Individuals "not engaged in the business" of selling firearms—such as someone selling an occasional gun from a personal collection—can legally sell to another resident of their state without a background check under federal law.
In the United States, purchasing a firearm without a background check is primarily possible through the "private sale exception," often colloquially known as the "gun show loophole". While federal law requires background checks for sales by , it does not mandate them for transfers between private individuals, provided the sale occurs within the same state and is not conducted for regular profit. The Private Sale Landscape buy gun no background check
These sales often occur at gun shows, through online classifieds (for in-person meetups), or via private inheritance. Recent Regulatory Changes Individuals "not engaged in the business" of selling
Occasional sales for the purpose of liquidating or enhancing a personal collection remain exempt from federal background check requirements. Gun Show Laws by State and the 'Gun Show Loophole' The Private Sale Landscape These sales often occur