $200 for a Tax Stamp as well as getting the approval of the local Law Enforcement Official. There are a few more minor rules regarding storage etc. but this is just enough info. to get your feet wet so to speak).

I hope this helps and please don't hesitate to ask for help if you have any more questions. I Highly recommend you join the VCDL and look over all the info available on their web site.

[Bobtail1911]

What kind of handgun are you looking for?
Revolver or automatic?

[gregj]

As stated, no license or registration needed. But IIRC, you will need 2 forms of id showing the same address, such as a Va DL and a voter registration card. Show these, fill the form, then go to the range.

[G36Kilo]

Thank you so much guys. Planed on buying a high point 40 SW. Im probably going to catch flack for this but I read online and it seems the only people who give negative comments are those who are speculating.

One problem for me. I moved back here to va and I havnt changed my license back to va (currently is PA license) and probably I dont have anything showing my current address except pay stub. Man i was planning on buying this weekend, im dooooom.


I dont like revolvers. Im going to pretend this highpoint is a glock until I can make the move on one how ever id prolly buy an ar variant before investing on another side arm. Most likely armalite.

Thanks again so much guys.

[gregj]

Dont let folks get to you. I have a Hi Point C9, and I enjoy shooting it, almost as much as I do my Sigs (almost). After I polished the feed ramp and got the mag lips adjusted, there have been no failures of any kind. I bought mine for the same reasons many folks do, wanted to wade into the semi-auto waters without having to drop a lot of coin. I dont regret getting it, and doubt I'll ever sell it. It's not the best looking firearms out there, but it's not the worst looking either. Besides, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and as long as I beholding it, it's been pretty reliable and accurate.

If you want to know more about the Hi Point, check this forum out.

http://www.hipointfirearmsforums.com/Forum/

[herohog]

I have a 1911 semi-auto and several others including an AutoMag and I bought a C9 Hi-Point. I have owned these before back when I had my FFL and I sold a ton of them. My customers and I never had any issues with them. When they came back around again, I bought one because, at the time, I didn't have anything in 9mm (9x19) yet I had plenty of 9mm ammo and reloading dies and brass for one. Not long after I bought it, in fact, a week later, I bought a Kel-Tec P-11 9mm. It too is considered a cheap gun but "better" than the Hi-Point. I got it because it was small, and like the Hi-Point, it was affordable and reliable with a factory warranty that simply can't be beat!

I am buying a Beretta 9mm here soon but it

[G36Kilo]

You know, I figured all the reports I were seeing about hi point were mostly BS on the grounds of no experience. Thanks guys for confirming that.

[cwats04]

i have seen problems with Hi-points first hand and am not speculating
now granted every brand will have a problem with one or two guns out of thousands which this very well could be.
my friend bought one and had nothing but feed problems FTF and FTE along with FTF

the gun would fire 2 rounds and on the 3rd would not feed. and yes i changed the mags so i know it was not that. on other mags it would do it randomly atlest 2 times per mag. even tried it with mags from another hipoint that worked and it didnt help. tried different ammo but nothing.

while they are cheap and serve the purpose,as the first rule about a gun fight is have a gun, shop around you never know what you will find for sale. you can find some used guns that are in good shape and wont be much more.
i bought a used PA-63 for $150 and it shoots great and i trust it with my life