Buying Firearms Online: A Growing Trend
More gun buyers than ever are purchasing firearms online. The selection is broader, prices are often competitive, and you can research and compare from the comfort of your home. But unlike buying a pair of shoes or electronics, a firearm cannot be shipped directly to your door. Federal law requires that all interstate firearms shipments go through a licensed FFL dealer. In Illinois, this means finding a local dealer who accepts transfers, placing your order, and completing the paperwork and Illinois-specific requirements in person at the dealer.
Ernie's Arms Accessories in Oak Lawn, IL accepts FFL transfers from every major online retailer. This guide walks you through the entire process from choosing a retailer to picking up your firearm.
Popular Online Firearm Retailers
Step-by-Step: The Online Purchase Process
Step 1 - Choose Your FFL First: Before you order, contact your local FFL dealer to confirm they accept transfers and get their fee schedule. At Ernie's Arms Accessories, contact us before ordering and we will provide our FFL information for the retailer.
Step 2 - Place Your Order: Browse the retailer's website, select your firearm, and proceed to checkout. During checkout, you will select your receiving FFL. Most major retailers have a built-in FFL search. Look for Ernie's Arms Accessories in Oak Lawn, IL. If we are not in their database, we will send our license directly to the retailer.
Step 3 - Retailer Ships to FFL: The retailer ships the firearm to your chosen FFL via a licensed carrier. Shipping times vary by retailer, typically 3-10 business days.
Step 4 - FFL Receives and Notifies You: When the firearm arrives, we log it into our records and contact you to schedule your pickup appointment.
Step 5 - Complete Transfer In Person: At your appointment, you will complete ATF Form 4473, present your FOID card and ID, undergo a background check, and begin the Illinois waiting period. For a detailed breakdown of this process, see our FFL transfer guide.
Before ordering online, verify that the firearm you are purchasing is legal in Illinois. The Protect Illinois Communities Act restricts certain semi-automatic firearms and magazine capacities. If you are unsure whether a specific firearm is compliant, ask us before ordering. See our Illinois gun laws guide for details.
Cost Breakdown: Buying Online vs. Local
When buying online, your total cost includes the firearm price, retailer shipping fee, FFL transfer fee, and applicable taxes. Sometimes the online price plus shipping and transfer still beats local retail. Other times, your local dealer can match or beat the total. Before ordering online, it is worth checking with your local FFL dealer to see if they can order the same firearm at a competitive price, which eliminates the transfer fee entirely.
Ready to Order?
If you are planning an online purchase and need a reliable FFL in the Oak Lawn / Chicago south suburbs area, contact Ernie's Arms Accessories today. We handle transfers from every major online retailer and make the process simple. Call (312) 217-3863 or email us to get started.