Difference between revisions of "Buy a Gun in Wisconsin"
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===Purchasing a Handgun in Wisconsin=== | ===Purchasing a Handgun in Wisconsin=== | ||
#Select the handgun you wish to purchase. Ask for assistance from a dealer if necessary. When purchasing a handgun, you should take several factors into account, including: | #Select the handgun you wish to purchase. Ask for assistance from a dealer if necessary. When purchasing a handgun, you should take several factors into account, including: | ||
| − | #* Decide on the intended use for the handgun. A range gun—or a gun primarily used for recreation at the gun range—is different than a concealed carry gun, or personal protection gun, which in turn might be different than a home defense gun.<ref> http://dailycaller.com/2015/04/12/6-steps-in-choosing-your-first-handgun/</ref> | + | #* Decide on the intended use for the handgun. A range gun—or a gun primarily used for recreation at the gun range—is different than a concealed carry gun, or personal protection gun, which in turn might be different than a home defense gun.<ref name="rf1"> http://dailycaller.com/2015/04/12/6-steps-in-choosing-your-first-handgun/</ref> |
#* Virtually any handgun can be a range gun, no matter how large or impractical. | #* Virtually any handgun can be a range gun, no matter how large or impractical. | ||
| − | #* Concealed carry guns should be smaller and lighter. Polymer frame guns and small steel frame guns are ideal. But keep in mind that the smaller and lighter the gun, the greater the recoil.<ref> http://www.gundigest.com/guns/handgun-reviews-articles/10-tips-for-choosing-a-concealed-carry-handgun</ref> | + | #* Concealed carry guns should be smaller and lighter. Polymer frame guns and small steel frame guns are ideal. But keep in mind that the smaller and lighter the gun, the greater the recoil.<ref name="rf2"> http://www.gundigest.com/guns/handgun-reviews-articles/10-tips-for-choosing-a-concealed-carry-handgun</ref> |
| − | #* Handguns for home defense can be larger than carry guns, because the user doesn’t have to worry about being weighed down throughout the day.<ref> http://www.gunsandammo.com/blogs/defend-thyself/ga-basics-how-to-choose-your-first-home-defense-gun/</ref> Just don’t get anything so large you have to worry about overshooting—passing through wall—and hurting an innocent bystander. | + | #* Handguns for home defense can be larger than carry guns, because the user doesn’t have to worry about being weighed down throughout the day.<ref name="rf3"> http://www.gunsandammo.com/blogs/defend-thyself/ga-basics-how-to-choose-your-first-home-defense-gun/</ref> Just don’t get anything so large you have to worry about overshooting—passing through wall—and hurting an innocent bystander. |
#Try before you buy. For most people, guns are expensive purchases. You’ll want to make sure that you like the way your gun feels and shoots before you commit to it. | #Try before you buy. For most people, guns are expensive purchases. You’ll want to make sure that you like the way your gun feels and shoots before you commit to it. | ||
#*Some sporting goods stores and gun dealers have shooting ranges where you can “test drive” a gun you’re looking at. | #*Some sporting goods stores and gun dealers have shooting ranges where you can “test drive” a gun you’re looking at. | ||
#Make sure you can pass a background check. Save yourself some potential embarrassment and familiarize yourself with the reasons you wouldn't pass a background check. You will be required to submit to one before you can complete your purchase. | #Make sure you can pass a background check. Save yourself some potential embarrassment and familiarize yourself with the reasons you wouldn't pass a background check. You will be required to submit to one before you can complete your purchase. | ||
| − | #* Felons, illegal aliens, persons who admit to being addicted to drugs, servicemen who have received a dishonorable discharge, persons who have renounced their citizenship, persons under restraining orders, persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, those adjudicated mentally ill, and fugitives are all prohibited from purchasing a handgun.<ref> https://www.thetrace.org/2015/07/gun-background-checks-nics-failure/</ref> | + | #* Felons, illegal aliens, persons who admit to being addicted to drugs, servicemen who have received a dishonorable discharge, persons who have renounced their citizenship, persons under restraining orders, persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, those adjudicated mentally ill, and fugitives are all prohibited from purchasing a handgun.<ref name="rf4"> https://www.thetrace.org/2015/07/gun-background-checks-nics-failure/</ref> |
| − | #Submit to a background check. Before you can buy a handgun, you’ll have to submit to a background check. The only thing that you’ll need for the background check is a '''Wisconsin''' driver’s license or ID.<ref> https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/firearms-unit</ref> Out of state licenses are not acceptable. | + | #Submit to a background check. Before you can buy a handgun, you’ll have to submit to a background check. The only thing that you’ll need for the background check is a '''Wisconsin''' driver’s license or ID.<ref name="rf5"> https://www.doj.state.wi.us/dles/cib/firearms-unit</ref> Out of state licenses are not acceptable. |
#* The background check is conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), acting as a middleman for the FBI. Typically, a background check will only take minutes, but it can take as long as five business days. An extra $13 charge is added to the purchase of the firearm for conducting the background check. | #* The background check is conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ), acting as a middleman for the FBI. Typically, a background check will only take minutes, but it can take as long as five business days. An extra $13 charge is added to the purchase of the firearm for conducting the background check. | ||
#* Wisconsin limits gun sales to those who are 18 years of age or older. While there was at one time a 48 hour waiting period, this was repealed in 2015. | #* Wisconsin limits gun sales to those who are 18 years of age or older. While there was at one time a 48 hour waiting period, this was repealed in 2015. | ||
===Buying a Rifle or Shotgun in Wisconsin=== | ===Buying a Rifle or Shotgun in Wisconsin=== | ||
#Decide on the intended use for the rifle or shotgun (long gun). You will require different features from a hunting rifle compared to a range gun, hunting shotgun, or a shotgun for home defense. When you purchase a long gun, take the following factors into account: | #Decide on the intended use for the rifle or shotgun (long gun). You will require different features from a hunting rifle compared to a range gun, hunting shotgun, or a shotgun for home defense. When you purchase a long gun, take the following factors into account: | ||
| − | #* Semi-automatic, high-capacity assault rifles are best used at the range. They are too powerful for home defense and they tend to make poorer hunting rifles than a traditional larger caliber hunting rifle.<ref> http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/hunting/2009/05/fs-picks-25-best-ar-style-rifles</ref> | + | #* Semi-automatic, high-capacity assault rifles are best used at the range. They are too powerful for home defense and they tend to make poorer hunting rifles than a traditional larger caliber hunting rifle.<ref name="rf6"> http://www.fieldandstream.com/photos/gallery/hunting/2009/05/fs-picks-25-best-ar-style-rifles</ref> |
| − | #* Hunting rifles tend to have smaller capacity, and larger calibers. While there are some semi-automatic and lever action hunting rifles, the majority are bolt-action.<ref> https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2013/3/12/top-10-hunting-rifles/</ref> | + | #* Hunting rifles tend to have smaller capacity, and larger calibers. While there are some semi-automatic and lever action hunting rifles, the majority are bolt-action.<ref name="rf7"> https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2013/3/12/top-10-hunting-rifles/</ref> |
| − | #* Hunting shotguns are typically geared toward fowl hunting, although some people hunt larger game with them. They have a low to medium capacity, and come in double barrel, pump action, and semi-automatic.<ref> http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/2012/07/waterfowl-guns-13-great-duck-and-goose-hunting-shotguns</ref> | + | #* Hunting shotguns are typically geared toward fowl hunting, although some people hunt larger game with them. They have a low to medium capacity, and come in double barrel, pump action, and semi-automatic.<ref name="rf8"> http://www.outdoorlife.com/photos/gallery/hunting/2012/07/waterfowl-guns-13-great-duck-and-goose-hunting-shotguns</ref> |
| − | #* Home defense shotguns have shorter barrels, and usually come in pump action or semiautomatic.<ref> http://www.gunsandammo.com/tips-tactics/the-home-defense-shotgun-2/</ref> | + | #* Home defense shotguns have shorter barrels, and usually come in pump action or semiautomatic.<ref name="rf9"> http://www.gunsandammo.com/tips-tactics/the-home-defense-shotgun-2/</ref> |
#Confer with the dealer about your selection. Ask them whether they think your selection is consistent with what you plan on using the weapon for. | #Confer with the dealer about your selection. Ask them whether they think your selection is consistent with what you plan on using the weapon for. | ||
#* As always, remember that they have an incentive to upsell you. Make sure a more expensive recommendation is worth it. | #* As always, remember that they have an incentive to upsell you. Make sure a more expensive recommendation is worth it. | ||
#Try your intended purchase out before you buy it. Although many dealers have ranges on sight, some of the smaller dealers might not allow rifles on their range. If that’s the case, call a few other ranges and see if they have the same gun for rent. | #Try your intended purchase out before you buy it. Although many dealers have ranges on sight, some of the smaller dealers might not allow rifles on their range. If that’s the case, call a few other ranges and see if they have the same gun for rent. | ||
| − | #Purchase your gun. Unlike handguns, there is no background check required to purchase a long gun. Once you’ve made your decision, make your purchase.<ref>https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/wisconsin/</ref> | + | #Purchase your gun. Unlike handguns, there is no background check required to purchase a long gun. Once you’ve made your decision, make your purchase.<ref name="rf10">https://www.nraila.org/gun-laws/state-gun-laws/wisconsin/</ref> |
#* You must be of sound mind and not committing any crimes at the time of your purchase. | #* You must be of sound mind and not committing any crimes at the time of your purchase. | ||
===Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit in Wisconsin=== | ===Obtaining a Concealed Carry Permit in Wisconsin=== | ||
| − | #See if you meet the basic requirements. In order to get a concealed carry permit, an individual must be over 21, a Wisconsin resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law.<ref> https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/dles/ccw/ccw-faq.pdf</ref> | + | #See if you meet the basic requirements. In order to get a concealed carry permit, an individual must be over 21, a Wisconsin resident, and not prohibited from possessing a firearm under federal or state law.<ref name="rf11"> https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/dles/ccw/ccw-faq.pdf</ref> |
| − | #* The disqualifiers are basically the same disqualifiers that would bar someone from buying a handgun, along with their equivalents under Wisconsin law. There is one important addition—if you were adjudicated delinquent in another state for an offense where you would have been tried as an adult and convicted of a felony in Wisconsin, you are also disqualified.<ref> http://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/firearms.php</ref> | + | #* The disqualifiers are basically the same disqualifiers that would bar someone from buying a handgun, along with their equivalents under Wisconsin law. There is one important addition—if you were adjudicated delinquent in another state for an offense where you would have been tried as an adult and convicted of a felony in Wisconsin, you are also disqualified.<ref name="rf12"> http://wilawlibrary.gov/topics/firearms.php</ref> |
| − | #Take a firearms safety and training course. Wisconsin requires concealed carry applicants to take a course in firearms training and safety.<ref | + | #Take a firearms safety and training course. Wisconsin requires concealed carry applicants to take a course in firearms training and safety.<ref name="rf11" /> A number of courses are acceptable, including: |
#* The Wisconsin DNR Hunter education program or a similar course in another state. | #* The Wisconsin DNR Hunter education program or a similar course in another state. | ||
#* A firearms safety course conducted by an organization that certifies firearms instructors, or an instructor certified by said agency. | #* A firearms safety course conducted by an organization that certifies firearms instructors, or an instructor certified by said agency. | ||
