Nebraska Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Can non-residents purchase firearms in Nebraska?

1. Yes, both handguns and long guns

2. Yes, but only long guns

3. No, non-residents cannot purchase firearms

4. Yes, but they must have a Nebraska Firearm Purchase Certificate

The correct answer is: Yes, but only long guns

In Nebraska, non-residents are allowed to purchase long guns, such as rifles and shotguns. This is consistent with federal regulations, which permit non-residents to acquire long guns across state lines under certain circumstances, provided the transfer complies with both state and federal laws. However, when it comes to handguns, the situation is different. Federal law stipulates that handguns must be purchased from a licensed dealer in the purchaser's state of residence. This means that a non-resident would not be able to legally buy a handgun in Nebraska; they would need to purchase it in their own state. While the idea of needing a Nebraska Firearm Purchase Certificate might seem plausible for ensuring adherence to state laws and background checks, it is not a requirement for non-residents when purchasing long guns. Thus, the correct understanding of non-resident firearm purchases in Nebraska is that they can buy long guns, but not handguns.