Shotgun purchase by H1/L1 visa holder

[abiquelyex]

Hi.

NB: I've used search but the related topics are very old. Something might changed since then.

I want to buy a shotgun for trap shooting.
I'm not US citizen. I have L1 working visa and I'm California resident: I'll stay here for more then 183 days, I have SSN, CA driving license and paying taxes here.

I've visited number of gun dealers and they are not consistent about what legal requirements for me to purchase a shotgun in California.
The major question is do I need to have a CA hunting license or CA driving license and passport/i-94 form will be enough. Someone saying this will be enough but someone saying that hunting license is required.

DOJ site says that CA driving license + passport with i-94 form should be enough for me: http://oag.ca.gov/firearms/pubfaqs#3

So I'm totally lost. Could someone please explain these rules and point me to official sites?

Thanks in advance.

[dachan]

Get yourself a hunting license, find a dealer knowledgeable with your situation and you will be good to go.

You are considered a non-immigrant alien, a special class of non-citizen. Under CA law, most any non-citizen may purchase firearms as pointed out by the DOJ site. However, under federal law, only alien residents may generally purchase firearms, whereas non-immigrant aliens generally may not. An exception is made under federal law for a non-immigrant alien, like a tourist, who is in the country to hunt. So, if you are a non-immigrant alien, and possess a valid hunting license, you are exempt from the prohibition of non-immigrant aliens to purchase a firearm. Here is the link to the ATF FAQ page:

http://www.atf.gov/files/firearms/faq/non-immigrant-aliens.pdf

[abiquelyex]

Thank you! That's what I've looked for!

[abiquelyex]

You are considered a non-immigrant alien, a special class of non-citizen. Under CA law, most any non-citizen may purchase firearms as pointed out by the DOJ site. However, under federal law, only alien residents may generally purchase firearms, whereas non-immigrant aliens generally may not. An exception is made under federal law for a non-immigrant alien, like a tourist, who is in the country to hunt. So, if you are a non-immigrant alien, and possess a valid hunting license, you are exempt from the prohibition of non-immigrant aliens to purchase a firearm. Here is the link to the ATF FAQ page:
http://www.atf.gov/files/firearms/fa...ant-aliens.pdf

BTW, do I understand correctly that if I'll want to buy AR15 for target shooting I'll be ok to do this with hunting license as well?

[somefred]

I'm on an L1 and purchased a handgun on Saturday; I wrote up what I needed/did here: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...d.php?t=761294

Yep, you'll be fine with the AR15 on the the hunting license.

[dachan]

BTW, do I understand correctly that if I'll want to buy AR15 for target shooting I'll be ok to do this with hunting license as well?

As of now, purchasing an AR rifle follows the same process as any other non-NFA firearm. Support the various pro-2A organizations and let the politicians know your opinions to keep it this way.

[Geared Hub]

I did the same... Some FLLs will claim you need a green card but very politely point out you have your CA hunting permit and I94 number plus other required documentation and you are good to go...

And you can buy any firearm you want..