People who are looking for cheap handguns for sale need to know the laws regulating handguns in their state. Cheap isn't always best, especially when it comes to purchasing firearms.
Handgun Laws and Regulations
Before you head out to purchase a handgun, you should be aware of the laws and regulations that accompany such a purchase. Federal, state and local laws all regulate handgun purchases, from private sales to dealers to wholesale. If you have previously purchased handguns, you are probably aware of the laws.
However, if you are new to gun ownership, you will need to make sure you follow the laws. If you are not currently a licensed gun owner, you will likely be subject to the Brady Law, which requires a background check and waiting period before obtaining a handgun.
Federal Laws
A breakdown of federal laws regarding gun ownership and sales are written into U.S. Code, which can be accessed at Cornell University Law School. Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 44-Firearms and Title 26, Subtitle E, Chapter 53-Machine Guns, Destructive Devices and Certain Other Firearms are the two main sections regulating guns.
If you're confused by the Codes or need to find an answer quickly, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms has a page on laws and code that covers a number of issues in an outline format.
State and Local Laws
Although the federal government does have several laws on the books regarding handguns, state and local governments can use their authority to create laws that further regulate the sale and purchase of handguns. Some websites offer helpful links to information complied about state laws, but the information may be incorrectly interpreted or out-of-date. Visit your official state government's website to check on any statues and laws regarding handguns. Another great source of information regarding federal, state and local laws is your police department. They can assist you in filling out proper permit forms, if needed, and give you information on purchasing, carrying and using guns lawfully.
Find Cheap Handguns for Sale
Typically, handguns are purchased through these venues:
- Gun shops or licensed dealers
- Sporting goods stores
- Gun shows
- Pawnshops
To get the best deal, research the market value of any handgun you want to purchase. This gives you negotiating power. Trading in a firearm can also lower the cost of a new one.
Buying Used Handguns
Buying a used cheap handgun for sale is another way to cut costs of owning a gun. During the purchase of a used handgun, be aware of the following things:
- Is the serial number intact? If not, this could be a gun that was obtained illegally.
- Does the dealer have a license if it's required in your state?
- Are all the firing mechanisms on the gun intact? Does the gun have any surface flaws that would lower the price further?
Buying Collector Handguns
You may decide you want to buy a handgun to keep as part of a collection of guns or as part of a historical collection. Purchasing collector and relic handguns is often expensive, and a permit may be required. Check with your local law enforcement agencies to learn more. Money saving tips for handguns will usually not apply when it comes to buying collector's pieces, because they are often limited in supply and in high demand. In these cases, your negotiation skills will be crucial to lowering the price of the handgun. If you are looking for a particular gun, do a quick Internet search to find current selling prices through listings in your local newspaper or craigslist.com. A call to a local dealer can also help you find out a reasonable price range for purchasing a collector's piece. The key to negotiating is to be ready to walk away from the sale, no matter how badly you want to purchase the item.
As with any sale, be sure to get a receipt for your cheap handgun purchase, especially if it was a private sale. Avoid legal complications by purchasing cheap handguns for sale from legal sources, obtaining the proper permits needed and following gun laws in your state. Even if you do not agree with the gun laws on the books, you must follow them to avoid prosecution.
