How to Buy a Rifle or Shotgun in Rhode Island

The process for purchasing a rifle or shotgun in Rhode Island is simpler than for handguns, though important restrictions still apply. In 2022, Rhode Island raised the minimum purchase age for all firearms, including rifles and shotguns, from 18 to 21^[1]. This change aligned long gun purchases with the pre-existing 21-year-old requirement for handguns.

Federal Requirements at FFLs

When purchasing a rifle or shotgun from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), the buyer must complete ATF Form 4473 and pass a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check^[2]. The NICS check is typically completed within minutes, though it may be delayed for up to three business days. If no determination is made within three business days, the FFL may proceed with the transfer at its discretion.

Seven-Day Waiting Period for Rifles and Shotguns

Rhode Island imposes a 7-day waiting period on all rifle and shotgun purchases under RIGL 11-47-35.2^[4]. The statute is titled "Sale of rifles/shotguns" and applies the same application and background check process as the handgun waiting period under RIGL 11-47-35. The buyer must complete a triplicate application, which the seller forwards to the local chief of police or the superintendent of state police for a background check. No delivery may occur until seven days have elapsed. Together, § 11-47-35 (handguns) and § 11-47-35.2 (rifles/shotguns) impose a 7-day waiting period on all firearms sold in Rhode Island.

LCCW Exemption from Waiting Periods

Section 11-47-35.2(c) provides that the waiting period provisions "shall not apply to...persons licensed under §§ 11-47-9 and 11-47-11." Because § 11-47-11 is the local LCCW statute, holders of a License to Carry a Concealed Weapon are exempt from the rifle and shotgun waiting period. A separate LCCW exemption for handguns exists under § 11-47-35.1^[5], which provides that the provisions of § 11-47-35 shall not apply to persons licensed under § 11-47-11. Together, § 11-47-35.1 (handguns) and § 11-47-35.2(c) (rifles/shotguns) exempt LCCW holders from the waiting period for all firearms.

No State Registration

Consistent with the prohibition on firearms registries under RIGL 11-47-41^[3], there is no state registration requirement for rifles or shotguns. The ATF Form 4473 is retained by the FFL as a business record, not submitted to a state registry. If the FFL goes out of business, the records are transferred to the ATF's National Tracing Center.

Blue Card Not Required

The DEM handgun safety certificate (Blue Card) requirement under RIGL 11-47-35 applies only to pistols and revolvers. Buyers of rifles and shotguns are not required to obtain a Blue Card or any other state-issued permit prior to purchase, though they must still pass the federal NICS check and meet the minimum age requirement.