Mississippi Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Under Mississippi law, when is it required to conduct a background check for a firearm sale?

1. All gun sales between private individuals

2. Only for sales at gun shows

3. Only through licensed firearm dealers

4. All firearm sales, including private transactions

The correct answer is: Only through licensed firearm dealers

In Mississippi, the law requires that a background check be conducted for firearm sales only through licensed firearm dealers. This requirement aligns with federal regulations, which mandate that licensed dealers must perform a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) inquiry before transferring a firearm to ensure that the buyer is eligible to own a firearm. Private sales between individuals typically do not require a background check under Mississippi law. This means that when individuals sell firearms to one another without the involvement of a licensed dealer, they are generally not obligated to conduct a background check. Similarly, at gun shows, while many licensed dealers will conduct background checks for the sales they make, it is not a universal requirement for all transactions that occur there, particularly those between private sellers. Understanding this law is crucial for firearm purchasers and sellers to ensure compliance and to promote responsible firearms ownership.