Buying your first gun in Arizona is simpler than most people expect. There's no state permit to purchase, no registration and no waiting period. Here's exactly how it works, and how to choose well.
How old do you have to be?
- Handguns: 21 or older to buy from a licensed dealer (federal law).
- Rifles and shotguns: 18 or older.
What Arizona does not require
- No permit or license to buy
- No gun registration
- No waiting period: most buyers take their firearm home the same day
Step by step at the counter
- Pick your firearm. Tell us what it's for (home defense, carry, the range, hunting) and we'll help you narrow it down.
- Show a valid government photo ID with your current address.
- Fill out ATF Form 4473. It's a federal form with questions about your eligibility. Answer every question truthfully.
- Background check. We run the federal NICS check on site. Most come back in minutes. If yours is delayed, federal law lets the dealer transfer after 3 business days, though we recommend waiting for a clear "proceed."
- Pay and take it home.
Have an Arizona CCW permit? ATF accepts a valid Arizona CCW permit in place of the NICS check, which usually makes the process faster. See How to Get an Arizona CCW Permit in 2026.
Buying online
Found a gun online? It has to ship to a licensed dealer (FFL), not your house. Have it shipped to us. Our FFL transfer fee is $30, and you do the same 4473 and background check when it arrives. Two federal rules to know:
- Handguns can only be transferred to residents of the state where the dealer is, so handgun transfers here are for Arizona residents.
- Long guns can go to most out-of-state residents, as long as the sale is legal in both states.
Buy from us, in store or online for pickup, and there's no transfer fee.
Choosing a first handgun
- Purpose first. A small carry gun is harder to shoot well than a full-size gun. If it's mostly for home and the range, a larger pistol is easier to learn on.
- Caliber: 9mm is the most popular choice. Ammo is easy to find, recoil is manageable, and nearly every model comes in it.
- Fit: you should reach the trigger and controls comfortably without shifting your grip.
- Shoot before you decide. In our 2-hour Basic Handgun class we provide the handgun, so you can feel a full-size 9mm in your hands with a coach before you spend anything on a gun.
Thinking about an AR-15 instead?
AR-15s are the most popular rifle in the country for good reason: light recoil, easy to set up, and endless parts support. If you're buying one, Rifle Fundamentals teaches zeroing, positions, reloads and safe handling in one evening, and it's fine to take it before you buy.
What to buy with it
- Eye and ear protection
- A quality holster if you'll carry (see How to Choose a Concealed Carry Holster)
- A lockable case or safe, especially with kids at home
- A basic cleaning kit; see cleaning and tools
Classes that help
Learn on our guns before you buy your own.
- Basic Handgun · $95
2 hours, 1-6 students. Grip, stance, sights and trigger, then 50 rounds with one-on-one coaching. Handgun provided. Wednesday evenings at 5:45 PM. - Rifle Fundamentals (AR-15) · $99.99
2 hours, up to 6 students. Safe long-gun handling, zeroing, positions and reloads on our indoor range. Thursday evenings at 5:45 PM. - Arizona CCW Certification · $85
4-hour classroom course. Arizona carry law and use of force; DPS application and fingerprints done in class. Select Saturdays at 11:30 AM.
See upcoming class dates Full course catalog
Taught by NRA-certified instructors. Range members save 10% on every course.
Questions? Call us at (602) 715-2677 or stop by 6030 E Main St, Suite 103, Mesa, AZ 85205.
General information current as of October 2026, not legal advice. Laws change; check the current statute or ask an attorney about your situation.