Bought a firearm online or from another dealer and need somewhere to receive it? Federal law requires it to ship to a licensed FFL for the transfer — that's us. Here's exactly how a transfer runs through Sticks & Stones.
How an FFL transfer works
When you buy a firearm from an out-of-state seller or online retailer, it can't ship to your door — it must be sent to a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) near you, who completes the transfer in person after a background check. As your receiving FFL, we take in the firearm, log it, run the paperwork, and release it to you once everything clears.
- Tell us it's comingBefore you buy, contact us so we can send our FFL license to the seller. Many sellers also accept an FFL from our records on file.
- The firearm ships to usThe seller ships to our address; we receive and log it into our bound book.
- We notify youWhen it arrives, we'll let you know it's ready for pickup and schedule you to come in.
- Form 4473 & NICS checkYou complete ATF Form 4473 in person and we run the NICS background check.
- Approved & releasedOn a proceed, you take your firearm home — subject to any state waiting period.
What you need to bring
- A valid, government-issued photo ID with your current address (a driver's license that matches your address is the simplest).
- You must meet the minimum age (generally 21 for handguns, 18 for long guns) and be legally eligible to purchase.
- Any documentation your state requires (e.g. a permit or registration card where applicable).
Form 4473 & the NICS check
Every transfer includes ATF Form 4473 — the federal firearms transaction record — which you fill out in person. We then submit a NICS background check. Most checks return an immediate "proceed"; some are delayed for further review, and a small number are denied. We can't override or speed up a NICS result — it's run by the FBI.
How to send a firearm to the shop
Having a gun shipped to us for transfer? Make sure the seller has our current FFL on file, and ask them to include your name and a reference (order number) inside the package so we can match it to you quickly. If you're shipping a firearm yourself, follow the carrier's firearm-shipping rules. Email us first at sticksandstonesweapons@gmail.com and we'll confirm the shipping details and our address.
Transfer fees
We charge a flat transfer fee per firearm; NFA items (suppressors, SBRs) involve additional steps, though the federal tax stamp on suppressors is now $0 as of 2026. [Owner to confirm current fee schedule.] We'll quote your exact fee up front — no surprises at pickup.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Transfer rules vary by state and change over time; we'll confirm the current requirements for your transfer before it ships.