Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Eau Claire, La Crosse, Wausau or the Northwoods, Wisconsin buyers can order from JCM Armory and pick up at a dealer near home. JCM Armory is a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) based in Joppa, Maryland. We ship to local FFLs in 49 states (not California). Handguns and long guns are checked differently in Wisconsin, so here’s what to expect.
How buying a gun online works in Wisconsin
- Pick your firearm and your dealer. Add the gun to your cart and choose a licensed Wisconsin dealer at checkout. Wisconsin has many dealers that accept transfers, especially ahead of the gun deer season; call ahead.
- Your order ships to the dealer. After we have a copy of your dealer’s license, the gun ships straight to their shop. We never ship a firearm to a residence.
- Background check and pickup. Show photo ID and complete ATF Form 4473. For a handgun, the dealer contacts the Wisconsin Department of Justice Handgun Hotline. For a rifle or shotgun, the dealer uses the FBI’s NICS. Once you’re approved, the firearm is yours.
What to know about firearm transfers in Wisconsin
Federal dealer age limits apply: at least 21 for a handgun and at least 18 for a rifle or shotgun.
Handgun checks run through the state. Wisconsin is a partial “point of contact” state. The Wisconsin DOJ Firearms Section checks handgun buyers against state and national databases, and the dealer can’t transfer the handgun until DOJ approves it. DOJ aims to finish within five business days. Long gun checks go to the FBI’s NICS.
No 48-hour wait. Wisconsin’s old 48-hour handgun waiting period was repealed by 2015 Wisconsin Act 22, effective June 26, 2015. A dealer can now transfer a handgun as soon as DOJ approves.
Every buyer is responsible for following federal, state and local law, and laws change. Your Wisconsin dealer can answer questions about your specific purchase. Nothing here is legal advice. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Shipping and fees
- Firearms priced at $300 or more ship free.
- Ammunition ships free once the ammo in your cart totals $750 or more.
- Orders below those thresholds ship for one flat $15 rate; guns and ammo go out in separate boxes.
- Primers and smokeless powder add a $40 hazmat charge per order, required by the carriers.
- Your Wisconsin dealer charges their own transfer fee, which may include the state handgun check fee.
Popular categories for Wisconsin hunters and shooters
- Shotguns and slugs for gun deer season
- Bolt-action deer rifles
- Scopes for stand hunting
- Handguns and holsters
- Waterfowl loads for the Mississippi flyway
- AR rifles
Wisconsin’s gun deer season and legal methods are set by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Check DNR’s current regulations, and order early if you need a new deer gun before opening weekend.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waiting period for handguns in Wisconsin?
No. The 48-hour waiting period was repealed in 2015. The dealer can transfer once the Wisconsin DOJ approves the background check.
Who runs the background check in Wisconsin?
The Wisconsin DOJ Handgun Hotline checks handgun buyers. For rifles and shotguns, the dealer uses the FBI’s NICS.
Can a gun be shipped to my house in Wisconsin?
No. Firearms ship only to a licensed FFL dealer, where you complete the paperwork and background check before pickup.
What does shipping cost?
Guns $300 and up ship free. Ammo ships free when the ammo in your cart reaches $750. Everything else is a flat $15. Primers and powder carry a $40 hazmat charge per order.
Do you ship to every state?
We ship firearms to local FFL dealers in 49 states. We do not ship to California.