How to buy a handgun in DC now?

[Anonymous]

I am not looking for a 2A debate, just hoping someone knowledgeable can help.

How can I legally buy a handgun in DC right now? I saw that you have to go through MPD but I’m still confused. Can you buy the gun through MPD, or do I have to go to Virginia and transfer one through MPD? Are things even open right now?

[jsteele]

The Metropolitan Police are the only legal gun dealer in DC now. So you have to buy it out of state and have the dealer ship it to MPD. This is a very recent change that I only know about because I saw it on Twitter, not because I want to buy a gun.

[Anonymous]

jsteele wrote:The Metropolitan Police are the only legal gun dealer in DC now. So you have to buy it out of state and have the dealer ship it to MPD. This is a very recent change that I only know about because I saw it on Twitter, not because I want to buy a gun.

This.

https://mpdc.dc.gov/firearms

Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters (Main Entrance)
300 Indiana Avenue, NW, Room 3058
Washington, DC 20001

Service Contact:
Firearms Registration Branch
Contact Phone:
[phone]
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info! Can a relative gift me a gun by sending it to MPD? Or do I have to buy it from a dealer?

[Anonymous]

Key concept is “transfer.”

Buy, gift, trade - does not matter.

Any firearm at all can ONLY be “transferred” through MPD now.

Typically, an out of state FFL holder will lawfully send the firearm (of any type) to the MPD, and the MPD will complete the Brady background investigation (called a NICS check), plus MPD will make you prove compliance with DC’s other gun laws - such as strenuous and lengthy training.

Only after everything has been completed, is the firearm “transfer” completed, and the firearm released to you. The process takes months to complete.

I doubt MPD would accept a firearm sent from a relative out of state, but you could ask them.

[Anonymous]

Why do you need a gun??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need a gun??

For protection.....duh. I'm sure you live in McLean or some posh neighborhood in NW.

[Anonymous]

OP, you actually have another option. The transfer process through MPD only applies to *handguns*, not long guns.

As a DC resident, you can purchase a non-regulated (in DC) long gun such as a rifle or shotgun, from a dealer in Virginia or Maryland. You can legally buy this long gun from a dealer there, and bring it home to DC.

Not all types of long guns are permitted in DC, so the best way to do this is to purchase from a dealer who is very familiar with the DC laws.

Best answer would be to go to Atlantic Guns in Silver Spring, just outside DC. They are very knowledgeable of DC gun laws, and understand what you’re able to own as a DC resident. They will walk you through the process.

A pump action shotgun is a very effective home defense gun, absolutely as useful as a handgun, and much easier to obtain and legally own in DC.

Good luck. Post back if you have any other questions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, you actually have another option. The transfer process through MPD only applies to *handguns*, not long guns.

As a DC resident, you can purchase a non-regulated (in DC) long gun such as a rifle or shotgun, from a dealer in Virginia or Maryland. You can legally buy this long gun from a dealer there, and bring it home to DC.

Not all types of long guns are permitted in DC, so the best way to do this is to purchase from a dealer who is very familiar with the DC laws.

Best answer would be to go to Atlantic Guns in Silver Spring, just outside DC. They are very knowledgeable of DC gun laws, and understand what you’re able to own as a DC resident. They will walk you through the process.

A pump action shotgun is a very effective home defense gun, absolutely as useful as a handgun, and much easier to obtain and legally own in DC.

Good luck. Post back if you have any other questions.

Joe Biden actually suggested you "just buy a shotgun."

[Anonymous]

Are they really going to release a handgun? I thought they were (unconstitutionally) banned in DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why do you need a gun??

For protection.....duh. I'm sure you live in McLean or some posh neighborhood in NW.

Buy one at the gun store in McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Key concept is “transfer.”

Buy, gift, trade - does not matter.

Any firearm at all can ONLY be “transferred” through MPD now.

Typically, an out of state FFL holder will lawfully send the firearm (of any type) to the MPD, and the MPD will complete the Brady background investigation (called a NICS check), plus MPD will make you prove compliance with DC’s other gun laws - such as strenuous and lengthy training.

Only after everything has been completed, is the firearm “transfer” completed, and the firearm released to you. The process takes months to complete.

I doubt MPD would accept a firearm sent from a relative out of state, but you could ask them.

I'm thinking of buying a handgun, and it looks like the process is much less onerous than it used to be. (DC lost in court and decided not to appeal.) The required training is available for free online. You then complete a registration form that's available online, drop it off at MPD, buy your handgun in VA or MD, have them ship it to MPD, and pick it up 10 days after you drop off the form. Total fees are less than $200.

Also, I think your relative can have an FFL in their state ship the gun to MPD. You should call MPD to confirm.

Has anyone done it recently? Can you post your experience?
I

[Anonymous]

What's to stop you from just buying a gun in VA just like any other virginia resident would and then driving back home?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's to stop you from just buying a gun in VA just like any other virginia resident would and then driving back home?

The very real fate of going to jail when you are:

A. found with it in your possession (someone intentionally or otherwise informs the police)
B. You used it...even if it was to defend yourself/family

Either way, you're going to jail in D.C.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What's to stop you from just buying a gun in VA just like any other virginia resident would and then driving back home?

If one is a DC resident, they cannot just buy a gun in Virginia and drive home with it.