The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution allows citizens the right to bear arms. But, not everyone can purchase guns at a store without a license, or going through a proper background check. For those who want to own a gun without going through all the paperwork, there is a loophole in gun ownership laws. According to Doug Rainbow, a licensed gun dealer, and an ex-sheriff, private sales of shotguns, rifles, and semi-automatics do not require background checks.
"The downside of that is if someone comes into your home and buys a gun and they can have 150 felonies - you don't know," Rainbow said. But, if someone wants to buy a pistol or a handgun, buyers must possess a gun license.
Rainbow also said age verification is not required. So, if a 16-year-old wants to buy a rifle through a private transaction, there is no legal consequence. The National Rifle Association (NRA) has no problem with private sales. "We support the private sale of guns because gun owners are amongst the most law abiding citizens. The few times I've ever sold a firearm to anybody it was to someone I knew and trusted. Can I vouch for everyone? No," Scott Armstrong, NRA spokesperson, said.
David Stineberg, manager of RA-Lin gun shop, said it is best to leave a paper trail even in a private transaction.
"If the gun is ever used in a crime they have proof to show that it was sold," Stineberg said.
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