How do Gun Shows work with regard to background checks? Should there be checks?

[Trivers]

Watching the talking heads shows this AM; and several heads are stating that anyone can go to a gun show and buy weapons.

True or not?

What are the pros and cons of background checks at gun shows?

I'm looking at buying a Saiga shotgun at Fleet Farm...and I will have a background check performed on me. If I were to purchase it at a gun show, would I just pay and walk out?

[tmax63]

I've never bought a gun off "the black market" but normally anywhere you find illegal drugs you'll find illegal guns as well since they go together kinda like bacon and eggs. Anybody profiting off of one would have no qualms about profiting off the other. And please don't confuse "black market" sales with perfectly legal sales between private individuals as they are separate distinct entities.

[Garcia Bronco]

you have to pass a check now...good grief.

[Garcia Bronco]

Originally Posted by verbaljitsu

The overwhelming vast majority of sellers at gun shows are licensed dealers. Any purchase from a licensed dealer requires a NICS background check.

There are also private sellers, people that show up with 1 or 2 guns to sell. If you purchase from a private seller, then there is no NICS check. There isn't even a process for a private seller to go through a NICS check. Only licensed dealers have access to it.

People talk about the gun show loophole, but there is nothing unique about a gun show. Private sellers can sell private property anywhere.

Additionally, it is worth noting that every gun show I have ever been to is swarming with municipal and federal law enforcement. The ATF is always there. It would be the single dumbest place to go to illegally purchase a firearm.

There is always a place, for a small fee 20.00, that will transfer a firearm for you.