Federal Background Check

Since the mid 1990's, all people who wish to purchase a handgun will have to submit to a background check. When this background check is performed, the firearm store owner is looking for two distinct things that will prevent you from being allowed to own a firearm. These two things that the firearm store owner is looking for is whether you are a convicted felon and whether you were discharged dishonorably from military service. The reasons that this check is performed, is that it has been determined that those who have been dishonorably discharged from the military or have a felony conviction are more likely to commit a weapon related crime those who have not. This firearm background check is done as a preventative measure to stop firearm related crimes in the U.S.

The law that controls this requirement for a handgun background check prior to purchasing a handgun is known as the Brady handgun law. No one wants to see a convicted felon with access to a handgun so that they have the opportunity to commit another handgun related crime, while at the same time, those who have been dishonorably discharged from the service have proven that they cannot handle having access to a weapon. In both cases, these people are not allowed to purchase nor own a handgun and to prevent this, the Brady handgun law was created.

While it is still possible for these people to get a handgun through illegal means such as out of the back of a car, but then again, this is also a lot harder than going down to the local handgun store and purchasing a handgun. Furthermore, purchasing a weapon illegally is also a crime and therefore is also punishable if they are caught.

If you are planning on purchasing a handgun, even if it is only for the protection of your home and family, you will be required to pass a background check. In many cases though, the shotgun and rifles are not covered under this law, but many larger establishments will still require it since some states also require it.

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