Letter to Federal Firearms Licensees
Below is a reproduction of a letter sent from Attorney General Jay Nixon to Federal Firearms Licensees clarifying the impact of the new law effective on August 28, 2007.
Contents of letter
August 22, 2007
Dear Federal Firearms Licensee:
You may have been hearing conflicting accounts regarding a change to Missouri law that will take effect August 28, 2007. Based on the calls and emails we have received, there is a great deal of confusion over how the purchase or transfer of a concealable firearm will be governed beginning that day. I am writing to discuss this change in the hopes of clearing up any confusion.
Because of an amendment to § 571.080 RSMo, and the repeal of § 571.090 RSMo, effective August 28, 2007, an individual wishing to acquire a concealable firearm will no longer need to obtain a permit from a sheriff. Similarly, a seller wishing to sell a concealable firearm will no longer need to demand that a buyer provide such a permit. Instead, § 571.080 RSMo, as amended will require only that you comply with 18 U.S.C. 922(b) and 18 U.S.C. 922(x) in the sale of a concealable firearm.
As you know from your familiarity with these two federal statutes, you may not sell any firearm to certain people or in certain circumstances. And you may not sell a handgun or handgun ammunition to a juvenile, except in certain circumstances. Both of those laws will of course still govern the sale of handguns by licensees, and it will still be necessary to conduct the appropriate background check. But the prospective buyer will no longer be required to produce a permit obtained from a sheriff.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have questions about this or any other weapons laws.
Sincerely,
JEREMIAH W. (JAY) NIXON
Attorney General