Buying a Gun in Rhode Island

No one may sell a firearm to a person under 21. Handguns, rifles and shotguns may be bought only by U.S. citizens or lawful Rhode Island residents who are 21 or older (or nonresident service members 21 or older stationed in Rhode Island). On-duty police, state marshals, correctional officers and active military are exempt from the age-21 rule. Giving any firearm to someone under 18 is a crime, except for supervised activities with a parent's or guardian's consent. Minors under 18 may possess firearms only in supervised settings such as approved ranges, hunting, or firearms education.

Yes, for all buyers. Any person delivering a pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun must have the buyer complete a signed application. The seller sends it on the day of application to the police chief of the buyer's city or town, or to the State Police for Exeter and out-of-state buyers. The police then run a background check. Handgun buyers must also show a pistol/revolver safety certificate from the Department of Environmental Management, earned by completing a basic safety course.

Seven days for all guns. A pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun may not be delivered until seven (7) days have passed from 12:00 noon on the day after the purchase application. The gun is then delivered if no disqualifying information has come back from the police. It must be delivered unloaded and securely wrapped.

Banned. No one (other than a federally licensed Type 07 manufacturer) may make, sell, offer to sell, transfer, buy, possess or control a ghost gun, an undetectable firearm, or any firearm made by 3D printing. The penalty is up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.