Combined Transfers (Handgun & Long Gun)
Hey Guys,
I have a buddy who has an FFL. I've transferred a few guns through him even though his fee is a little more that some other places just because I know him and figured I'd spend my money with him. The issue arises when I try to transfer a handgun and long gun together. I've been told by multiple dealers the correct way is to put both on a 4473, then do the handgun form which gets checked through the state DOJ. Since it goes above and beyond the NICS check, the separate NICS isn't required and the long gun rides on the Handgun background check.
From the purchases I've made elsewhere in the state I assume this is correct. When I go to a gun store or buy from a FFL at a show, they only have me do one 4473 and it has both the long and handgun on it. At that point sometimes I get charged $10 for the handgun background check. The long gun usually rides free. I haven't bought both many times though.
My buddy is adamant this is not correct. And he can't put a handgun and a long gun on one 4473 form. But... he also said the max transfer limit is 3 long guns, but I found right no the ATF website that's not correct, as they have a insert page and you can buy as many long guns as you want. I tried googling and couldn't find anything written in stone for WI, other than the handgun hotline check goes above and beyond a NICS check. If I could find something in writing it might smooth things out with my buddy. I don't think he'd be trying to force extra transfers just to get the fee. But you know... people.
Thanks!
1
u/_ChairmanMeow- 18d ago edited 18d ago
As you stated, there's definitely no three long gun limit. FFLs on the border states have additional multiple long gun reporting requirements, but not in WI and that doesn't mean you can't buy them. The ATF has the 'Firearms transaction record continuation sheet' for this very purpose. It adds 29 more lines of firearms for the same 4473.
In Wisconsin, FFLs have to report when you buy two or more handguns; it's a process that requires me to email a form to the ATF as well as snail mail a copy to my local sheriff's department. Personally, that's why I don't discount additional handguns, you pay the full fee for each handgun, because it's more work, cost, and a pain in the ass. Side note: that's the only time the serial numbers of your purchases leave my premise, on the multiple handgun sales form (to ATF and local LE).
You did bring an interesting point that I've never thought of, if someone buys a long gun and a handgun together, I run a check in both places (State system and federal NICS). I've been doing it for years as I thought that's what I had to do, I need to research this. I'd love to stop doing that.
As far as putting both on the same 4473, no idea why he would think he couldn't put one long gun and one handgun on one 4473.
Just my 0.02.