I did a quick search & didn't find anything. I guess I've never wondered about this since it doesn't apply to me, but, can a foreigner buy a handgun in the U.S.?

One of my Japanese customers asked me this today while we were looking at their onion seed fields. I know I could look it up, but thought you guys would be much quicker :)

NMSight

General Questions

1. Q. May foreign visitors and other nonimmigrant aliens legally in the United States purchase or possess firearms and ammunition while in the United States?

A. Nonimmigrant aliens generally are prohibited from possessing or receiving (purchasing) firearms and ammunition in the United States.


[url]www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/form6updatesfaqs.htm[/url]

That's it ^

If the individual is a resident alien, they can legally purchase firearms.  Non immigrant or visiting aliens cannot, except under very limited circumstances.

However, illegal aliens can just purchase them illegally on the street.

XM777,

Thanks for the link. Too bad, in this case. Turns out this guy is one of the few (very few) people who are allowed to own and keep a handgun in Japan for target shooting.

He doesn't fit into any of the exceptions, and even if he did, he wouldn't be here long enough at a time for the requirement. He wanted to buy a good handgun so he wouldn't have to get the varying quality of rental guns at the ranges when he is over here 2 or 3 times a year.

I'll tell him he will just have to retire here.

Thanks again,

NMSight