How To Buy A Gun In New Mexico?
How to Buy a Gun in New Mexico
New Mexico is a state with a rich history of gun ownership. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the state constitution, and New Mexicans are free to purchase and own a wide variety of firearms. However, there are some important laws and regulations that you need to be aware of before you buy a gun in New Mexico.
In this article, we will discuss the steps involved in buying a gun in New Mexico, including the required paperwork, background checks, and waiting periods. We will also provide information on the different types of guns available in New Mexico and the laws governing their use.
By the end of this article, you will have a good understanding of the process of buying a gun in New Mexico and the laws that govern gun ownership in the state.
| Step | Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Be at least 18 years old | New Mexico Gun Laws |
| 2 | Complete a background check | New Mexico Gun Laws |
| 3 | Purchase a gun from a licensed dealer | New Mexico Gun Laws |
How To Buy A Gun In New Mexico?
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before you can buy a gun in New Mexico, you must first determine if you are eligible to do so. The following are the eligibility requirements for purchasing a gun in New Mexico:
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Be at least 18 years old (19 years old for handguns).
- Have not been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors.
- Not be a fugitive from justice.
- Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol.
- Not be a danger to yourself or others.
If you have any questions about your eligibility to purchase a gun, you should contact a licensed gun dealer or the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Step 2: Find a Licensed Gun Dealer
Once you have determined that you are eligible to purchase a gun, you will need to find a licensed gun dealer. You can find a licensed gun dealer in your area by searching online or by contacting the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
The dealer will be able to help you complete the necessary paperwork and purchase a gun that is legal for you to own.
Step 3: Complete the Required Paperwork
In order to purchase a gun in New Mexico, you will need to complete the following paperwork:
- Firearms Transaction Record (Form 4473). This form is used to collect information about the buyer and the gun being purchased.
- Ammunition Transaction Record (Form 4473). This form is used to collect information about the buyer and the ammunition being purchased.
- New Mexico Gun Safety Certificate. This certificate is required for all gun purchases in New Mexico. You can obtain a New Mexico Gun Safety Certificate by taking a course that is approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Step 4: Pay for the Gun
Once you have completed the required paperwork, you will need to pay for the gun. The dealer will accept payment by cash, check, or credit card.
Step 5: Pick Up Your Gun
Once you have paid for the gun, the dealer will release it to you. You will need to show a valid photo ID in order to pick up your gun.
Purchasing a gun in New Mexico is a simple process. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily and legally purchase a gun that is right for you.
Additional Information
- New Mexico Gun Laws. For more information on New Mexico gun laws, please visit the New Mexico Department of Public Safety website.
- Gun Safety. It is important to be aware of the safety rules for handling a gun. For more information on gun safety, please visit the National Rifle Association website.
- Gun Ownership. If you are considering purchasing a gun, it is important to think about why you want a gun and how you will use it. For more information on gun ownership, please visit the National Shooting Sports Foundation website.
Step 1: Find a Licensed Dealer
The first step in buying a gun in New Mexico is to find a licensed dealer. You can find a list of licensed dealers on the New Mexico Department of Public Safety website.
Once you have found a dealer, you will need to contact them to make an appointment. When you arrive at the dealer, you will need to bring your driver’s license or other form of government-issued identification.
Step 2: Determine Which Type of Gun You Want
There are many different types of guns available in New Mexico, including pistols, revolvers, shotguns, and rifles. You will need to decide which type of gun you want based on your needs and intended use.
If you are not sure what type of gun you want, you can talk to the dealer for advice. The dealer can help you choose a gun that is right for you.
Step 3: Complete the Required Paperwork
You will need to complete a Firearms Transaction Record (Form 4473) and submit it to the dealer. The dealer will also need to conduct a background check on you.
The background check will be conducted by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS). The NICS will check your criminal history and other information to make sure that you are eligible to purchase a gun.
The background check can take a few days to complete. Once the background check is complete, the dealer will be able to release the gun to you.
Step 4: Take Possession of Your Gun
Once the background check is complete and you have paid for the gun, the dealer will be able to release it to you. You will need to sign the bill of sale and take possession of the gun.
You will also need to complete a New Mexico Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) within 60 days of purchasing the gun. You can take the FSC course online or at a local gun range.
Once you have completed the FSC course, you will need to submit the certificate to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. The department will then issue you a New Mexico Concealed Carry Permit (CCP).
The CCP allows you to carry a concealed handgun in New Mexico. You will need to carry the CCP with you whenever you have a concealed handgun on your person.
Additional Information
- You can find more information on how to buy a gun in New Mexico on the New Mexico Department of Public Safety website.
- You can also contact the department for assistance with the process.
How To Buy A Gun In New Mexico?
Q: What are the requirements to purchase a gun in New Mexico?
A: To purchase a gun in New Mexico, you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the state. You must also pass a background check and provide proof of identification.
Q: What types of guns can I buy in New Mexico?
A: You can buy any type of gun that is legal in the United States, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. However, there are some restrictions on the purchase of certain types of guns, such as assault weapons and fully automatic weapons.
Q: Where can I buy a gun in New Mexico?
A: You can buy a gun from a licensed gun dealer. You can find a list of licensed gun dealers in New Mexico on the website of the New Mexico Department of Public Safety.
Q: What is the process for buying a gun in New Mexico?
A: The process for buying a gun in New Mexico is as follows:
1. Find a licensed gun dealer.
2. Choose the gun you want to buy.
3. Fill out a firearms purchase application.
4. Provide proof of identification and residency.
5. Pass a background check.
6. Pay for the gun and pick it up.
Q: What are the costs associated with buying a gun in New Mexico?
A: The costs associated with buying a gun in New Mexico include the price of the gun, the cost of the background check, and the sales tax. The price of the gun will vary depending on the type of gun you buy. The cost of the background check is $25. The sales tax is 5.9%.
Q: What are the laws regarding concealed carry in New Mexico?
A: In New Mexico, you are not required to have a permit to carry a concealed firearm. However, there are some restrictions on where you can carry a concealed firearm. You cannot carry a concealed firearm in a school, government building, or place of worship. You can also be prohibited from carrying a concealed firearm if you have been convicted of a felony or domestic violence.
Q: What are the penalties for illegally buying or possessing a gun in New Mexico?
A: The penalties for illegally buying or possessing a gun in New Mexico vary depending on the severity of the offense. For example, if you are caught illegally buying a gun, you could be charged with a felony and sentenced to up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine. If you are caught illegally possessing a gun, you could be charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Q: Where can I get more information about buying a gun in New Mexico?
A: You can get more information about buying a gun in New Mexico from the following sources:
- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety: https://www.dps.nm.gov/
- The National Rifle Association: https://www.nra.org/
- The National Shooting Sports Foundation: https://www.nssf.org/
buying a gun in New Mexico is a relatively straightforward process. However, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations governing gun ownership in the state. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are legally and safely able to purchase a firearm.
Here are some key takeaways:
- You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun) and 21 years old to purchase a handgun.
- You must have a valid New Mexico driver’s license or identification card.
- You must pass a background check.
- You must complete a firearms safety course.
- You must purchase your gun from a licensed dealer.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are legally and safely able to purchase a firearm in New Mexico.