Tennessee Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

To legally purchase a firearm in Tennessee from a licensed dealer, what must be completed?

1. A firearm safety course

2. A background check

3. A waiting period of 10 days

4. An interview with local law enforcement

The correct answer is: A background check

To legally purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer in Tennessee, a background check must be completed. This is a requirement under both state and federal laws to ensure that individuals prohibited from owning firearms, such as felons or those with restraining orders related to domestic violence, are identified before a sale is made. The background check involves a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) inquiry to verify the buyer’s eligibility. The other options, while they address various aspects of firearm ownership or safety, are not mandated for the purchase process in Tennessee. A firearm safety course, for example, is recommended for new firearm owners but is not legally required for purchasing a firearm in the state. There is no state-mandated waiting period for firearm purchases in most cases, nor is an interview with local law enforcement a standard requirement for buying a firearm from a licensed dealer.