The procedure for purchasing a firearm in Michigan depends on whether you want a pistol or a rifle. The one to get a gun is a bit longer, although it varies according to the case. Below you will find outlined the procedure for purchasing a firearm, which also includes the changes made to the relevant laws in December 2012.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Buying a Pistol
Step 1. You must meet the age requirements
- You must be at least 18 years old to buy a pistol from a private seller. However, you cannot purchase it from an authorized store.
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You must be at least 21 years old to buy a handgun at a federal firearms licensed store.
Only those who reside in Michigan can buy a gun in Michigan
Step 2. Obtain a Purchase Permit if you do not intend to buy at a Federal Firearm Licensed dealer (FFL dealer or Federal Firearm Licensed dealer)
If you purchase from someone else, you will need the permit, which is also called license to purchase a pistol or LTP. It is valid for 30 days from 18 December 2012.
- Complete the request for the purchase of a gun from the local law enforcement agencies. If you live in the city, go to the police station. If you live in rural areas or outside the borough, go to your county sheriff's department.
- Bring a valid identification document with you. You must present yourself to the police with a valid identity card showing your photograph.
Step 3. Pass the background check
It's not that invasive. We will check to see if you are mentally stable or if there is any restraining order against you. It generally lasts 24 hours. This generally takes 24 hours.
- Take an oath before a notary. You must be sworn to abide by applicable federal laws and Michigan State laws to become the owner of a gun. The laws regulate numerous circumstances that prohibit the applicant from receiving a purchase permit. You can see the full list at the Michigan State Police website at www.michigan.gov/msp.
- Like last year - just for the record - the Basic Pistol Safety Questionnaire is no longer given.
Step 4. Collect the approved purchase permit at the police station
You can usually withdraw the permit the day after applying. The police can only deny you this if you have been convicted of a crime or if you have demonstrated a history of violent or mentally unstable behavior.
You will also receive a PSR - Pistol Sales Record in triplicate. One will be for you, another for the police and another for the seller. Don't lose them
Step 5. If you intend to buy the weapon from an FFL, get a PSR
The store identification number will need to appear on the PSR as well as information about your person and the gun you have chosen. You must send the copy of the PSR intended for the police in complete form to the nearest law enforcement agencies.
This applies to those who buy from both a private seller and a federally licensed firearms shop. The only difference is that if you buy from a private seller without any permission, the PSR will be given to you later. If not, go to your local police station and request a form to fill out the PSR in triplicate
Step 6. Use the purchase permit and PSR to buy a gun in Michigan
The permit will be valid for 30 days, but you must complete it within 10 days of purchase. When you buy the gun, take the form with you to fill it out.
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Make sure both you and the gun dealer sign the permit and the PSR. You will have to do this at the time of purchase. The shopkeeper will keep a copy of each of the two documents.
Keep a signed copy of the purchase permit and the PSR in your documentation
Step 7. Return a copy of the PSR (and permit, if required) to the local law enforcement agencies
Your information will be entered into their database. Their copy will then be sent to the following address (and you will be finished!):
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Firearms Records Unit
Michigan State Police
PO Box 30634
Lansing, MI
48909-0634
Method 2 of 2: Buying a Shotgun
Step 1. You must meet the age requirements
Since rifles are not frequently used to commit the most serious criminal offenses (try to hide them in the belt), they are actually easier to obtain. You can be younger and no permission is needed.
- See you are at least 16 years old to buy a rifle from a private seller.
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You must be at least 18 years old to buy a rifle from a federal firearms licensed store.
Non-residents cannot buy a rifle in Michigan, while residents can also buy one in another state
Step 2. Pass the background check if required
You will not be able to buy a shotgun if, despite following the inspection procedure, the ban is due to previous episodes of mental health not considered suitable or to a criminal record. If you don't have a permit to carry a gun, you may need to use other methods. However, they will be at the merchant's discretion.
You will probably find it surprising the lack of strict regulation, at least compared to that in place for handguns. The reason is that rifles are very difficult to conceal, are not frequently used to commit crimes and are not cheap weapons
Step 3. Buy a shotgun
It is best to do this by following the legal path, which is by buying it at a shop with federal authorization for the sale of firearms. However, there are also gun shows organized by individuals and tons of websites that have a wide choice.
Advice
- It is not necessary to return the pistol to the police for safety inspection.
- A purchase permit is not required to buy a rifle.
- A purchase permit is not required if you already have a Michigan permit to carry a concealed handgun. You will only need to obtain the Pistol Sales Record which can be found on the Michigan State Police website at www.michigan.gov/msp.
