Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to purchase a firearm?

“Back in my day….”

Many customers remember the days when they did not need to fill out paperwork to purchase a firearm. It was as recent as 1998 that the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) began and required anyone purchasing a firearm to complete paperwork and then have their information be sent through the FBI NICS system. Using that data, the system then issues that customer a proceed or a deny. The system has been perfected over time, and although for some customers it may feel cumbersome, it is a great way to try to prevent firearms from getting into the wrong hands. Below are some details that may help you have all the correct information with you for when you purchase a gun.

All Firearms

You must have a valid government issued ID or multiple forms of identification to include the following: Photograph, Full Legal Name, Date of Birth, Physical Address.

If you do not have one or more of those items correct and current on your ID, you must provide another government issued document to prove the valid information. If your address is not accurate on your ID, you must provide a government-issued document to prove your current address. If your full name is not on your ID, you must provide a government issued document to prove your full legal name. Your full legal name includes your full middle name (exception for if your middle name is legally just an initial only). Documents typically used include the following: Driver’s License, Passport, Birth Certificate, Hunting License, Vehicle Registration, Property Taxes. Any other valid government-issued document would qualify as well.

Handguns

It is federal law that you must purchase a handgun from your own home state, so you must be a Montana resident to purchase a handgun from Shedhorn Sports. Alternately, you can purchase the handgun from us, and we can ship it to an FFL in your home state as outlined in our Shipping Information page.

Out of State Residents

We are able to sell long guns (rifles & shotguns) to some out of state residents— it just depends what state you are from. While some states are “NO” states and we can not sell you a gun, most states are “YES” states and we can sell you a gun. We must abide by the laws in your state of residence and those laws are changing all the time. Feel free to call us at 406-682-4210 to find out if you are from a state where you are allowed to purchase a gun from Shedhorn Sports.

The 4473 Process

So, you want to buy a gun, what happens? You give us your ID, any additional documentation to prove currency and accuracy, and a concealed weapons permit if you have one. We will enter your information into our system and start the ATF Form 4473 paperwork in electronic form. Once our section is entered, we will give you a tablet to enter your information and answer some questions. Once information is verified accurate, you will finalize your section of the 4473 e-form with a signature. Once your section is complete, we will continue with our section and complete the FBI NICS Background Check (if applicable). This entire process could take 10 minutes or more depending on the person and the background check process.

Concealed Weapons Permit

If you have a valid Montana concealed weapons permit, we may use your permit in lieu of performing the FBI NICS Background Check. The ATF Form 4473 still needs to be filled out.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years old to purchase a long gun and 21 years old to purchase a handgun. Your information will be verified during your background check upon receipt of your driver’s license. For all 18–20-year-olds purchasing a rifle or shotgun, the NICS process gives you an automatic 10-day delay; often, it does not take the full 10 days to get a proceed and 18-20-year-olds are able to come back within a couple days to pick up their gun.

If you have any additional questions, please give us a call or email and we can help walk you through the process of legally purchasing a firearm at Shedhorn Sports.

What is your return policy?

We accept returns within 30 days after purchase. We accept exchanges within 30 days after purchase.

The following items are not returnable: Firearms, Optics, Ammunition, Sale Tagged Items (Red Tags), Bear Spray (used or unused), and any item that you used and are trying to return as brand new.

We will accept returns on items that are legitimately defective, and we will thoroughly inspect any defective item prior to reimbursing you.

If an item is shipped to you and you would like to return it and you follow all the above return policy, you will be required to pay for return shipping.