How does buying a gun change when I am in the Military?

brandonR: How does buying a gun change when I am in the Military?
I have been active since May and was wondering how buying a rifle at a gun shop changes. I live in California by the way and am 19 years old. Does that (stupid :p) law where you can’t have more than two out of five items apply to me? (pistol grip, flash hider, removable magazine, etc.) There is still the 11 day wait for backround checks right?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Mike
As I understand it the rules are the same whether you are in the Milatary or have been in the Military as they are for Citizens who have not served in The Military.

Answer by Marilee C
I believe it depends on whether you live on or off base and what state you live in. In Utah you can buy most any gun/rifle from a shop without a background check.

Answer by Eagle1 Fox2
Federal and state firearms laws are not related to your military service. As far as buying guns goes, you are considered no different than any ordinary civilian when it comes to purchasing or owning weapons.

Your problem is that you live in California, which aside from New York and Washington DC, has the most restrictive firearms laws in the US.

In short, all of California’s firearms restrictions still apply to you military or not.

Answer by brucec83
No difference from a civilian if you are a California resident with a drivers license and plan to keep it off-base. All regular laws apply to you, except if you have a government owned weapon under orders.

You should ask the Base CO or range-master about rules for bringing a privately owned weapon on-base. Consider also that you may be stationed elsewhere and will have to comply with local laws there. In many states you cannot buy guns or ammo unless you have a local drivers license and a permit, or a military ID and letter from the base CO.

There is probably an on-base gun club that can help you and point you towards good deals also.

Here are some tips for California gun owners.