Friday, September 27, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
[Gun Quest] Getting a Handgun in Hawaii
Prior to all of this you will need to have completed either the NRA Pistol Course or the Hunter's Safety Course offered by the county. You'll need the affidavit of completion.
Acquiring a handgun in Hawaii is a little more of an involved process than picking up a rifle or shotgun. First off, when a dealer gets a new shipment of pistols, they are required to register them with the county to acquire a registration number. That's right, the serial number on the firearm isn't enough. From what I understand, this process is usually pretty quick, but in the case of the Glock 22 I just picked up, this added another week to my waiting.
So basically, what you need is this registration number. I bought my pistol up front right after it had come in to the shop, and had to wait for the dealer paperwork to process. Once the dealer gets this number and gives it to you, you can head to the police station with your affidavit of completion. You'll need both to file for a permit to acquire a handgun the first time. Unlike with a permit to acquire a long gun which is valid for as many rifles and shotguns that you care to purchase for a year, you'll need to file for a separate permit for every pistol that you purchase. They will either keep or scan in your affidavit, but either way it will be on file, and you won't be required to have it with you for future pistols. I like a paper trail, so I opted to keep my copy. Next up, a minimum two week wait. The records office will give you a number to call to check and see if your permit is ready.
After two weeks, you give a call in to the firearms office. If your permit is ready you can swing by, pick it up, and head for your dealer. Once there, you'll have to fill out yet more paperwork to give them your personal information, as well as certify that you're not a felon, have restraining orders against you, etc. Also, unlike with a long gun permit, the dealer will retain this permit to acquire.
Not done yet! Once you have your new pistol, you still need to go back to the police station within five days and register it. It should be noted that there is no charge for any of the paperwork, assuming that you've already had your background check. It's just a giant pain in the ass.
Acquiring a handgun in Hawaii is a little more of an involved process than picking up a rifle or shotgun. First off, when a dealer gets a new shipment of pistols, they are required to register them with the county to acquire a registration number. That's right, the serial number on the firearm isn't enough. From what I understand, this process is usually pretty quick, but in the case of the Glock 22 I just picked up, this added another week to my waiting.
So basically, what you need is this registration number. I bought my pistol up front right after it had come in to the shop, and had to wait for the dealer paperwork to process. Once the dealer gets this number and gives it to you, you can head to the police station with your affidavit of completion. You'll need both to file for a permit to acquire a handgun the first time. Unlike with a permit to acquire a long gun which is valid for as many rifles and shotguns that you care to purchase for a year, you'll need to file for a separate permit for every pistol that you purchase. They will either keep or scan in your affidavit, but either way it will be on file, and you won't be required to have it with you for future pistols. I like a paper trail, so I opted to keep my copy. Next up, a minimum two week wait. The records office will give you a number to call to check and see if your permit is ready.
After two weeks, you give a call in to the firearms office. If your permit is ready you can swing by, pick it up, and head for your dealer. Once there, you'll have to fill out yet more paperwork to give them your personal information, as well as certify that you're not a felon, have restraining orders against you, etc. Also, unlike with a long gun permit, the dealer will retain this permit to acquire.
Not done yet! Once you have your new pistol, you still need to go back to the police station within five days and register it. It should be noted that there is no charge for any of the paperwork, assuming that you've already had your background check. It's just a giant pain in the ass.
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