📅 2026 Update: Key Changes in Gun Laws and Safety

Since the original article was written, several important changes have taken place in U.S. gun laws and safety measures. These updates include new fees for licenses and changes in state laws aimed at improving safety. The information from the earlier article continues further down the page.

🔄 Federal Firearms License Fee Increase

In 2025, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) raised the application fee for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) from $200 to $300. This increase may impact those looking to purchase or sell firearms, making it more expensive to enter the market legally.

🚨 Introduction of Red Flag Laws

Between 2024 and 2026, several states, including California and New York, enacted or expanded "red flag" laws. These laws allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals considered a risk to themselves or others. This change aims to enhance public safety by preventing potential firearm-related incidents.

💵 Current Background Check Fees

As of 2026, the fee for firearm transfers under the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) is $25. This fee is essential for ensuring that potential buyers undergo necessary background checks before purchasing firearms, promoting responsible ownership.

⏳ Processing Times for Permits

Processing times for concealed carry permits vary by state. For instance, Florida typically processes applications within 90 days, while Texas may take up to 60 days. Understanding these timelines is crucial for individuals planning to carry firearms legally.

📅 Eligibility Rules and Waiting Periods

Individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms include those with felony convictions and domestic violence misdemeanants. Additionally, some states impose waiting periods for firearm transfers. For example, California has a 10-day waiting period before transfers are completed.

Awareness of these rules is vital for potential gun owners.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • 🔺 FFL application fee increased to $300.
  • 🚫 Red flag laws enacted in several states to enhance safety.
  • 💵 Background check fee is $25 as of 2026.
  • ⏳ Processing times for permits vary by state.
  • 📅 Waiting periods exist in some states, such as California.

💡 Tips for Gun Safety and Upkeep

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney.

🔍 Understand Local Laws

Each state has different gun laws. It's important to be familiar with the laws in your area. This knowledge will help you stay compliant and ensure safe firearm ownership.

🔧 Regular Maintenance

Proper cleaning and upkeep of firearms are essential. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your firearms but also ensures they operate safely. This includes using the right cleaning supplies and techniques.

🛡️ Use of Gun Safes

Securing firearms in a gun safe is crucial. This prevents unauthorized access, especially by children, and protects your firearms from theft or damage. Always store firearms unloaded and ammunition separately.

📚 Participate in Safety Training

Many states require firearm safety courses for concealed carry permit applicants. Participating in these courses can enhance your understanding of gun safety and responsible ownership.

🧒 Educate Children

Teaching children about firearm safety is vital. Establish household rules regarding firearms, and ensure they understand the dangers associated with them. This proactive approach can prevent accidental injuries.

🏆 Gun Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section covers services related to firearms, such as online marketplaces and resources. The order is based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Ratings can shift over time, and customer experiences vary, so it’s essential to consider multiple factors when reviewing services.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.5 stars. It is known as an online firearm marketplace with a wide selection of firearms and accessories. However, some users report delays in customer service response times, which may affect the buying experience.

🆓 Free Resources

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offers free resources and guidance on firearm laws and regulations. These resources can help individuals understand their rights and responsibilities regarding gun ownership.

🔎 Factors to Compare

  • 🔍 Customer reviews can provide insight into service quality.
  • ⚖️ Fees and costs associated with using the service.
  • 📦 Selection of firearms and accessories available.
  • 💬 Customer service responsiveness during the buying process.
  • ⚠️ Return policies and conditions for purchased items.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🔎 What is a red flag law?

Red flag laws allow law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. This law aims to enhance community safety and prevent potential gun violence.

📜 What is the waiting period for firearm transfers?

Some states impose waiting periods for firearm transfers. For example, California has a 10-day waiting period before a firearm transfer is completed to allow for background checks and ensure safe ownership.

⚖️ Who is prohibited from purchasing firearms?

Individuals prohibited from buying firearms include those convicted of felonies, domestic violence misdemeanants, and individuals with restraining orders. These laws aim to reduce gun violence and promote responsible ownership.

🏷️ How much does a concealed carry permit cost?

Concealed carry permit fees vary by state. For example, Florida charges an application fee of $112, while Texas has a fee of $40. Be sure to check your state’s specific fees.

⚠️ What should I do if my background check is delayed?

If a background check is delayed, the transfer can be completed after three business days. It’s important to keep track of the status and understand your rights during this process.

🔒 How can I ensure my firearms are stored safely?

Storing firearms in a gun safe is highly recommended. This prevents unauthorized access and protects against theft. Always store firearms unloaded and keep ammunition in a separate location.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Gun Laws

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of gun laws, including the interpretation of the Second Amendment and state regulations. These cases highlight ongoing debates about gun rights and public safety.

For more recent rulings, please browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





As a rule of thumb, gun cleaning should take place every time the weapon is fired. However, many will not clean their guns as often, but it is generally recommended that gun cleaning should be undertaken regularly. The main reason behind this has to do with the build up left behind by the power found in ammunition. 

When gun powder was used as the main source of propellant in ammunition, gun cleaning regularly was absolutely critical to insure the gun's longevity and proper function. Regular gun cleaning was necessary because ordinary gun powder or black powder is a highly corrosive material. If powder was allowed to build up, it could potentially eat through the metal of the barrel, rendering the firearm useless. 

Modern powder is not corrosive to firearms, however, build up still occurs. Many individuals will base their gun cleaning regiment not only how often the weapon is used, but also on the weapon's purpose. Individuals that own a firearm for the purpose of self-defense tend--or at least should--clean their guns more regularly because of the fact that they may rely on the weapon to the extent of depending on it with their lives. A gun that has substantial build up will have a tendency to jam. 

Gun Safety Cleaning and Upkeep Overview

A gun jams when the slide on a semi-automatic does not function smoothly, or a cartridge case is not properly fed or discarded after discharge. In the case of revolvers, the trigger is double-action, that is to say that the squeeze of the trigger also employs that the revolver cylinder rotate as to load a new round. If not cleaned regularly or proper, the rotation of the cylinder will not be smooth or simply not function. It is recommended that gun cleaning take place after every use, even more so, with a weapon used for defensive purposes. 

Though there are set procedures on gun cleaning, the process itself will vary from gun owner to gun owner. There are various options or methods available for and during gun cleaning, but it will generally depend on the gun owner or person cleaning the weapon.

In some cases, the process will also depend of the model of the gun itself, for certain gun cleaning products may not be the best or may prove to harm the weapon due to its materials. Therefore, it is best to consult the manufacturer's guide or owner manual to properly asses the best way to clean the gun and view any recommended gun cleaning products. 

It is also recommended that an firearm owner do his/her own gun cleaning, rather than a professional. The reason for this is that a firearm owner should be fairly familiar with the weapon, and that being able to take a gun apart and put it back together again will most likely be more of a benefit than anything else. 

In familiarizing with the gun, the owner may be able to learn to internal functions of the weapon, and can rely on probably being to fix it if ever needs service with out the help of gunsmith. Secondly, servicing your own weapon may also prove to raise confidence in handling it. Gun-handling skills may improve due the confidence of being familiar with the gun and translate on to the practice range.  

In order to do an appropriate and fruitful gun cleaning, a basic cleaning kit should be acquired. A gun cleaning kit will provide for the essential tools and gun cleaning solvents to successfully clean a firearm. These kits are fairly inexpensive, and are made by several different companies. Some will offer a basic kit, while others will provide with some extras or made for a specific type of firearm or model. A basic gun cleaning kit will have:

     A bottle of solvent

     A bottle of lubricating oil

     Rod

     Jag

     Patch holder

     Patches

A gun cleaning rod is the tool that will actually slide in to the chamber for cleaning. A jag is an attachment at end of the rod, and used to clean the gun's bore. A patch holder also can be attached to the cleaning rod, and is used to hold the patches. Patches are small cotton squares that come in various sizes depending on the weapon's caliber. They are used to apply and soak the the barrel with the cleaning solvent.

A bore brush is then used to clean and remove the build up inside the chamber. A bore brush is typically not included in a basic gun cleaning kit because each bore brush is designed to fit a particular caliber. It must be purchased separately and according to the right caliber size. There various types of brushes available, coming in bronze, stainless steel, or plastic.

Bronze is usually the one employed for basic gun cleaning purposes. Though not included in the kit, it is recommended to have an old toothbrush, cotton swabs, pipe cleaners, and cleaning rags. It is also strongly recommended to wear safety eye protection as well as gloves when working with the gun cleaning products. Nitrile gloves are recommended because the withstand the gun cleaning products more so than conventional latex.

One a basic kit is acquired and the necessary steps are taken, gun cleaning can finally begin. Though there are various steps or methods available, it is always important to follow gun safety rules when handling a handgun. It is important to be extremely careful to make sure that the weapon is not loaded before beginning the gun cleaning process, and that means making sure that there is no round in the chamber as well.

Once the necessary precautions are taken, it is important to also keep in mind the gun manufacturer's recommendations regarding the gun cleaning process, at least until enough experience is built to possibly venture in to a more personalized form of gun cleaning can be developed.