Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an FFL to buy a firearm online?

Yes — federal law requires that all Title I firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns) be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL dealer). We cannot ship a firearm to your home. You select a local FFL dealer, provide their information at checkout, and pick the gun up there after completing the required paperwork and background check.

How does an FFL transfer work?

You provide your local FFL dealer's information at checkout (name, address, FFL number, phone, email). We verify their license and ship the firearm to their premises. You visit the dealer, show valid government-issued photo ID, complete ATF Form 4473 (Firearms Transaction Record), and pass a NICS background check. Once approved, the dealer transfers the firearm to you and may charge a transfer fee — typically $20–$50. Contact your dealer in advance to confirm they accept transfers and their current fee.

What is ATF Form 4473?

Form 4473 is the Firearms Transaction Record required by federal law for every firearm transfer from an FFL. You complete it at the receiving FFL dealer, certifying your eligibility to purchase a firearm. It includes your personal information, a series of eligibility questions, and your signature. The dealer retains the completed Form 4473 for a minimum of 20 years. Lying on Form 4473 is a federal felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

What is a NICS background check?

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is operated by the FBI. When you complete Form 4473, the FFL dealer contacts NICS to verify your eligibility. The result is either Proceed (transfer may complete), Delayed (up to 3 business days for additional review), or Denied (transfer cannot proceed). If you receive a denial you believe is in error, you may appeal through the FBI's NICS Section at 1-877-444-6427 or via the NICS website.

Who is prohibited from purchasing a firearm?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), the following persons are prohibited from possessing or purchasing firearms: convicted felons; persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence; persons subject to qualifying domestic violence restraining orders; fugitives from justice; unlawful users of controlled substances; persons adjudicated as a mental defective or committed to a mental institution; illegal aliens; persons who have renounced U.S. citizenship; and persons dishonorably discharged from the military. Purchasing or attempting to purchase a firearm as a prohibited person is a federal felony.

What are the age requirements?

You must be at least 18 years old to purchase long guns (rifles and shotguns) and at least 21 years old to purchase handguns. These are federal minimums under the Gun Control Act. Your state may impose higher age requirements. We verify age at checkout and require age verification at the FFL dealer level as well.

Do you ship to my state?

We ship to most states, but some states have significant restrictions or outright prohibitions on certain items. California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, Hawaii, Washington, and the District of Columbia have the most restrictive laws. Suppressors, certain magazine capacities, and some firearm configurations are prohibited in several states. See our Shipping Policy for a full state-by-state breakdown. If you are unsure, contact us before ordering — we will not ship an item that is prohibited in your state.

What is Missouri law on firearm purchases?

Missouri does not require a permit to purchase rifles, shotguns, or handguns. There is no state firearm registration and no state-mandated waiting period. Missouri is a permitless carry state — residents 19 and older who may lawfully possess a firearm may carry concealed without a permit. Missouri has no state assault weapon ban and no state magazine capacity restrictions. Federal law (GCA, NFA, NICS) still applies to all purchases regardless of state law.

Can I use any FFL dealer I want?

Yes. Any federally licensed FFL dealer in the United States can accept a transfer on your behalf. Call ahead to confirm they accept transfers from out-of-state dealers and ask about their transfer fee. Some dealers decline transfers from online retailers — it is your responsibility to confirm before providing their information at checkout.

How do custom builds work?

You configure your build using our online configurator — platform, caliber, barrel, handguard, stock, trigger, finish, and any special requests. Submit the form to receive a quote (no payment due yet). We review your configuration and contact you with a final price. Once you approve the quote, a 50% deposit is required to begin. We source components, build and test-fire the firearm, then coordinate the FFL transfer to a dealer of your choice. Current lead time is approximately 12 weeks.

Can I cancel or change my custom build?

Changes can be accommodated before we order parts — contact us as soon as possible. Once parts are sourced, changes may incur additional cost. Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel after parts have been ordered. If we cancel your order before parts are ordered, your deposit is fully refunded. Completed builds that pass the NICS background check cannot be returned.

What are NFA items and how do I purchase one?

NFA (National Firearms Act) items include suppressors (silencers), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), machine guns, destructive devices, and Any Other Weapons (AOWs). Purchasing an NFA item requires: (1) identifying a Class III SOT dealer to handle your transfer, (2) submitting ATF Form 4 with a $200 tax stamp payment, (3) providing fingerprints, passport photos, and CLEO notification (for individuals), and (4) waiting for ATF approval — currently 8–14 months. We hold your item until your Form 4 is approved. NFA items are prohibited in several states.

Are suppressors legal in Missouri?

Yes. Missouri permits civilian ownership of suppressors that comply with federal NFA requirements. You must complete the Form 4 process, pay the $200 tax stamp, and receive ATF approval before taking possession. Missouri does not impose additional state restrictions beyond federal law.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure Fortis payment processor. Fortis is a firearms-industry-friendly processor familiar with FFL dealer transactions. We do not accept personal checks, money orders, or cash for online orders. All transactions are encrypted. We do not store your full card number.

What is your return policy on firearms?

Firearms are non-returnable once a NICS background check has been approved and the transfer completed at your FFL dealer. Inspect the firearm carefully with the dealer before completing the transfer — once transferred, it is yours. If there is a manufacturer defect, contact us and we will assist with the warranty claim process. If your background check is denied, the firearm is returned to us and a refund is issued minus a $50 processing fee. See our Returns Policy for full details.

What are your service turnaround times?

Service turnaround times vary by job type and current shop volume. Standard cleaning and basic maintenance is typically 3–5 business days. Trigger jobs, sight installs, and modifications are typically 5–10 business days. Cerakote finish work depends on the scope of the job. You will receive a firm estimate when you drop off your firearm. We contact you by phone and email when your firearm is ready.

Do you accept firearms for service from out of state?

Yes, with conditions. You must ship your firearm to us via a licensed FFL (you cannot ship a firearm directly to us as a non-licensee). Have your local FFL ship it to our FFL. We perform the service and ship it back to your FFL for pickup. Contact us before shipping to confirm we can accommodate the work and to get our FFL information for the transfer.

How do I track my build status?

Use the Build Status Portal at /builds/lookup. Enter your build number (provided in your confirmation email) to see the current stage of your build. You will also receive email updates at key milestones: deposit received, parts ordered, build in progress, test-fire complete, and ready to ship.

How do I contact you?

Use our contact form at /contact, call us at (573) 469-8586, or email arescustomrifles@gmail.com. We respond to all inquiries within 1 business day. For build status questions, please use the Build Status Portal first as it has the most current information.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.