Arkansas Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What type of background check system does Arkansas use for firearm purchases from licensed dealers?

1. State-only background check

2. Federal NICS

3. No background check required

4. Arkansas-specific background check

The correct answer is: Federal NICS

The correct answer is that Arkansas uses the Federal National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for firearm purchases from licensed dealers. When someone attempts to buy a gun from a licensed dealer, the dealer is required to conduct a background check through NICS to ensure that the buyer is not prohibited from owning a firearm. This system is managed by the FBI and provides information to help determine the eligibility of an individual to purchase a firearm. While certain states may have their own background check systems or requirements, Arkansas relies on the federal NICS, which is a standardized system across the United States. This use of a federal system helps maintain consistency in the checks performed for firearm purchases. Additionally, there is a legal requirement for licensed dealers to perform these checks, reinforcing the necessity of NICS in the purchasing process.