pistol with bullets on table

Can You Buy Guns Online? | Well, Yes, but…

In today’s internet-heavy economy, it’s no wonder that many often ask… can I buy a gun online?

Well, the short answer is yes, but there are some specifics you need to be aware of.

The truth is, some people just aren’t comfortable lingering too long inside a gun shop. Then, there are others who are misinformed with regards to the process behind buying a gun online. We are going to clear a few things up about this aspect of gun ownership.

man shooting shotgun

Whether you want a gun as a means of protection for you and your family, or to use for recreational purposes, you should be very careful about how you make your purchase.

So, let’s take a deep dive into the various aspects of buying a gun online. Here are some of the things you’ll have to consider when doing so.

Yes, it is legal to buy a gun online. However, keep in mind that even when made online, gun transactions are heavily regulated to protect you and those around you from irresponsible gun ownership.

However, there are a few things you need to consider about the legality of buying a gun online. After all, the last thing you want to do is own an illegally purchased firearm.

For starters, make sure that you only buy only from authorized dealers online. Some websites are going to pose as legitimate sources of firearms to make a quick buck.

If you transact with retailers that aren’t authorized, you are risking yourself getting counterfeit products – or worse, guns that aren’t registered. This could result in a number of problems and legal issues. Therefore, it is advisable to buy guns only from authorized and reputed gun dealers (like Palmetto State Armory, for example).

We’ll cover more specifics of buying online a little further down, but first…

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How The Gun Act Of 1968 Affects Buying Online

While you can buy a firearm online, you cannot have it delivered directly to your home.

The Gun Act of 1968 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson and it prohibited the the direct mailing of any firearms to individuals. It not only banned mail order sales of shotguns and rifles (antique guns were an exception), but it also prohibited convicted felons, drug users and the mentally incompetent from using guns.

antique pistol

Antique guns were an exception to the banning of interstate shipments of firearms and ammo by the Gun Act of 1968.

Today, an individuals still cannot have guns delivered directly to their homes, but they can purchase other guns online, but with certain regulations.

However, while you can buy guns online today, it’s not necessarily easier than buying one in person. As a matter of fact, considering the extra time you have to wait to get a gun, some would say that it’s actually more work to buy one online. But, we’ll get to some of the reasons why you might want to consider buying a gun online.

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Finding The Right Platform To Purchase From

Knowing where to buy guns on the internet safely requires a bit of know-how. The first thing you want to do when picking a website to purchase a firearm is to pay attention to how they rank on Google when you search online.

Google’s search engine algorithm makes it so that the more highly reputable websites will rank on the first page of the search results. So, don’t attempt to buy guns from websites that are deep within the result, as they may be at the back end for a reason.

computer keyboard with shopping cart button in green

When looking to purchase a firearm online, be sure you are purchasing from a reputable website/online dealer.

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Even if you’ve picked the top website from the search engine results page, you should still do some checking around before purchasing. Look for reviews online of the website you are considering and check for certifications on the platform as well. This will help ensure that you are transacting only with reputable websites and sellers.

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Aside from the quality of the guns, you also need to be protective of your data online as well. This is another reason why it’s highly suggested to find the right platforms to purchase your guns through.

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How To Buy Guns Online

Once you have found a reputable online dealer, you need to find a FFL (Federal Firearm Licensee) dealer, so that they can fulfill the background checks that are required and transfer the firearm to you in person via an FFL transfer.

hand gun and bullets

Even though you can purchase a gun online, you’ll need to have it shipped to an FFL (Federal Firearm Licensee) who can then transfer ownership to you after fulfilling background checks and any additional state regulations.

Keep in mind that your home state may have additional regulations and processes in addition to the Federal requirements.

The FFL basically serves as a middle-man between you and the website where you bought the gun from.

So, as you can see, while you can buy the gun online, the process of the purchase and transfer of the firearm are virtually the same as if you has gone to a brick-and-mortar gun dealer to purchase (but not necessarily “easier”.)

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To purchase a gun, you’ll need to be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and have the appropriate licensure/permits. Be sure to bring all required documentation and proof of identification when going to pick up the firearm.

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Pros Of Buying Online

There are a few pros to buying your guns online. First, you can often get guns for a cheaper price because there are no overhead costs from the seller. This is one of the main reasons many people actually prefer buying their guns online instead of in brick-and-mortar stores.

You can also research what type of sight or scope will be compatible with the gun you choose.

While gun sales still occur in physical stores, there are typically much better opportunities for discounts online. From coupon codes to flash sales, there’s always an opportunity to get significant discounts.

20 percent discount sign

The chance for better selection as well as sales and discounts is one pro of buying guns online.

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Another pro to buying online is that you have access to a wider selection online that what a physical location might have to offer. By broadening your online search, you might even find some truly rare firearms that you might not otherwise have access to view in person.

So, whether you’re a gun collector or just use firearms for recreational use such as deer hunting and target practice, you’re certain to find a gun of your choice online.

There are dedicated stores that cater specifically to collectors and have amazing historical guns for sale. On the other hand, some stores cater to specific gun users, such as those wanting them for hunting or for protection.

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Cons Of Buying Online

Just as there are pros to buying guns online, there are cons as well.

The most obvious is that since you are getting your firearm online, you won’t get to see it or feel it until it’s already been delivered to the authorized dealer.

Some gun owners don’t like this because they want to see how a gun looks and feels in their hands before actually purchasing it. Of course, this problem can be overlooked if you are already familiar with the gun you would be getting.

To help ensure that you are making a purchase that you will be happy with, do thorough research on the specific gun you are eyeing before purchasing.

hand holding a pistol

One disadvantage of buying guns online is that you won’t know how a gun will look and feel in your hand if you are not yet familiar with that particular model.

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Another problem regarding online purchases is that you’re going to have to wait longer before the item gets delivered than if you were to buy it locally.

Another con you need to consider is that if your gun has problems or defects, it could take a lot longer to have it fixed.

Some online retailers will actually encourage you to send your gun to them for repair. But, if they don’t, you would need to take to a gunsmith in your area.

Look for online retailers that offer a warranty on the guns they sell. The good news is that most retailers offer these. Again, keep in mind that if there are defects, you’ll have to ship the item to the retailer and then wait for them to redeliver the product again. The same goes for replacements.

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Conclusion

Buying a gun online is not as easy as you think it might be. Even when buying online, there’s no such thing as a loophole when buying guns, as the Gun Act of 1968 affects even internet sales. So, do your research, store your guns safely and of course, safe shooting!

cheap shot broadheads test

Cold Steel Cheap Shot Broadheads Review | Legit Head or Cheap Trick?

In this review, I tested the Cold Steel Cheap Shot broadhead.

It’s a real value price head that’s advertised primarily for small game because it’s made out of plastic.

Plastic?

That’s right, plastic. So, obviously I was excited to test it!

I did not test the Cheap Shot head in all the ways that I normally test big game broadheads, because they market this as being a cheap head (hence the name, Cheap Shot).

The Cheap Shot Broadhead Up Close

The Cheap Shot broadheads by Cold Steel cost about a buck each.

That’s right, one dollar!

They say they’re for non-trophy animals. So, you wouldn’t want to shoot at a deer with these, but could try these on small game animals or maybe hogs.

Let’s see how it performed!

cheap shot broadhead by cold steel

So here, you get a good look at the Cheap Shot. It’s a little over 3 inches in length. The cutting diameter is 1 and 5/16″, so just a little bit over one and a quarter inches. You can see the serrations that they have here, which is going to aid in its penetration and its edge retention. Since this head is plastic (they call it space-age polymer), it’s not going to have the edge retention that steel would, but you can make up for that with really good serrations.

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12/25/2024 01:23 am GMT
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Cheap Shot Flight Testing

I tested the Cheap Shot head for flight. I shot two of the heads and one field point for comparison.

cheap shot broadheads shot into target at 40 yards

Here was the Cheap Shot from 40 yards. You can see where the field point hit near the center, but the two broadheads were not very close.

Since the flight test at 40 yards didn’t go too well, I moved in to 20 yards and shot them again…

cheap shot broadheads vs a field point at 20 yards in target

They fared much better at 20 yards than they did at 40…

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Out-of-the-box sharpness Test

I tested (or attempted to test) the head’s sharpness, but I couldn’t get the head to cut the wire… that’s a first.

cheap shot sharpness test

I couldn’t get the Cheap Shot to cut the wire on my sharpness tester, so no result to report here.

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Cardboard Penetration Test

I shot the Cheap Shot into layered cardboard to see how many layers it could penetrate.

cheap shot broadhead after cardboard penetration test

In this test the Cheap Shot penetrated through 43 layers of cardboard.

Ballistic Gel Test

I shot the Cheap Shot into FBI ballistic gel that was fronted with 2/3″ rubber matting and 1/2″ MDF.

The Cheap Shot penetrated 4-1/2 inches.

cheap shot broadhead penetrating into ballistic gel

I know it looks like it penetrated 5 inches into the gel, but when lined up straight, it was actually only 4-1/2 inches.

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12/25/2024 01:14 am GMT

MDF Penetration Test

Next I shot the head into MDF. Check out the pictures below…

cheap shot after being shot into mdf board

Here’s the head and the hole that it made in the MDF. It’s a decent size hole there.

broken ferrule of cheap shot after being shot into mdf

As you can see, it broke off at the ferrule and left the threading portion of the ferrule inside my arrow. So I had to work a little bit to get that out.

cheap shot sticking into mdf board

Here you can see in this picture the distance that it penetrated through the MDF. It didn’t even make it all the way through but it did make it most of the way through.

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Cold Steel Cheap Shot Broadheads | Final Thoughts

So what do you think of the Cheap Shot?

I love the creativity and I like that Cold Steel is trying something different.

I also love the price point. I mean, they’re only one dollar for a head. I mean, if you are just starting out with bowhunting and just need a head to shoot smaller animals with, it’s an option. It will definitely work and wallop whatever you shoot it at.

But, I just kind of go, “Huh? Why?”

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I mean, I’d much rather use an old broadhead or a field point with a judo point or something like that. I just think there are a lot better choices for small game.

But for something fun to try, yeah, I think it’s worth a look for that. So check out the scores. The score sheet is a little bit different because it’s not the typical kind of broadhead that I test. And also, check out my Lusk grade for it.

score card for cheap shot broadhead testing
lusk grade of 5 golden arrows for cold steel cheap shot broadhead test
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John Lusk archery goat
John Lusk of Lusk Archery Adventures
hunting backpack and rifle

Hunting and technology: What’s in your backpack? | Innovative products hunters should consider

Technology has changed almost everything about how we do things and carry on our daily lives. It makes tasks at home as well as tasks at the workplace more efficient.

And, as primal as it can be, hunting is no exception.

If you are a hunter, you understand how it is crucial to prepare yourself for your hunting trip. After all, making sure you have the equipment and supplies you need is part of a successful hunting trip.

man sitting at campfire with coffee and gun

There are several “hi-tech” hunting items that can make your next hunting trip safer, more enjoyable and more efficient.

Before technology became so advanced, hunters needed only to gather their bows, arrows, guns, knives, etc to take on their hunting trips.

However, as technology continues to progress, there are many reliable hi-tech hunting supplies that a dedicated hunter can use to make the process easier. So, let’s jump straight to the list of items to consider in the world of modern day hunting!

Mountain Bikes (hunt quietly)

rambo electric hunting bike

Electric hunting bikes have taken the advantages that mountain bikes can provide hunters to a whole new level.

Sometimes hunters must go to great lengths (literally) to have the best shot at harvesting the game they are after. So, when a long journey deep into the hunting woods or public land, where gas powered vehicles are either not allowed or are too noisy, mountain bikes can be the answer.

Technology has made even the mountain bike take strides (or pedal strokes) forward.

Now, while you can’t fit it in your backpack, hunters can utilize an electric hunting bike, which, due to its electric motor is easier and faster to use than traditional mountain bikes, to more quietly go to places where vehicles are not allowed.

Electric mountain bikes are environmentally friendly hi-tech hunting gear and can add an extra dimension to the hunting experience.

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So, if you are looking for a more efficient way to get you and your hunting gear to your final destination, an electric hunting bike could be worth considering.

There are different types of hunting bikes to choose from for various budgets and needs.

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Light | Use your head (lamp)

While predator hunting can be done at night using various thermal and night vision products, the hours before and after a daylight hunt can require the use of a flashlight.

And, while flashlights are helpful for getting to and from your deer stand or hunting blind, they can be difficult to manage when carrying a gun, bow or other hunting gear.

This is where headlamps are a great addition.

man looking toward the sky with headlamp

When it’s dark, using a headlamp during your entry and exit to your hunting location can prevent unwanted noises, and keep you on your feet.

A headlamp that you can attach to your head or hunting hat can help prevent injuries that result from falling while walking in the dark through the woods or over rough terrain.

Some hunters will choose not to use artificial light because they are concerned that it will alert game animals to their presence. However, headlamps can also help add to your stealthy advances by lighting the way to prevent unwanted noises caused by falling or from hunting equipment getting tangled or hindered by vines and branches.

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Plus, headlamps will free up your hands so that you can carry your weapon and other hunting gear more effectively.

And, when you are able to successfully harvest a deer or other game animal, headlamps can make the recovery and pack out of the animal faster.

For these reasons, headlamps are a fairly simple, but highly useful piece of hunting technology that every hunter should consider.

Traditional Archery: Low-Tech Hunting

Long Range Scope

The ability to hunt game animals from long range has been amplified by the use of long-range scopes.

However, before deciding to purchase a long-range scope, be sure you have done your homework to ensure that the scope you are considering is not only a good choice for your rifle, but that your rifle itself is capable of harvesting game at the distances you will be hunting.

Rifle type and caliber, as well as terrain, distance and type of game are all important considerations here

long range rifle and scope

The use of a long-range rifle scope allows you to “get closer” to your prey without getting too close.

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Solar Wrap (a sun tan may help those other gadgets)

Technology can certainly add new elements to hunting, but can also add inconveniences as well. One of the most significant of those inconveniences is that all that hi-tech hunting gear can run out of power.

So, whether it’s GPS devices, headlamps, smartphones, or other hi-tech gadgets, a hunter needs a way to keep re-charging items that will not hold power for long periods of time. After all, no one wants to cut their hunting trip short.

Solar wraps can be the solution.

bushnell solar wrap

A solar wrap stores energy from the sun, which can be used to recharge portable electronic devices via a USB connection.

A solar wrap is a device that comes in handy when you have other technological devices that require constant recharging. It uses a portable solar panel to absorb the suns rays and can charge any device, as long as it’s chargeable using a USB connection.

You can keep a Solar Wrap in your hunting bag or backpack so your can give your phone and other hunting gadgets a boost when needed.

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Satellite Phone (When the cell phone is down and out)

Let’s face it, part of the fun of hunting is calling your friends and family when you have successfully harvested a deer or other game.

However, with all our technological advances, their are still many areas in the hunting woods or on public land where you can’t get a signal to use that invention called the smart phone.

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So, if you’re going to be in one of these areas, especially on a long trip, a satellite phone is a great piece of hunting tech to have in your backpack.

A satellite phone is a great thing to have when hunting, so that you can call EMS, friends or family to help in the event of an emergency. A satellite phone will always get through, regardless of whether there is a cell phone network connection or not.

Also, if you are lost or seriously injured, emergency personnel can track you, using your satellite phone’s location. 

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Pocket Chain Saw (hunting “technology” that really cuts it)

If you are backpack hunting and will be setting up a camp site, the ability to cut firewood or shape trees and wood is a must.

While you might use a pocket knife or a machete, there is a tool many are not aware of that can make these tasks more efficient.

wood cut with pocket chainsaw

If you are hunting on an overnight trip, the ability to cut wood for a campfire is critical.

A pocket chain saw comes in handy for all your cutting and chopping needs. While it is not electronic per se, this hunting tech is like a handsaw, which uses human power.

Despite its simplicity, a pocket chainsaw can help significantly when you need to cut down limbs or trees to use for firewood.

Many brick and mortar retailers, as well as online shops, sell pocket chainsaws. Some come with spare parts, while others will require you to buy the parts separately. The pocket chainsaw is an invaluable piece of hunting “tech,” whether you are building a shelter or simply building a fire.

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Hiking/Fitness Watch

Let’s face it, watches have come a long way in recent years. What used to be a simple wrist watch for telling time has become a smart device in itself.

Some of these watches can even monitor your heart health in case you begin showing signs of atrial fibrillation, where the heart beats irregularly.

fitbit watch

Watches from manufacturers like Fitbit have potential life-saving features like heart rate monitoring.

While no one wants to think about an enjoyable outdoor activity like hunting turning into an emergency situation, it’s nice to know there are tools out there to warn you of signs of trouble regarding your health.

Watches like the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 provide some of these potentially life-saving features. To know their differences and functions, check out this comparison between the sense and versa 3.

Conclusion

While many think of the use of trail cameras as “hunting tech,” the above hi-tech hunting gear list may have opened you eyes to how much you may have been missing when it comes to hunting in the 21st century.

Always be sure to check reviews before purchasing any of these tech items for hunting.

Be safe and shoot straight!