In North Carolina, anyone over the age of 18 may purchase any long gun, rifle, shotgun, bow, or crossbow without a purchase permit, so long as they are not a “prohibited person”.
In order to buy any pistol in North Carolina an individual must be at least 21 years old, and must first obtain a purchase permit from the sheriff of the county in which they reside. Purchasers who hold a valid North Carolina concealed carry permit are not required to obtain a purchase permit before buying a pistol; the concealed carry permit serves as the purchase permit instead. Under federal law, there are no affirmative purchasing requirements, however, an individual may not purchase a firearm if they are a prohibited person under 18 U.S.C. 922(d).
In order to purchase any firearm from a dealer licensed by the ATF, all purchasers must complete ATF Form 4473, “Firearms Transaction Record,” and pass a background check. A copy of Form 4473 is attached to the materials for your reference. The purpose of Form 4473 is to correctly identify the purchaser and to ensure that the purchaser is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm. In order to ensure that the purchaser is not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm, Form 4473 pulls language from the text of the federal penal code in the form of a series of yes or no questions addressing the following prohibited possessors:
- A person who is under indictment for, or has been convicted in any court of, a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.
- A fugitive from justice.
- An unlawful user of, or addicted to, any controlled substances.
- A person adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution.
- An alien unlawfully in the United States.
- A person who has been dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces.
- A person who has renounced his citizenship.
- A person subject to a domestic restraining order after notice and an opportunity to be heard.
- A person who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
Generally, Form 4473 must be completed at the licensed business premises when a firearm is transferred over the counter. After the sale, the seller must make the Form 4473, and any supporting documents part of his/her permanent records. These forms must be retained for at least 20 years.
49 comments
Mark Oblinger
January 28, 2020 at 11:30 pm
I was denied on a federal background check to purchase a rifle today. I am not disqualified for any of the prohibited categories. The one possibility is a three day stint in psyc ward in va in 2012 after depression over my wife’s death. I remember little about the whole situation, but could this be the reason.? It was a short stay where some meds were adjusted and that was it. Just a regular guy who wanted to buy a 22 rifle to shoot turkeys.
rjshooklaw
February 6, 2020 at 12:16 am
Please contact our office @ 704-671-2390 so we can help.
Aphonso Jones Jr
August 25, 2020 at 8:45 pm
I need advice on your behalf on obtaining a shotgun
rjshooklaw
September 13, 2020 at 3:40 pm
Happy to help. Please call the office and we can set up an appointment for you.
rjshooklaw
February 26, 2020 at 12:45 am
It is certainly possible to get denied for a commitment to a psych ward. The good news is that this can be a relatively easy fix. Contact my office and we can discuss the specifics of your case.
Caleb Williams
April 19, 2020 at 7:30 am
I was denied a handgun permit in my county of iredell. I contacted a lawyer and he’s the only one who I’ve found who can help me but he wants a massive amount of money and he offers no guarantee he can even fix it. Do you specialize in helping people in my position? If so can you give me a ballpark estimate of what it would cost? Any help on this is appreciated.
rjshooklaw
April 23, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Caleb, thanks for reaching out. I certainly do handle a large amount of these types of cases. Everyone has a different definition of what they think is a “massive amount of money,” but I think that my rates are reasonable in light of the amount of work that is involved in restoring a person’s second amendment rights. I will contact you directly. It is better to discuss things by phone or video conference.
Deion January
July 19, 2020 at 6:15 pm
I contacted you a few minutes ago please contact me when you can
rjshooklaw
July 20, 2020 at 11:21 pm
Deion, I am sorry that I missed your call. Please email your contact information to [email protected]
Larry bellamy
March 28, 2020 at 11:03 pm
Can I get a drug paraphernalia charge exspunged. From 2001?
rjshooklaw
April 9, 2020 at 6:19 pm
More than likely, yes, this can be expunged. I need some more information to confirm. I have sent you an email to follow up!
Todd Klein
April 8, 2020 at 1:03 am
I have some questions on obtaining a concealed
Carry permit due to something on my record
That isn’t accurate …would like to speak with someone on this matter
rjshooklaw
April 9, 2020 at 6:16 pm
Todd, thanks for reaching out. We can certainly help. I will send you an email to follow up!
Nicole Smith
May 9, 2020 at 6:36 pm
Hello… just moved from PA to NC. I was lied on and 302’d. In which my gun rights were revoked. I need help with restoration and cle as ring my name.
rjshooklaw
May 22, 2020 at 7:30 pm
Nicole, this sounds like something that we can help with. Please call the office and set up a time for us to talk.
stacey moore
May 14, 2020 at 9:17 pm
I was trying to enroll in my college class but due to an old charge I was denied. Is there anyway I would be able to get an expungements to re-register for classes?
rjshooklaw
May 22, 2020 at 7:31 pm
Stacey, I am certain that we can help with this. Please call the office and set up a time for us to talk.
Sean
June 11, 2020 at 4:12 am
If I get 100% ptsd for the Va can instill get a firemen ?
rjshooklaw
June 28, 2020 at 7:06 pm
Yes you can still get a firearm, unless you are considered to be a mental defective or you have been committed to a mental institution. We have handled nearly 100 cases with similar issues, and we have gotten great results. If you would like more information, feel free to set up a phone consult.
Joseph Grant
June 16, 2020 at 6:57 am
I live in North Carolina and I went on vacation to the beach in South Carolina. While down there I was in Dicks sporting goods and tried to buy a shotgun and to my surprise, I was told that I couldn’t buy one and an letter explaining everything would be sent to me in the mail. It’s been over two months since that conversation and no letter yet. What can I do to but a shotgun.
rjshooklaw
June 28, 2020 at 7:07 pm
It sounds like there was an issue with your NICS check. If you contact the office, I can look at the letter and see what the underlying issue is..
rjshooklaw
June 28, 2020 at 7:10 pm
It sounds like there was a problem with your NICS background check. If you contact the office, I can review the letter and give you specific advice on how to appeal the NICS denial. We have handled hundreds of cases with similar facts, and we would be happy to help you.
Steven Futrell
June 23, 2020 at 7:56 pm
I was denied buying a shot gun and they said it was domestic violence. However the only thing in my records is when I put a restraining order on my ex wife for violence. How can I get this corrected? I’d love to beable to purchase what I want and also get my conceal carry. Can you help?
rjshooklaw
June 28, 2020 at 7:14 pm
Steven, it sounds like you were denied after a NICS check. Unfortunately the system is not perfect, and errors can occur. There is an appeal process that we can use to help you. Please contact the office and I can give you more specific advice on how we can correct this. I have handled over 100 cases with facts similar to this, and we would be happy to help you.
Charles L Chealey
July 1, 2020 at 10:39 pm
I went through a tough divorce that where infidelity was the issue, was arrested under mental hygiene arrest. However that was back in 1988. I have had a hard time tracking down the paperwork from 1988, I enlisted in the US Army in 1990 and served until 2002 where i drove tanks and carried a M16 on a regular SMH! I recently payed 200.00 to get into court after I was denied, I had death in my family and missed a court date and my case was dismissed with prejudice. I need your pricing to get my medical records and is it possible to get back in front of a judge?
rjshooklaw
July 14, 2020 at 11:47 pm
Charles, I am sorry to hear about your difficulties. I would be happy to try and help. It may be possible to re-open the denied petition through a Rule 60 motion. Otherwise, you will have to wait for one year to re-file. Please give me a call at the office and set up an appointment so that we can discuss this further.
Toine
July 26, 2020 at 4:30 am
I was denied a gun permit for something that happend 15yrs ago it was an assult but there was no weapon involved …why is that..
rjshooklaw
July 30, 2020 at 12:04 am
Certain types of assault can disqualify you from possession a firearm. Offenses involving domestic violence, for example, can result in a lifetime bar. Call the office and set up an appointment and we can look into the matter further for you.
Charles Olah II
July 30, 2020 at 7:52 pm
Can military dependents purchase a long gun in North Carolina if the active duty member is stationed in the state? I know in Virginia the dependent cannot. Thank you.
rjshooklaw
August 6, 2020 at 6:47 pm
Charles, this is an interesting question. The ultimate issue is whether or not the dependents are “residents” of the state where the active duty soldier is stationed. If the dependent is living in, and a resident of North Carolina, then they should be able to purchase a long gun in North Carolina.
Andrew Jones
July 31, 2020 at 9:34 pm
Hi new to NC from NJ (land where it’s impossible to get a gun).I have two non violent felonies. One for Defrauding a Business in 2006. I got a PTI and probation. The other was conspiracy to distribute and I received 3 years probation, however I completed all my tasks and the judge took me off probation within months. Never spent a day in jail. Am I eligible to get a rifle. I know I can’t get a firearm.
rjshooklaw
August 6, 2020 at 6:51 pm
Andrew, welcome to “Real America!” In NC you can get your rights restored after a felony conviction twenty years from the completion of your sentence or probation, even if the offense happened outside of the State. Because your convictions were relatively recent, it does not appear that you qualify to purchase or possess a firearm at this time. Rifles and shotguns are both firearms under state and federal law, therefore, you are not eligible to purchase a rifle at this time.
Dawn
October 4, 2020 at 1:40 pm
How do you get your rights restored after the 20 years following a non violent felony charge? I am very interested in having my rights restored. Does this happen automatically, can I file for this or do I need an attorney? Thank you!
Norman Norris
August 7, 2020 at 12:17 am
Can you be denied the ability to purchase a firearm if you were admitted to a psych ward when the person was a kid?
rjshooklaw
August 8, 2020 at 12:17 am
Norman. It is absolutely possible to be denied the ability to purchase a firearm if you were admitted to a psych ward as a child. Fortunately, it is possible to restore your firearms rights even if you were committed.
Richard W
August 18, 2020 at 1:18 am
I live in NC;. I’m looking to buy a pistol and a rifle.. not sure yet what or when.. Can I get a purchase permit before I decide, so I’ll have it when I’m ready?
rjshooklaw
September 13, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Absolutely. Applying for and obtaining a pistol purchase permit does not obligate you to purchase a pistol immediately. You can save it until you need it. Also, you should consider getting your CCW because with it, you no longer need a separate permit to purchase a pistol.
Justin Orcutt
August 23, 2020 at 2:34 am
If I purchase a pistol from a friend of mine, we are both residents of NC. Do I have to register it to carry it? If I ever had to use it in deadly self defense situation is that technically a legal weapon since I did not purchase it from A dealer? I have clean background and have purchased many firearms from dealers as well. I also have concealed carry permit.
rjshooklaw
September 13, 2020 at 3:40 pm
You do not have to register a firearm obtained in a private sale. However, you will need to provide the seller with proof of your CCW in order to keep things legal. You are not required to purchase a firearm from a dealer in order to make it legal.
Curtis MacMiller
October 13, 2020 at 9:01 pm
I had applied to the D.E.A.R. program and was just informed that my record does not qualify for expungement.
Possession of cocaine with intent to sell and deliver. What is the chance and cost to to reopen these charges and have them reduced to Possession?
Jose Dendariarena
October 30, 2020 at 4:30 am
Have domestic nearly 20yrs ago .
Charge was misdemeanor serve 30days.
Can I get a long arm weapon in N.C.
J.D.
Jose Dendariarena
October 30, 2020 at 4:35 am
Have domestic nearly 20yrs ago .
Charge was misdemeanor serve 30days.
Can I get a long arm weapon in N.C.
Are you able to assist me with this.
J.D.
Tracy Pearson
November 18, 2020 at 7:54 am
In 2003 I told my doctor that I no energy and sometimes I don’t want to get out of bed. He said I was depressed and put me on lexapro, depakote and lithium. After several months on the meds I went to the hospital and told the dr. that I need to be checked out , I kinda felt like I didn’t want to go on. He called a magistrate and they committed me. After I returned home I had to have a physical ,the dr called me about my blood work. She was concerned about my meds effecting my hypothyroidism. She asked if they had checked my thyroid level before putting me on meds that has side effects of suicide. She informed me I was misdiagnosed. I was put on thyroid medication and now everything is fine and NO mental meds. I’m a vet honorable discharge and never been convicted of anything other than a traffic ticket. I have been stopped and informed the officer that I carry a pistol, they run my name and I’m legal, but I can’t buy a new gun . Doesn’t make sense. I hunt and want to buy a rifle. Can this be fixed?
Ebbert Barnes
February 17, 2021 at 2:41 pm
I live in Maryland but I inherited land in NC. I will doing construction down there soon. Would I be eligible to buy a rifle down there even though I will live in two states?
Scott
March 25, 2021 at 6:07 pm
I have received a PJC on an assault on a female charge(wife at the time) in 2001. This is NOT a conviction but you have to plead guilty to get it. I was denied a purchase permit about 4 years ago because of it. I was told that getting this expunged is extremely difficult and not guaranteed but it can “released” I think was the term? This charge happened in Wake County. So two questions, can this be expunged or not? Secondly, am I considered a “prohibited person” from purchasing a rifle because of this PJC even though I was NOT convicted of domestic violence?
Allenke Allen
July 6, 2021 at 6:23 am
Im schrophrenic and i been to a mental instution but i havent been to court or anything can i buy a long rifle
Tracy Carnahan
December 6, 2021 at 2:32 pm
If a person is a resident of PA and working in NC and has a PA gun permit can you buy a hand gun in NC?
Dexter Howell
January 19, 2022 at 7:02 pm
In 1995 I and my now ex-wife were convicted of welfare fraud in California. Since it was $7500,they considered it a felony. I have completely finished all provisions and had the felony expunged and reduced to a misdemeanor. Can I legally own a firearm here in North Carolina? I have lived here since 2018 and do not even have a traffic ticket.
Georges
May 14, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Hi received a misdemeanor in Virginia for a petty larceny which was 3 years ago, no fire arm was included in the charge. Is it still possible for me to acquire one in NC?