Buyer Guides Laws & Compliance

Buying a firearm online: how FFL transfers work

By Kilo 1 Six Arms··2 min read
How FFL transfers work at Kilo 1 Six Arms

The short answer

When you buy a gun online, it ships to a federally licensed dealer (FFL), not to your house. You pick it up in person, show ID, fill out ATF Form 4473 and pass a NICS background check. Then it's yours.

What is an FFL transfer?

A Federal Firearms Licensee is a dealer licensed by the ATF. Federal law generally requires an unlicensed buyer who purchases a firearm from an out-of-state source to receive it through a licensed dealer in their own state. KILO 1 SIX ARMS handles transfers for orders from our own store and, where offered, from other sellers. See our FFL Transfers page.

Step by step

  1. Order online and choose in-store pickup in Spruce Pine.
  2. We receive the firearm and log it into our records.
  3. We let you know it's ready.
  4. Come in, show ID, complete Form 4473.
  5. We run NICS. On a proceed, you take it home.

What to bring

  • A valid government-issued photo ID with your current address
  • Your order number
  • Proof of residency if your ID address isn't current (ask us first)

What the Oct 9, 2026 NFA update means

ATF says it will no longer enforce NFA prior approval and registration for short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, suppressors and "any other weapons." Machine guns and destructive devices are unchanged. Gun Control Act rules, including Form 4473 and NICS, and state laws still apply. More in our NFA guidance story.

FAQ

Can a gun be shipped directly to my house?

No. Under federal law a firearm bought from out of state must ship to a licensed dealer (FFL), who completes the transfer with you in person.

What do I bring to pick up my firearm?

A valid government photo ID with your current address. You fill out ATF Form 4473 and the dealer runs a NICS background check.

Does the Oct 9, 2026 ATF guidance change normal gun transfers?

No. It covers NFA approval and registration for SBRs, SBSs, suppressors and AOWs. Form 4473 and NICS still apply to dealer transfers.

How long does an FFL transfer take?

Usually a few days for shipping, plus the background check at pickup. Many checks return in minutes, but some are delayed.

Popular picks for online order + pickup

Walther PDP 4″ 9mm Compact Optics Ready Pistol - 15 RoundsWalther PDP 4″ 9mm Compact Optics Ready Pistol - 15 Rounds$599.00View in store
Taurus G3C 9mm 3.2" Optics Ready Pistol - 12 Round - BlackTaurus G3C 9mm 3.2" Optics Ready Pistol - 12 Round - Black$349.99View in store
REMINGTON UMC 9MM LUGER 115GR FMJ AMMO 100RDRemington UMC 9mm Luger 115gr FMJ Ammo 100rd$31.07View in store

Prices as listed on kilo1sixarms.shop on October 20, 2026. Check the product page for current price and availability.

Sources

Not legal advice. Federal, Alabama and local laws apply. Verify before you buy.

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