You can not purchase a gun without a background check online, at least not legally. Online or by-mail purchases can only be shipped to an in-state dealer, wher

You can not purchase a gun without a background check online, at least not legally. Online or by-mail purchases can only be shipped to an in-state dealer, where you must complete a background check. This has been the case for twenty years. Neither can you do so at a gun show. The same laws apply. You can not legally obtain a weapon from a licensed dealer without a background check. Period. If you derive any notable income from selling weapons, then you are legally required to register as a dealer. Failure to do so is a federal felony. This is why weapons used in crimes do not generally come from legal sources. The vast majority are either stolen, or illegally purchased by a friend of family member.