Number: RS20957
Title: Internet Firearm Sales
Authors: T.J. Halstead, American Law Division 
Abstract: With the increasing use of the Internet to facilitate commercial transactions, concerns have arisen regarding the use of this medium to transfer firearms. This report discusses the sale of firearms over the Internet, with a focus on the extent to which federal law regulates such activity. A review of the relevant factors indicates that while firearms transferred in an illegal manner via the Internet may pose special investigatory problems for law enforcement, Internet firearm sales are subject to the same regulatory scheme as traditional firearm transactions.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated July 6, 2001