Buy a handgun, rifle, or shotgun in Ohio without a permit to purchase, plus the eligibility rules and steps for buying from a federally licensed dealer.
How to Purchase a Pistol in Ohio
Buying a Firearm from a Federally-Licensed Firearm Dealer (FFL)
In the state of Ohio, you can purchase rifles, handguns, and shotguns from any federally-licensed firearm dealer without being required to obtain a permit to purchase.
Buying the handgun is only the first step. Carrying it concealed falls under a separate set of rules, which this Ohio concealed carry laws guide walks through.
To purchase a handgun, you must be 21 years of age; to purchase a rifle or shotgun, you must be 18 years of age (ORC 2923.21).
Buying from a private seller
Ohio law does not require a background check for a private sale. The same age limits apply to everyone: no one may sell a handgun to a person under 21 or any firearm to a person under 18. Federal law also makes it a crime to sell a firearm to someone the seller knows or has reason to believe cannot legally have one.
Four steps to purchase a firearm
Check that you can legally buy
You must be 21 to buy a handgun and 18 to buy a rifle or shotgun, and not be barred from having a firearm under Ohio or federal law.
Find a gun or firearms dealer in Ohio
In Ohio, you can purchase guns from private sellers or firearm dealers with federal licenses.
Bring photo ID and complete the paperwork
When you finally visit the federally-licensed firearm dealer, bring photo ID with you (ie: driver’s license). You will fill out federal form 4473, and a NICS background check will be performed.
Take your firearm home
You can take your gun or firearm home with you on the day of purchase. There is no mandatory waiting period.