Handgun Question

[xedge2002]

I am looking into getting a handgun in the next month or so. I was wondering if there is anyway I could fill out the application to purchase a handgun now so I don't have to go to the store and fill it out then come back five days later to pick up the gun? Also once you have filled out the form does anybody know how long it is good for?

Any help would be great

[lawdog]

Go see your sheriff and ask him for a pistol purchase permit.

[deerhuntr8]

Handguns are evil, just like the black rifle. Therefore you must go to the copshop and apply for a permit to purchase, just like the criminals do to get their guns.

[Whoaru99]

I have not purchased a handgun for a few years, but I can't imagine that the store owner/clerk would be real interested in filling out the paperwork if you don't have a purchase permit.

Could be all wet about that though...

[catman71]

You need to go to YOUR local police office or sheriff (depending on where you live) and apply for the MN pistol purchasing permit, it is free and only takes a few minutes. THEN you need to wait up to a week to get it in the mail. Once you have it, (it is good for a year) you can go anywhere in MN and buy a pistol with NO wait (unless you are in federal trouble) 99 times out of 100 you are gone in under 10 minutes. (Unless your name is Smith or something very common) otherwise you could get your MN pistol carry permit (not free) and it is good to buy pistols for 5 years. You can do all of us a favor and consider buying an American made pistol. But that is a different thread. Good luck!

[RAJ]

You have to be a MN resident to buy a handgun. Once you have your permit to purchse you still have to fill out a 4473(which is the paper work to buy a firearm)

[echotrail]

Depending on what type of handgun you want, you MAY not need a permit. You can go into any retailer, Cabelas for example and purchase a black powder pistol and walk out the door with it. Depending on the pistol you bought, you can also purchase an aftermarket conversion cylinder for it. (I have only found them available on the internet) Example: The 1858 New Army .44 cal black powder (steel frame) can be converted to a .45 cal cartridge handgun. This is what Clint Eastwood used in the movie "Pale Rider". I need to add that this was acceptable 2 years ago and I'm not aware if the laws have changed.

[xedge2002]

I went to the PD yesterday and filled out the paperwork. The lady working said it would take about a week to complete it and after that I could go anywhere and buy the gun. She said I would get something in the mail saying it all checked out okay. She also said that all the gun retailer has to do is make a call when I go to purchase the gun to make sure that I did do the paper work and that everything checked out good. I don't know about the rest of the paperwork you have to fill out like if you are buying a shotgun or rifle though. If I do it doesn't take that long to do anyway.

[Valv]

The thing that amazes me is you can buy an AR-15, SKS, or AK 47, H&K and have less issues than a handgun....

I bought my AR-15, bought more upper sections, tactic shotguns, etc and never had a problem.

I tried to buy a Ruger .22 caliber (to replace an old gift from my father in law) and had more hassles than what it was worth it....

[moccasinboy]

comments re handgun purchases...

1. while all pistols are handguns, not all handguns are pistols--there are semiautomatic pistols (eg Glock 9mm) and revolvers (eg S&W .44 Rem Mag)

2. applying for a permit to purchase is a very small inconvenience and its good for one year, and its free

3. the background check done by retailers is done at the time of purchase and only takes minutes, if you're delayed count on that happening everytime you purchase a firearm and allow for it

4. private party transactions require neither of the above checks

[almostthere!]

Quote:

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The thing that amazes me is you can buy an AR-15, SKS, or AK 47, H&K and have less issues than a handgun....

I bought my AR-15, bought more upper sections, tactic shotguns, etc and never had a problem.

I tried to buy a Ruger .22 caliber (to replace an old gift from my father in law) and had more hassles than what it was worth it....

---

There is nothing more amazing about an AR-15, SKS, or AK-47 than my 300 Win Mag. In fact, my 300 win Mag can out reach, out power, and out kill than any of the above.

The problem with handguns is they are easily concealable. Thus, they can and will be carried by all sorts of people. That is one thing we do not need happen.

A .22 pistol may be of small caliber, but it can still kill.

[Dave S]

Quote:

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Quote:

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The thing that amazes me is you can buy an AR-15, SKS, or AK 47, H&K and have less issues than a handgun....

I bought my AR-15, bought more upper sections, tactic shotguns, etc and never had a problem.

I tried to buy a Ruger .22 caliber (to replace an old gift from my father in law) and had more hassles than what it was worth it....

---

There is nothing more amazing about an AR-15, SKS, or AK-47 than my 300 Win Mag. In fact, my 300 win Mag can out reach, out power, and out kill than any of the above.

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Almostthere,

I think Valv was referring to the purchase of these guns, not their effectiveness in the field. Your reply almost appeared to be bragging about the .300 Win Mag, but I'll withhold my perception until you respond.

[xedge2002]

Guys I made this post wondering if it was possible to complete the paperwork prior to purchasing my handgun from a dealer. I didn't mean this to be a discussion about the usefulness of handguns or comparing them to rifles. All I wanted was a question answered and it has been. If you want to start arguments for/against handguns or assault rifles maybe you should start a new thread.