Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington or a farm town off I-69, Hoosiers can order from JCM Armory and pick up at a local dealer. JCM Armory is a licensed firearms dealer (FFL) based in Joppa, Maryland. We ship to local FFLs in 49 states (not California).
How buying a gun online works in Indiana
- Pick your firearm and your dealer. Add the gun to your cart and choose a licensed Indiana dealer at checkout. Indiana dealers range from big outdoor stores to small-town shops; ask about their transfer fee first.
- 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.
- NICS check and pickup. Show ID and complete ATF Form 4473; your Indiana dealer runs the FBI NICS check. A valid Indiana handgun license may qualify as an alternative to the NICS check under ATF rules. Once you’re approved, inspect the firearm and take it home.
What to know about firearm transfers in Indiana
Federal dealer age limits apply: at least 21 for a handgun and at least 18 for a rifle or shotgun. Indiana is not a “point of contact” state, so dealers run background checks directly through the FBI’s NICS system.
Indiana has no state permit-to-purchase or registration. Since July 1, 2022, eligible adults may carry a handgun without a license; the Indiana handgun license is still issued for those who want it, for example for travel to other states.
Northwest Indiana buyers. If you live in Lake or Porter County, you’re an Indiana resident and should use an Indiana dealer, even though you’re in the Chicago media market. Illinois residents can’t use an Indiana dealer to receive a handgun; federal law requires handgun transfers in the buyer’s home state.
Every buyer is responsible for following federal, state and local law, and laws change. Your Indiana 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 Indiana dealer charges their own transfer fee at pickup.
Popular categories for Indiana shooters
- Shotguns and slugs
- Rifles in deer-legal calibers
- Semi-auto pistols and holsters
- AR rifles
- Optics
- Handgun ammo
Indiana limits which rifles and cartridges are legal for deer hunting. Check the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ current hunting guide before buying a deer gun.
Choosing a first carry handgun
With permitless carry now in place, many Indiana buyers are shopping for their first carry pistol. Size matters more than caliber for most people. A compact 9mm usually balances capacity, recoil and concealment better than a tiny pocket pistol or a full-size duty gun. Pair it with a quality holster that covers the trigger guard and a sturdy belt, then budget for practice ammo and a class. Many Indiana ranges offer basic handgun courses, and practice matters more than any feature on the gun.
Before you order in Indiana
Indiana’s firearm deer season usually opens in mid-November, and Indiana DNR limits which rifle cartridges can be used for deer, with different rules for public and private land, so check DNR’s current list before choosing a deer rifle. Buyers in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Bloomington and Lafayette have plenty of dealers, and southern Indiana buyers near Hoosier National Forest may want one close to their hunting ground. The Indiana handgun license, still issued by the Indiana State Police, can help if you travel to states that honor it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to buy a gun in Indiana?
No. Indiana has no permit-to-purchase. You complete ATF Form 4473 and an FBI NICS check at your dealer.
Do I need a handgun license to carry in Indiana?
Since July 1, 2022, eligible adults can carry without one. The license is still available and can help when traveling.
Can a gun be shipped to my house in Indiana?
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.