I was standing in line at a local sporting goods emporium and watched a gentleman attempt to purchase a Ruger 10/22 long-gun.
For those who are not into guns, the Ruger 10/22 would be a fine choice (top 5) if you could only have one fire-arm to last the rest of your life. It uses ammo that is widely available and it has enough power to reliably take down animals up to 40 pounds with a single shot. Larger animals too if you pick your shots or can pump several rounds into the heart/lung area.
The gentleman had a young woman who appeared to be about 16 in tow. He was chatting with the gentleman behind the counter informing him that he was purchasing it so his daughter could go squirrel hunting with him.
He filled out the 4473 and he was rejected due to how he answered one of the questions.
The question was "Are you purchasing this firearm with the intention of either selling or transferring it to somebody else?" (paraphrased)
He answered "Yes" because in his mind he was purchasing it for his daughter to use.
In the eyes of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and other stuff, he was attempting to make a "straw purchase" and was rejected.
Remember, in circumstances like that you are purchasing the firearm for yourself and you might temporarily loan it out if the person in question meets certain criteria (not a felon, not in this country illegally and so on). Hunting guides do this on a frequent basis when the dude's rifle is lost by the airlines or he drops it and knocks the scope out of alignment.
One of my other Top Five choice would be the Maverick 88, 20 gauge in the Bantam configuration (12" length-of-pull and 22" barrel). My reasoning is that sending a young person or a wizened old coot out to fill the stew-pot incurs a lower opportunity cost than sending out the lumber-jack or adult in his-her prime.
The shorter stock and the combination of a 20 gauge in a fairly slim, lightweight configuration is a winner for younger shooters, petite women and old geezers.
Other uses for a scatter-gun include knocking squirrels out of your nut trees and ground-sluicing bunnies in your cabbages. Neither of those uses require a shotgun that is fitted so it naturally points at the target when you bring it to your shoulder. The small-holder doesn't take that many shots at birds-in-flight, that is for the sportsmen. So although the 22" barrel and shorter stock not point and swing that smoothly for guys over 5'-8", those same features make it a great shotgun for the B-team and make the firearm surprisingly handy to store and carry.
These kinds of firearms are currently available and if you have a few extra dollars you might think of purchasing one of these kinds of firearms...especially if you don't already have one.
I like the mossberg500 in 20ga. Bought a rifled slug barrel to go with the one that takes different chokes.
ReplyDeleteThe Maverick is in the Mossberg family and it is marketed as the bottom-shelf Mossberg 500. It takes all of the M-500 accessories.
DeleteOne difference is the safety on the Maverick 88 is a cross-bolt safety in front of the trigger-guard and not the slider tang on at the back of the receiver. So the Maverick 88 is NOT an EXACT copy of the M-500 Hecto en Mexico.
Yes, the Mossberg 500 is a great choice. No doubt about it. The Maverick 88 just comes in at a lower price-point.
While I like the 10/22 ( the first gun I bought with my own money - pre 4473) I greatly prefer the S&W AR 15/22 for the adjustable stock (LOP for a variety of children) FAR better sights and FAR easier disassembly for more thorough cleaning. It also gets kids into the AR " manual of arms".
ReplyDeleteBoat Guy
Thank-you, sir. That is great input!
DeleteI don't suppose you had the opportunity to enlighten the would-be gun buyer? To actually accomplish enlightenment would be a long shot, but he'd benefit if he was able to get off in the right direction after talking with you. By that I mean, sounds like he should learn what the state and federal gun laws actually ARE as opposed to what he "knows" they are from whatever life experience he's picked up so far.
ReplyDeleteIn Florida, we have a great book "Florida Firearms Law: Usage and Ownership" written by Jon Gutmacher to do that. If a person buys it and reads it, he or she will be very well-served when making various decisions about getting and using a firearm. I have pointed several people in a similar situation to your gentleman at this book, and I hope it's helped them avoid potentially felony problems with the law. I would think many other states would have a similar book, but I have never had occasion to look so far.
The poor schmuck who answered that question yes stands a very good chance at receiving a visit from the assclowns at BATFEces sometime in the future over that faux pas. And it won't be a polite visit.
ReplyDeleteMy last month paycheck was for 11000 dollars… All i did was simple online work from comfort at home for 3-4 hours/day / 95 bucks every hour…..>
ReplyDeleteDetail Here——————————>>>
https://www.pay.salary49.com
I was a firearm salesman for several years. If you are purchasing the firearm as a gift for a family member, that counts as buying it for yourself and you should answer "No". Had one customer who bought seven S&W M&P 15/22s for all his grandkids one Christmas. It's funny - only honest people got this question wrong. The straw buyers know the form and they just lie.
ReplyDeleteI once wrote a book on the 10/22 (now out of print), and had a blog about it. I've built up many customized 10/22s and even done my own trigger jobs. Of the semi-auto rimfires, it is to me the finest design. Ruger barrels are excellent, and the bolt and trigger group are very easy to service. (Much easier than the Marlin or Remington.) There are excellent upgrade parts available from several companies, especially Tandemkross and Kidd, which can make the 10/22 into a sub-MOA rifle if you want.
Way back when, I purchased a Remington 870Y Youth shotgun, which came with a 21" Rem-Choke and an adult stock just in case the youngin kept at it and wanted a stock that fit.
ReplyDeleteThis shotgun was for yours truly though, wanting a lighter shotgun to chase blue quail through south Texas brush. they generally run before flushing out, bless their merry little souls !
My 870 Wingmaster 12 gauge was putting freckles on my tongue due to time hanging outside my mouth - the 870 youth was about 2 lbs less heavy. Useful that.
My parents gave me a sweet little Italian-made Franchi 20 guage for my 10th birthday. 23-inch barrel, weighs just a hair over 5 lbs... you can carry that baby all day long and not get worn out. Served me well, and was a great starter shotgun for my kids.
ReplyDeleteMy H&R Topper Jr single shot break action 20GA was a present from my grandfather. Too light! Kicks like a mule for a young teen.
ReplyDeleteThe extra mass on the pump guns helps a lot.
Then I bought a semi-auto 20GA. WAAAAAY less recoil!
There is nothing wrong with purchasing a firearm for yourself, with the ultimate intention of gifting it to your children. That is NOT what is meant in the 4473 question. Same that you can pass it along through your will or a trust.
ReplyDeleteA straw purchase requires that the third party pay you for the firearm, and that is the reason you are purchasing it in the first place. While it does not require that the third party not be eligible to purchase on their own, that certainly would be evidence suggestive of a true straw purchase.
Actually, the BATF definition of straw purchase does say that the third party be someone who is prohibited by law from possessing one or for someone who does not want their name associated with the transaction.
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