New ATF Rule Could Let You Buy A Gun Entirely Online But Theres A Catch That Has Gun Owners Split

According to Western Journal, the ATF on May 8 unveiled a draft rule addressing non-over-the-counter firearm sales by Federal Firearms Licensees, or FFLs, seeking to update regulations that have remained largely unchanged since the Brady Act was signed by then-President Bill Clinton in 1993. The agency says the change is meant to reflect technological advances, permitting Form 4473 and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) checks to be completed remotely instead of requiring buyers to appear in person, a shift that could dramatically expand the role of online gun retailers and unsettle traditional brick-and-mortar dealers.

The proposal has already sparked a sharp divide inside the firearms community, pitting at least one major online seller against smaller, home-based FFLs who fear they will be squeezed out of the market. While the Biden administration has spent years layering new restrictions on gun owners, this particular ruleif finalized as draftedcould paradoxically make it easier for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights, even as it raises new questions about security and market concentration.

July 12, 2026

Supporters of the change argue that modern technology makes the old in-person requirement obsolete and unnecessarily burdensome for responsible gun owners. The ability to complete a same-state firearm transaction remotely could be especially helpful for lawful buyers who live far from a particular dealer, have mobility limitations, lack reliable transportation, work difficult schedules, or are trying to purchase a firearm that is not available at a nearby store, one anonymous commenter who identified himself as a gun-rights supporter said.

That commenter stressed that the current rules are out of step with todays digital verification tools and remote background checks. The current regulatory restriction on non-over-the-counter transactions is unnecessarily limiting when identity can be verified remotely and the required NICS process can still be completed, he added, underscoring the view that technology can enhance both convenience and compliance.

Even so, many on the pro-gun side are wary of allowing Washington regulators to redefine the purchase process without clear guardrails. That said, I strongly urge ATF to make clear that remote transactions must remain an additional option, not a replacement for traditional in-person transactions, the commenter continued. Lawful purchasers should continue to have the ability to go into an FFLs physical premises, present identification, complete Form 4473, and proceed through the ordinary in-person process.

One company clearly positioned to benefit from the proposed rule is GrabAGun.com, a major online retailer that went public in July 2025 with the help of Donald Trump Jr., a prominent Second Amendment advocate. The firm has embraced the ATFs move as a chance to modernize gun sales while keeping existing safeguards intact.

We welcome this proposed rulemaking, which could bring a more streamlined and secure purchase process to law-abiding firearm buyers from first-time owners to lifelong sportsmen, a company spokesman told the DCNF. This is an early step in a lengthy rulemaking process, and background check and verification requirements remain fully in place throughout the proposed regulations.

The company also emphasized that the contemplated changes would not dismantle the traditional FFL system but would instead create a parallel path for direct shipment under strict conditions. Its also important to note that any potential additional compliance requirements and or associated costs would apply only to the proposed direct-shipment method contemplated under the proposed rule, the company spokesperson continued. The existing framework for in-person, over-the-counter firearm transfers would remain unchanged and available to law-abiding firearms buyers. GrabAGun intends to submit a public comment on the proposed changes to the NOTC regulations, and will continue participating in the process.

Not everyone in the industry shares that optimism, particularly among small, home-based licensees who see the proposal as a threat to their livelihoods and to the personal relationships they cultivate with customers. Many of these FFLs used the public comment period to warn that the rule could accelerate the consolidation of the firearms market into the hands of a few large online platforms.

As a small home based FFL I feel that the proposed revising of Non-Over-the-Counter Firearms Transaction Requirements would all but destroy my business, Wallace McClung said in his comment. Having 34 years experience in IT and seeing how much identify theft currently exists in our country and the increase of AI I feel that the proposed NOTC is very dangerous and would easily be hacked by individuals who are not eligible to own a firearm.

Another small operator, The Bow & Barrel Sportsman, argued that the rule would undercut the very local businesses that have long served as the backbone of Americas gun culture. As a small business, FFL, this would hurt and potentially cause the closure of many similar business, to include mine. The flow of customer traffic would diminish, in addition to the ability to build the relationship small business FFLs need to survive, The Bow & Barrel Sportsman said in its comment.

The shop also raised concerns that remote transactions could open the door to more abuse, despite the ATFs assurances about background checks. Another concern would be fraudulent purchases with the inability to properly confirm Identification, anticipate an influx of straw purchases as well, the comment added, reflecting a fear that distant, digital interactions cannot fully replace face-to-face scrutiny.

The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade group representing the firearms industry, has so far declined to take a formal position on the proposal. Manager Director for Public Affairs Mark Oliva noted that the organization is monitoring the process, while the nearly 400 public comments posted to date show a mix of support and opposition, including a noticeable number of submissions from anti-Second Amendment activists seeking to shape the final rule.

Larger multi-store FFLs in heavily regulated blue states appear less alarmed, suggesting that state-level restrictions will blunt much of the impact. Given [California]s existing firearm sales laws, this would have minimal positive impact on our business, Turners Outdoorsman Senior Vice President Bill Ortiz told the DCNF.

Ortiz predicted that progressive state governments would quickly move to neutralize any federal loosening that might make gun purchases more accessible. Its likely, too, at least in my opinion, that other states would follow [California] and impose state laws meant to blunt those new rules, he said, underscoring the ongoing tug-of-war between federal standards and Democrat-led state regimes determined to limit gun ownership.

Some smaller FFLs, particularly in more conservative regions, are taking a more pragmatic view and see potential benefits if the rule is implemented carefully. As a homebase FFL, I believe that this would be a great addition to enact. Itll help streamline customer service, and being in a southeast state make transactions much easier and smoother, Josh Schultz said in his statement.

For gun owners and dealers alike, the stakes are significant: the rule could either expand lawful access and modernize commerce or accelerate the sidelining of small, community-based FFLs in favor of large online players operating under an ever-growing web of federal and state mandates.

Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted until August 6 via Regulations.gov, giving Second Amendment supporters, small-business owners, and concerned citizens a limited window to press the ATF to ensure that any final regulation enhances freedom and security rather than undermining the local firearms ecosystem that has long sustained Americas gun-owning public.