West Virginia Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

When is a background check required for firearm purchases in West Virginia?

1. Private sales between individuals

2. Purchasing from a licensed dealer

3. At gun shows

4. Transferring a firearm as a gift

The correct answer is: Purchasing from a licensed dealer

A background check is required for firearm purchases from licensed dealers in West Virginia. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals seeking to buy firearms are legally eligible to do so, which helps promote public safety. Licensed dealers are mandated by federal law to conduct background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) before completing a sale. In contrast, private sales between individuals, transfers as gifts, and purchases at gun shows may not necessarily require a background check, depending on the circumstances and the parties involved. This creates a distinction between transactions involving licensed dealers and those that occur in private settings or informal events like gun shows. Thus, the requirement for background checks primarily applies to purchases made through licensed dealers.