Buying a .22 rifle online: how FFL transfers work (and out-of-state rules)

Quick answer

Online, you pay the retailer and they ship the rifle to a licensed dealer (FFL) in your state. You fill out ATF Form 4473 there, pass the background check and take the rifle home. Federal law also lets you buy a rifle or shotgun in person in another state if the sale complies with both states' laws. Expect a transfer fee set by your dealer, and check state and local law.

We haven't tested this hands-on yet. Everything below comes from manufacturer specs, regulations and published sources, cited inline. Prices are maker MSRPs as listed in October 2026 unless noted.

General information, not legal advice. State and local laws add requirements.

Step by step

Pick a local FFL who does transfers and ask their fee and hours.
Buy online and choose that FFL at checkout; the retailer ships to the dealer, not to you.
Pick up: show ID, complete Form 4473 and pass the background check at the dealer ^[1].

Federal rules in brief

Licensees may sell a rifle or shotgun to a nonresident in person if the sale meets the laws of both states ^[1] ^[2].
Mail-order and out-of-state sales to non-licensees go through a dealer in the buyer's state ^[3].

Things to check first

State and local rules: waiting periods, permits and model restrictions vary.
Accessories like scopes, bipods and bags ship directly. See best scope and bipods.
Used rifles: buying a used .22.
Which rifle: best .22 bolt actions by budget.

Our range results (coming soon)

This box will hold our own groups, chronograph data and photos for this topic once we've shot and recorded them. Until then, every accuracy number on this page comes from the published source cited next to it. We have not tested these rifles or products hands-on for this article.

FAQ

Can a .22 rifle be shipped to my house?

Generally not to a non-licensee across state lines. Retailers ship to an FFL in your state, where you complete the transfer.

Can I buy a rifle in another state?

Federal law allows a licensed dealer to sell a rifle or shotgun to a nonresident in person if the sale complies with both states' laws.

How much is an FFL transfer fee?

Dealers set their own fees. Call a few local shops.

Sources

Confidence: maker specs and prices are high confidence as of the date seen; forum and owner reports are low–medium confidence and labeled as such.

Not affiliated with Sako/Tikka, CZ, Bergara, Ruger, Savage or any retailer. We have not tested products hands-on for these guides; figures come from cited sources. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy · Terms · Rimfire Builds is operated by Tomahawk Designs LLC, Utah · [email protected]