Where to Buy a Tactical Shotgun

Since tactical shotguns have become so popular, large sporting goods stores or gun shops usually have several available, but don’t limit you purchase options to what a store happens to have in inventory.  Most stores, including Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop, will order the specific shotgun you want.

Another option is to contact a local gun range or gun club that has a Federal Firearms License (FFL).  Even if you aren’t a member, many will order the gun you want, and only charge you $15-25 to process the federal paperwork.  Using this method, you might be able to get the exact gun your want at just over wholesale price.  But if you do order a gun, be sure to ask about availability and anticipated delivery date, before you make payment. 

Gun shows are another popular option.  The primary benefit of a large gun show is that you will often be able to see and handle dozens of different tactical shotguns as you peruse the different vendor’s booths.  If you purchase from a private party at a gun show or elsewhere, in most States you are not required to complete any paperwork.  Notwithstanding, since most gun show booths are operated by stores or individuals who have a Federal Firearms License, with virtually all of these you will be required to complete the same federal paperwork.  It’s just like a store purchase, but without the storefront.

The downside of purchasing a firearm at a gun show is that you don’t have a store to take the gun to if you have a problem.  Thankfully, there is rarely a problem with a new major-brand firearm, but this is still a consideration.  In any case, the prices at gun show are often not much different from those which you will find at Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shop, but the advantage of seeing before you buy is a strong benefit.  If you don’t know about gun shows in your area, use an Internet search engine and enter:  “gun show, “and your city name and state, plus the “year” to discover what is available in your area.  Expand the location to a different county, or a larger city that is nearby, if you don’t find a .suitable date.

Guns can also be purchased online, but they can only be shipped to a registered Federal Firearm Licensed (FFL) dealer.  Even if you have already paid for a gun online, you won’t be able to pick it up until you complete the federal paperwork and have received government approval.  For details on what it takes to get approved, visit a local gun or sporting goods store for specifics, but basically any mentally stable and upstanding U.S. citizen without a criminal record, can own a tactical shotgun.