How buying a lever gun or revolver online works

Ordering a firearm online is legal and routine in the United States, and for lever actions and revolvers it is often the only practical way to find a specific model. Many local counters carry a handful of lever guns and a case of semi-automatic pistols; very few stock a range of Marlins, Henrys, Rossis, Winchesters, Rugers, Colts and Ubertis side by side. Buying online lets you pick the exact caliber, barrel length and finish you want. The legal part still happens in person at a licensed dealer near you. This guide explains each step.

How the federal system works

Federal law does not let a firearm ship directly to a private buyer's home. Instead, the seller ships it to a holder of a Federal Firearms License, called an FFL, in your state. The dealer logs the gun into their records, checks your identification, has you complete ATF Form 4473 and runs the background check through NICS or through your state's own system. When the check clears and any state waiting period is over, you take the firearm home.

Step 1: Choose your gun

Browse the catalog or read our lever-action rifle guide and revolver buying guide first. Each product page shows the current price, the maker's specifications and, where available, reviews from real owners.

Step 2: Pick a dealer

At checkout you enter the FFL that will receive the gun. Most full-service gun shops and many pawn shops, sporting goods stores and home-based dealers accept transfers. Call ahead and ask whether they take transfers from online sellers and what they charge. Fees commonly run $25 to $50 per firearm.

Step 3: Order and ship

We confirm price and availability when you order, then ship the firearm to your dealer. Ammunition, holsters, leather, scopes and most parts do not need an FFL and ship to your door where your state allows.

Step 4: Paperwork and the background check

Bring a current government photo ID with your home address. If your license shows an old address, bring a second government document, such as a vehicle registration, showing the current one. You fill out Form 4473 and the dealer submits the check. Most checks clear in minutes, some are delayed while records are reviewed.

Age rules

Federal law sets the minimum age at a dealer: 18 for rifles and shotguns, including lever actions, and 21 for handguns, including revolvers. Some states set higher ages for some or all firearms.

State rules

Most western and plains states add nothing to the federal process: no purchase permit, no registration, no waiting period. Other states require a permit or license to purchase, a waiting period, or restrict certain models or magazine capacities. Tube-fed lever actions and revolvers are legal in far more places than many other firearms, but a few jurisdictions still regulate them, for example by listing which handguns may be sold. Your dealer will only transfer what is legal where you live. Our city pages summarize the rules in the states we cover in depth.

Buying across state lines

A dealer may sell a rifle or shotgun to a resident of another state when the sale is legal in both states. Handguns must be transferred through a dealer in the buyer's home state. That is why you choose a dealer in your own state at checkout.

Gifts and straw purchases

You may buy a gun as a genuine gift for someone who can legally own it. Buying a gun for another person who is really the buyer, and especially for someone who cannot pass a check, is a serious federal crime. If someone else is paying, let them buy it.

If something goes wrong

If a background check is denied, the dealer cannot release the gun. You can appeal through the FBI or your state agency. Contact us and we will arrange the return under our return policy. If a gun arrives damaged, tell the dealer before signing and contact us right away.