What You Need (Checklist)
Indiana keeps the list short. To buy from a licensed dealer you need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID with your current Indiana address — driver's license or state ID. If your address is outdated, bring a government document (vehicle registration, tax bill) that corroborates the current one.
- To be old enough: 21+ for a handgun, 18+ for a rifle or shotgun.
- To be legally eligible: not prohibited under federal or Indiana law (see the Indiana gun laws guide for prohibited categories).
That's it. No permit, no FOID-style card, no registration, no waiting period. This is the complete list — anyone telling you otherwise is describing another state.
Step 1: Choose Your Firearm
You have three paths at Hammond Tactical:
- Browse our online catalog of in-stock handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, and optics, then hit "Inquire" on anything that interests you.
- Special-order a specific model from our distributor network — we quote the out-the-door price before you commit.
- Come in undecided. If you're a first-time buyer, we'll walk through purpose, fit, and budget with zero pressure.
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
We operate by appointment — it's the core of how we do business. Call (312) 271-3863 or use the inquiry form, tell us what you're interested in, and pick a time. When you arrive, you're the only customer being served. Appointments keep the process focused, private, and quick.
Step 3: Complete Form 4473
At your appointment you'll complete the ATF Form 4473, the federal Firearms Transaction Record. It asks for identifying information and a series of yes/no eligibility questions. Answer honestly — false statements on a 4473 are a federal felony. We verify your ID against the form, and the firearm's serial number is recorded on the same document. The 4473 stays in our bound records as required by federal law; it is not a registration database.
Step 4: The NICS Background Check
We submit your check to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Results:
- Proceed — the common outcome, usually within minutes. Your purchase continues immediately.
- Delayed — the FBI needs more time. There's nothing wrong with waiting; most delays clear within days, and we'll contact you the moment yours does.
- Denied — rare, and often based on mistaken identity or old records. We'll give you the transaction number and the FBI's appeal instructions.
Step 5: Payment & Same-Day Pickup
With a Proceed in hand, you pay (cash or card), we complete the final paperwork, and the firearm is yours — same day, no waiting period. We'll walk you through the manual, function, and safe handling before you leave, and set you up with a case or lock if you need one.
What It Costs
- The firearm: our catalog and quotes always spell out the real number — we hate hidden fees as much as you do.
- Indiana sales tax: 7%.
- Background check: included in our sale price — no separate NICS fee on purchases from us.
Five Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying for someone else. A straw purchase is a federal felony. The buyer on the 4473 must be the actual buyer.
- Expired or mismatched ID. Check your license before your appointment.
- Guessing on the 4473. If a question confuses you, ask us — don't guess.
- Skipping the fit check. A gun that doesn't fit your hand won't get practiced with. Handle before you buy.
- Ignoring storage. Budget for a lockbox or safe on day one, especially with kids at home.
Ready to start? Schedule your appointment or browse the current inventory.