ok, if i wanted to buy a gun from a friend of mine, could i just buy it with out any legal process? i know its a straw purchase of someone buys a gun for someone else, but what if a friend of mine spotted something i was looking for at a show, bought it, and sold it to me? it seems like the same thing as a straw purchase, is this just sort of a gray area. BTW, as im sure this matters, i live in the IOWA. thanks in advanced

Do not know Iowa law, but I'd suggest that you both go to the range, have him fire it, mention he does not like it and offer it to you.
imho

lol, good thinking, maybe i should get BATF present for that.

Matt -- On long guns, as a private sale (non dealer) there is no need for paperwork.--- It's a good idea to get the buyers name & age (must be old enough to purchase) just in case the BATF ever shows up trying to track down one of your ex-guns. ------- By Iowa law a person buying a handgun thru a private sale (non dealer) still needs a valid permit to purchase and the seller is to record the permit number to protect his own ass, but that is all, no other paperwork. --- I would think for a straw purchase you would both need to be present with the dealer at the time of purchase. --- IE: If I tell you I would like a nice Garand for $500 and you just happen to buy one at the next gun show, if you would sell it to me for any reason, (and I can legally own one) it would be very hard to prove that you bought it for me to begin with.--ALLONS11

good answer allons, to go OT, where abouts in iowa you from?

Matt -- Cedar Rapids, Area

that figures, most that come through here are from that neck of the woods. im lonley up here in NW iowa.