Yes, check your state, county, city laws. Most states allow long gun firearm sales within state (both seller & buyer are residents of the state, i.e. not across state line) between individuals, without going thru a FFL or the NISC background check. Long gun sales across state lines usually require reporting per BATFE rules.
A lot of sellers may ask for ID (driver's license or such) and want a signed bill-of-sale. Nothing wrong with that, it is just for their protection, in case the gun is used in a crime, they have proof that they sold it, and to whom. But the only record is that bill-of-sale, no reporting to the State or feds.
Local gun shows are also a great place to purchase a long guns. Ask the seller! But recognise that almost all table sellers at gun show are FFL dealers, and are required to report and do the background check. But there may be individuals there trying to sell or trade a firearm - they are the ones you want to get with.
Now, concealable weapons (handguns), that is a whole different situation. Feds required full reporting and background checks, and maybe your State too, if you buy from a FFL dealer.
Some states allow handgun sales between private individuals, without reporting to the ATF. I know MO does, and maybe WY does also - need to ask. I doesn't hurt to ask a gun shop, even though they'll know they won't be getting the sale, or ask a gun show seller - they know!
Now, 'gifting' or selling any firearm between known relations, does not require reporting, even across state lines - so if you have a cousin, in-law, etc who wants to get rid of a firearm, beg him to let you have it.
A lot of sellers may ask for ID (driver's license or such) and want a signed bill-of-sale. Nothing wrong with that, it is just for their protection, in case the gun is used in a crime, they have proof that they sold it, and to whom. But the only record is that bill-of-sale, no reporting to the State or feds.
Local gun shows are also a great place to purchase a long guns. Ask the seller! But recognise that almost all table sellers at gun show are FFL dealers, and are required to report and do the background check. But there may be individuals there trying to sell or trade a firearm - they are the ones you want to get with.
Now, concealable weapons (handguns), that is a whole different situation. Feds required full reporting and background checks, and maybe your State too, if you buy from a FFL dealer.
Some states allow handgun sales between private individuals, without reporting to the ATF. I know MO does, and maybe WY does also - need to ask. I doesn't hurt to ask a gun shop, even though they'll know they won't be getting the sale, or ask a gun show seller - they know!
Now, 'gifting' or selling any firearm between known relations, does not require reporting, even across state lines - so if you have a cousin, in-law, etc who wants to get rid of a firearm, beg him to let you have it.