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View Full Version : Do you need to be a CO resident for 90 days to purhase a handgun?


DeusExMachina
10-11-2009, 14:30
I don't know if this is in the right place, but I'll ask anyway.

I just got back from Gander after some disappointing news. I've been a CO resident for a month, just moved here from New York, and wanted to purchase my first handgun. There was a good deal on a Sig P226, very used (full of character!) but a perfect first handgun in my opinion. As we started the paper work, the guy at the counter was looking at my license and said, "Oh, this was just issued last month. Have you been a resident for 90 days?" and I said no, I just moved a month ago. He said that the buyer needs to be a resident of CO for 90 days before purchasing (he didn't say all firearms, or handgun specific).

I've never heard that before, and went out a couple days after moving to get my license for the exact reason to purchase a handgun.

I just got off the phone with a helpful guy at The Shootist, and he said as long as I have a CO license there's no issue.

So...is this some bullshit Gander policy or a federal/state law?
DeusExMachina
10-11-2009, 18:50
Its most definitely a Gander policy. I figured out why as I was filling out the BATF form. The question regarding US citizenship states that if you're an immigrant you need proof of living in the country for 90 days. I'm guessing the Gander idiocy stemmed from this question.

I went into The Shootist, browsed for a bit and the guy pulled a brand new XDM9 he received in a trade yesterday...my NICS and CBI came back approved in minutes.
Bailey Guns
10-13-2009, 09:55
Residency requirements vary depending on what you want to do. For example, if you're a student and want to receive in-state tuition, the requirements are different than they are for purchasing a gun.

Generally, to meet the basic requirements for residency, you're considered a resident if (assuming you're a US citizen):

You've obtained housing and employment here and intend to stay
You own/operate a business here
You've resided in CO continuously for 90 days.Many people confuse the requirement to register vehicles within 90 days of becoming a resident with living here for 90 days as a prerequisite to residency.

Basically, if you move here on Sunday and rent an apartment, get your driver's license and start to work on Monday, you're a Colorado resident in it's simplest form. If you do that, you can legally purchase a handgun here assuming you're otherwise eligible. You would then be required to register your vehicle within 90 days of that Sunday or Monday. But you may not be eligible for in-state tuition as a student for 12 months (I think).

The person at Gander was ignorant of the law.
DeusExMachina
10-13-2009, 11:56
Not to mention if you have your DL, with a current resident address your good to go. Don't ask them "I just moved to the State three days ago..". 4473 doesn't have a "how long have you lived at this address" field. If your DL has a CO address, that is all you need.

Yeah, like I said, I went to another store an hour later and purchased an XDm9.

Its yet another reason not to shop at Gander Mountain.
Glock19fan
10-14-2009, 20:48
I bought my handgun on internet and my FFL asked me a proof of 90 day residency.
DeusExMachina
10-14-2009, 21:14
I bought my handgun on internet and my FFL asked me a proof of 90 day residency.

What FFL?
Bailey Guns
10-15-2009, 05:33
I bought my handgun on internet and my FFL asked me a proof of 90 day residency.

He can ask anything he wants. Doesn't mean it's required to complete the transaction.
OgenRwot
10-21-2009, 23:45
Edit:
Never mind, I just remembered the reason why I was denied purchase and it had nothing to do with limited time in the state.
Irving
10-22-2009, 10:11
Edit:
Never mind, I just remembered the reason why I was denied purchase and it had nothing to do with limited time in the state.

I know what you mean, I'm always forgetting about aggravated arson too. ;)
Batteriesnare
10-22-2009, 10:33
Why does it have to be aggravated? :-)
ryanek9freak
10-28-2009, 06:46
Is there such a thing as polite arson? lol
Irving
10-28-2009, 11:01
Haha, that's funny. The difference between regular arson and aggravated is that there were people inside (whether the arsonist knew it or not) when the fire was started.
Dalendenver
10-31-2009, 22:55
Bailey Guns is right. Residency is determined by intent except for tuition. If you intend this to be your residence your are a resident. Gander Mtn is making up their own rules.
DeusExMachina
10-31-2009, 23:01
Bailey Guns is right. Residency is determined by intent except for tuition. If you intend this to be your residence your are a resident. Gander Mtn is making up their own rules.

Yeah. I'm not sure if the employee was making stuff up or it's an actual Gander policy. I don't care to give them my business and find out, though.