Arkansas Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What type of background check process is required for purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer in Arkansas?

1. State background check only

2. Federal background check only

3. Both state and federal background checks

4. No background check is required

The correct answer is: Both state and federal background checks

When purchasing a firearm from a licensed dealer in Arkansas, the buyer is subject to both federal and state background checks. The federal requirement comes from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which is a mandatory check performed by the dealer to ensure that the purchaser is legally eligible to acquire a firearm. This federal check evaluates the individual's criminal history, mental health status, and other factors that could prohibit firearm ownership. In Arkansas, state law supplements this by also requiring the dealer to conduct a state-based background check. This means that the background check process is more comprehensive, involving reviews at both the federal and state levels to ensure that all necessary checks are completed before the sale is finalized. This dual-layered approach helps to enhance overall public safety by scrutinizing potential gun purchasers more thoroughly, identifying individuals who may be disqualified from purchasing firearms for legal reasons. This requirement reflects the commitment to firearm safety and responsibility within the state and ensures that regulations align with federal standards, promoting a consistent legal framework for gun sales.