Tennessee Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

Are background checks required for private gun sales in Tennessee?

1. Yes, for all firearms

2. Yes, but only for handguns

3. No

4. Yes, but only at gun shows

The correct answer is: No

In Tennessee, private gun sales do not require background checks. This means that individuals selling firearms to other private individuals, without the involvement of a licensed dealer, are not mandated by state law to conduct a background check. This policy is part of Tennessee's approach to gun transactions, where private sellers can engage in sales without the same restrictions that apply to federal firearms licensees. Gun shows, unlike private sales, involve licensed dealers who must conduct background checks for their transactions. Hence, the absence of any required background checks for private sales directly supports the correctness of this answer.