What are the rules for owning a gun?

Answer 1

In the US (other countries will have different laws) there are Federal Laws that apply everywhere in the US, and state laws that apply only in that state. Following is Federal law that applies to buying a gun from a dealer:

You must be an adult (18 for rifle/shotgun, 21 for handgun) and must not have a condition that disqualifies you from owning a firearm. These include having been convicted of a felony (serious crime) or a crime of domestic violence. You cannot have been adjudged to be mentally incompetent, be a drug addict, illegal alien, wanted by the police, dishonorably discharged from the military, etc. You need proof of your identity, address, and age. You complete a form 4473 with the dealer, covering these points. The dealer conducts a computer records check, and if approved, will sell you the gun. SOME states require a waiting period before picking up some firearms, some states require an individual permit- MOST do not. See your local gun shop for some guidance. Once you own a gun, you are responsible for securing it to prevent access by children, etc.