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• Guns are useful tools for things like hunting, sport shooting, and home defense, but because guns are so dangerous, it can be complicated and difficult to buy one. To help ensure that they're used for lawful purposes, you'll need to have a few steps taken with local and federal law enforcement services before you'll be able to buy one.

• Before you set about obtaining a permit, you should make sure you're legally able to buy a gun in the first place. According to federal law, you are not legally allowed to own a firearm if you:

1. Have been convicted of felonies and certain misdemeanors.
2. Are a wanted fugitives.
3. Are illegally using certain depressants, narcotics, or stimulant drugs.
4. Are adjudicated as mental defective or incompetent or those committed to any mental institution and currently containing a dangerous mental illness.
5. Are in the country illegally.
6. Have renounced their citizenship.
7. Have been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces.
8. Are a Minor.
9. Are subject to a restraining order.
10. Have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.
11. Are under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.

• Some states require you to obtain a permit before you are allowed to purchase a gun, often depending on the type of firearm you wish to purchase. You'll more often need a permit to purchase a handgun than a rifle or a shotgun, but some states require for both. Additionally, the actual process will differ from state to state.

1. Go to your local police department for information on purchasing a gun.
2. Though the actual process will vary, generally you'll need to have a background check of some kind done, provide personal reference, and have your fingerprints taken.
3. There may also be a a money order required.

• Also in some states, you will need a permit to transport or carry the weapon.

1. As before, go to your local police department for information.
2. As with the purchasing permit, there will likely be a background check, references, and fingerprinting involved.

• What you're buying the gun for will determine what type of firearm you'll be looking for. Very generally speaking, there's three types of guns: Rifles, Shotguns, and Handguns. Each has its own unique properties and uses, so keep the following in mind as you're shopping.

1. Rifles: Tend to have the highest power, accuracy, and range, making them ideal for large game hunting. Lower caliber rifles are also preferred for sport target shooting.
2. Shotguns: Have a much shorter range than rifles, but depending on the guage can have a lot of power at short range. Because of the spread of the shot, they're ideal for small game and hunting birds, such as turkeys, crows, and pheasant. Shotguns, particularly pump action shotguns, are also good for home defense: The decreased range will help ensure that stray shots don't go far, and simply the action of pumping a shotgun is often intimidating enough to drive off would-be burglars without firing a shot.
3. Handguns: Are compact, easy to carry, and can have good range and stopping power depending on the model and caliber. They can be used for target shooting or personal and home defense, their small size making them ideal for use in confined areas. Like the rifles, though, the increased range can make firing dangerous if you miss.

• Once you've sorted out what kind of permit you'll need, and what kind of gun you'll want, it's time to go shopping.

1. Head to your local sporting goods store. Most will have a hunting section that contains rifles, handguns, and shotguns.
2. Select the specific gun you'll want based on the usage and your physical stature; bigger guns have a bigger kick, and you'll need to be strong enough to withstand the recoil. The clerk will be able to help you pick one out.
3. Wait. Most states have a mandatory waiting period for purchasing weapons, and although the actual time period varies, it's usually not more than a few weeks.

• Buying a gun is not like popping over to the store for groceries. Because of the dangerous nature of the weapons, there's a lot of regulations and requirements to consider before you buy one, but provided you're not barred from getting a gun in the first place, you'll have one soon enough with a little patience.
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