FAQ

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Questions 1- Do I have to have a license to carry a gun?

Answer: Not in Arizona. We are an open carry, right to carry state. You can carry the gun concealed or not on your person or in your vehicle.
Note: If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 you cannot carry concealed, only open carry. While it is a good idea to get a CCW (concealed carry weapons permit, more on that below), it is not mandatory. Laws vary from state to state so if you are traveling make sure you are aware of the laws of whatever state's you may be visiting.

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Question 2- Why should I get a CCW if they are not required by law?

Answer: You are correct, a CCW (concealed carry weapons permit) is not required by law in Arizona.

Why should I get one then?

1. Licenses put police officers at ease
Many firearm owners carry a weapon in their vehicle(s) for protection while on the roadways and around town. Get pulled over by a police officer and he or she may ask if you have a firearm in your car. Answer truthfully. In unrestricted firearm states, the police officer cannot lawfully confiscate the gun from you, but the presence of a firearm can affect the traffic stop because the officer is unaware of your criminal history. Showing the officer a concealed carry permit shows that you have undergone the necessary background checks, and for the state to reasonably believe that you are a law-abiding citizen and are trustworthy enough to carry firearms. If you are pulled over with a gun in the car and have a concealed license, consider giving the officer both your driver’s license and your concealed carry license together, immediately putting to bed any concern the officer may have over your firearm. Some states require you inform the officer immediately that you have a license and are armed.

2. Licenses help when openly carrying around uninformed people
Many firearm owners openly carry where laws allow for it. While open carry is a perfectly legitimate way to carry a firearm, it may also arouse suspicion among people who are generally uninformed about firearms and afraid when they see one. They may call the police and report the fact that you are carrying a weapon, and police departments are obligated to respond to the incident and start asking questions. So long as the laws allow for open carry and no other laws are being broken, the firearm owner will be okay. However, displaying a concealed carry license to the officer is an extra level of protection against aggressive law enforcement that may want to give you trouble for openly carrying a weapon. Effectively, the concealed carry license tells the officer “back off, I’m good.”

3. Licenses allow firearm owners to carry in more public areas
Many states that do not require licenses to own and carry firearms still restrict where owners can carry their firearms – like schools, courthouses, national parks and restaurants. For example, the state of Arizona allows concealed carry license holders to possess weapons within 1000 feet of schools. Without a license, however, such possession is unlawful. Arizona also allows license holders to carry firearms into bars and other restaurants that serve alcohol, so long as the firearm owner is not consuming alcohol. Unlicensed firearm owners, however, cannot legally possess firearms in these establishments. Consult your local state’s concealed carry laws for specifics on your state’s licensing details.

4. Licenses educate firearm owners on laws that could save their lives
The process to obtain state concealed carry licenses is more than a simple background check and proficiency test (in some states). Typically, those interested in a license will go to an 8-hour class where experienced instructors will not only teach what licenses provide for state residents, but also the laws of the state and when deadly force can be used. For example, is shooting at a fleeing carjacker considered “self-defense” in your state and an appropriate situation in which to use deadly force? In Arizona (and most other states), it isn’t – because the carjacker is no longer threatening your life or property. Is unholstering your weapon considered “brandishing” and punishable under the law? The concealed carry license class will teach you what you need to know to keep yourself out of jail if you ever need to use your weapon in a defensive situation. Know your laws.

5. Licenses make it easier to buy firearms
All states require simple background checks each and every time a weapon is purchased due to the laws and regulations of the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). However, several states, including Arizona, wave the background check requirement if the purchaser has a concealed carry license. States do this because the holder of the license has already undergone the required background check in the process of obtaining the license. This makes your next trip to the gun store smoother and quicker. You will still need to fill out some paperwork, but waiting for a background check may no longer be required. Again, consult your state’s regulations for specific details on how a license affects your next gun purchase in your state.
In closing, if your state requires the possession of a concealed carry license before owning and carrying a firearm, then you will need one to lawfully carry your weapon anyway. But if your state does not require a license, still consider getting one. As we have discussed, licenses include many benefits that can both keep firearm owners safe and more trustworthy around police and teach the laws of the state and what you need to know to keep yourself out of jail.

We offer CCW classes, please contact us for a list of upcoming class dates.

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Question 3- Can I buy a gun and give it to someone?

Answer: The short answer is yes. However, unless you follow the proper legal procedure to transfer that gun into the other persons' name, as far as the Government is concerned, you still own that gun. If the gun is ever found to be used in a crime, they will want to talk to you, so make sure your ducks are in a row one way or the other. We find many people want to buy guns for others, i.e., husband for his wife, parents for their single adult daughter, girlfriend to boyfriend, etc. This is usually not going to come back to haunt you. Just be very careful about who you buy a gun for- obviously buying a gun for someone with a felony record is considered a "straw purchase" and will get you in a lot of trouble. We would be happy to provide you with the necessary Arizona firearm transfer form, this is available upon request.

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Question 4- I am a first time gun buyer and I have no idea what type of gun to get

Answer: Most of us, men and women, have gone through this, so you are not alone. Guns are a very personal item. What I like you might not, and vice versa. What we like to do is to get as much information from you as possible to assist you in the buying process. Do you wish to carry? Concealed or open? Is this a gun for your house? How much experience do you have with guns? Do you have any physical limitations with your hands that will somewhat dictate what you will be able to shoot? The list goes on, but if you call us we will be patient and help you the best that we can. Then if you want to get together and look at some various types of guns, we would be happy to sit down and do that with you.

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Question 5- I am buying a gun from someone out of state and they said I need a transfer- what is this?

Answer: When purchasing a gun from a reputable FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) in another state or town, and you wish to have it shipped to you, that dealer will have to send it to an FFL dealer. They cannot send it to you. So you will contact an FFL dealer in your town and explain that you bought a gun and wish for them to do the transfer. They will contact the FFL seller and make all the necessary arrangements. Then you will pay the seller for the gun (and shipping usually) and they will send to your FFL dealer. They will take receipt of the gun, log it in, do the necessary paperwork (including a 4473 form on you) and then give you the gun assuming you pass the background check. For this they will charge you what is called a transfer fee and these fees can range from $25- $45 . We charge $20 for this service.

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Question 6- What is a 4473 form and why do I have to fill one out when buying a gun?

Answer: A 4473 form is a Government form that you have to fill out in order for the FFL dealer (and seller) to perform a background check. This form is also a Government required record of the transfer of the firearm(s) in question. The form is basically one page that you have to fill out, we do the rest. After it is filled out, we call it in (or do it on the web) and give the Government all the pertinent data that is on the form. They then give you notice to proceed, notice of delay, or denial. Most go through without a hitch, you get the approval, get your gun, and you are on your way. If there is a delay, you cannot be given the gun until notice to proceed is given or three business days have elapsed. This is a good reason to have a CCW- no calling in, no time wasted, no chance of delay. I don't know if there is any rhyme or reason to why the Feds will give a delay. One customer bought a gun, had the background check called in, was approved, and was on his way. Four weeks later same guy, no changes in his life the past four weeks, wanted to buy another gun. They gave me a delay notice so he could not get the gun. They gave notice to proceed the following day but it was a hassle. They will never tell you why someone is delayed or denied.

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Question 7- How much can I expect to pay for my first gun?

Answer: That is kind of like asking how far is far. Everyone's tastes and needs are different. However, we have a wide selection of guns that start at $99 so we feel confident we can help you find the right gun for you at a price that fits your budget.

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