📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Gun Safety and Ownership Laws

Since the original article was published, there have been significant updates in U.S. gun laws and safety measures. These changes impact how firearms are bought, owned, and maintained. The information below highlights the most relevant updates that relate to gun safety, cleaning, and upkeep supplies.

The earlier article continues further down the page.

🔄 Changes in Fees and Costs

In 2025, the Federal Firearms License (FFL) application fee increased from $200 to $300. This fee affects individuals and businesses looking to sell firearms. Additionally, the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) fee for firearm transfers is now $25 as of 2026.

These new costs may influence how individuals approach purchasing firearms.

🚨 New 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 seen as a risk to themselves or others. This is a critical shift in gun safety, aiming to prevent potential gun crimes before they happen.

⏳ Background Check and Permit Processing Times

Background checks through NICS are typically completed within minutes. However, if there's a delay, a transfer can go through after three business days. For concealed carry permits, states like Florida process applications within 90 days, while Texas may take up to 60 days.

These timeframes can affect when a buyer can legally possess a firearm.

📜 Eligibility Criteria Updates

Federal eligibility rules prohibit certain individuals from buying firearms. This includes anyone with felony convictions or domestic violence misdemeanors. States can have additional restrictions; for example, California has a stricter stance on firearm purchases for individuals with specific misdemeanor convictions.

Understanding these rules is essential for responsible ownership.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • 🔹 FFL application fee increased to $300.
  • 🔹 Several states enacted red flag laws.
  • 🔹 Background checks usually take minutes; delays can extend to three days.
  • 🔹 Federal and state eligibility rules vary significantly.
  • 🔹 Understanding these changes is vital for responsible gun ownership.

💡 Gun Safety Tips for Firearm Owners

Reviewing your specific situation with an attorney is important to understand your responsibilities and rights as a gun owner.

🛡️ Secure Your Firearms

Always store firearms in a gun safe to prevent unauthorized access. This is particularly important in homes with children or visitors.

📚 Take a Safety Course

Many states require firearm safety training for concealed carry permits. Completing such courses enhances your skills and knowledge about safe firearm handling.

🔄 Regular Maintenance

Perform regular cleaning and upkeep of your firearms. This practice ensures they function properly and can help extend their lifespan.

📝 Complete Required Forms

When purchasing a firearm, always fill out the ATF Form 4473. This form includes personal information and authorizes the background check.

📅 Know the Waiting Periods

Be aware of any waiting periods in your state. For example, California has a 10-day waiting period before firearm transfers are completed.

🔍 Stay Informed on Local Laws

Gun laws can vary widely by state. Familiarize yourself with your state's regulations regarding firearm ownership and safety.

🏆 Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services listed below provide a range of options for those interested in firearms and related supplies. These options are ranked based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026. Ratings can fluctuate, and star scores represent just one aspect of customer experience, as dissatisfied customers often leave more reviews.

🥇 1. GunBroker.com

GunBroker.com has been rated 4.5. This platform is known for being an online marketplace for firearms and accessories. Reviewers appreciate the wide selection available, though some note delays in customer service response times.

This could affect your experience if you seek support.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offers free resources and guidance on firearm laws and regulations. The National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) also provides information on state-specific laws and legislative updates. These resources can help you stay informed about your rights and responsibilities.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • 🔍 Check customer ratings and reviews.
  • 🔍 Assess the range of products or services offered.
  • 🔍 Consider response time for customer service inquiries.
  • 🔍 Look into any additional fees or costs involved.
  • 🔍 Verify the availability of resources for training and safety information.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What do I need to complete when buying a gun?

When purchasing a firearm, buyers must complete ATF Form 4473. This form captures personal information and authorizes a background check.

🕒 How long does it take to get a concealed carry permit?

Processing times for concealed carry permits vary by state. For example, Florida typically processes applications within 90 days, while Texas may take up to 60 days.

📅 Are there waiting periods for gun purchases?

Yes, some states impose waiting periods before firearm transfers. For instance, California has a 10-day waiting period.

🚫 Who is prohibited from purchasing firearms?

Individuals prohibited from purchasing firearms include those convicted of felonies, domestic violence misdemeanants, and those with restraining orders.

🔒 How can I safely store my firearms?

It is recommended to store firearms in a gun safe to prevent unauthorized access. Keeping ammunition separate from firearms can also enhance safety.

🤔 Where can I find resources on gun laws?

The ATF offers free resources and guidance on firearm laws. The NRA-ILA provides information on state-specific laws and updates.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Gun Laws

Recent court rulings have shaped the landscape of gun ownership and safety regulations. These cases often address issues such as the Second Amendment and state-specific gun laws.

For further details, check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





In order to appropriately undertake cleaning a gun or firearm, there are certain gun cleaning supplies and gun cleaning solvents that will be necessary to acquire before starting. A basic gun cleaning kit will provide for these materials, however, there are a variety of gun cleaning supplies and gun cleaning solvents out in the market depending on the intricacy of the gun cleaning and personal preference.

A basic gun cleaning kit will provide for all the necessary tools, attachments, and gun cleaning solvents necessary to perform a gun cleaning. Depending on the gun cleaning kit, some are offered as a universal kit, which offers the flexibility of being able to clean multiple types of firearms.

However, with these specific kits, the brushes needed will be sold separately because of their specificity to calibers. Basic gun cleaning kits are also available according to caliber sizes, which will eliminate the need to purchase brushes separately. Other supplies that should also be needed are typical household items such a cleaning rags, toothbrush, pipe cleaner, cotton swabs, protective eye wear, and gloves. Though these gun cleaning supplies are not essential, they are recommended for a thorough cleaning and convenience. 

Gun Safety Cleaning and Upkeep Supplies

There various gun cleaning solvents out on the market, but typically, there are only a couple of chemicals needed for a successful gun cleaning. Firstly, a gun cleaning solvent formulated to rid of copper is necessary, especially if the firearm is used with copper-jacketed ammunition. The reason for this is that tiny fragments tend to be left behind after the used of copper-jacketed bullets.

The copper solvent will rid the firearm of all copper build up. Secondly, a lubricating oil will be used after thoroughly cleaning the gun's parts and components to coat the barrel and some of the parts. This will protect rust from forming as well as provide that all moving parts work properly. 

A key element to keep in mind is that all bore-cleaning brushes are made according to gun caliber sizes. If the gun cleaning kit is dedicated to a particular caliber, then this is will not prove to be an issue as long as there are enough brushes available.

A universal gun cleaning kit will not provide the brushes and must be purchased for the appropriate caliber size. There are several brush types available, bronze, plastic, and stainless steel. Some companies make their own types of brushes using a combination of these materials and specific shapes.

For the most part, bronze brushes are the accepted standard for a regular gun cleaning. Plastic may not prove to be efficient in removing some of the build up that is really stuck or hard to remove. Plastic brushes tend to be used only when using specific solvents that are much stronger than the standard ones found in basic gun cleaning kits. Stainless steel brushes tend to be used for firearms that have a lot build up and have not been cleaned in some time.

However, for a regular cleaning, stainless steel is not highly recommended because of the fact that the firearm itself is probably made of the same material, and the brush can possibly damage it. Stainless steel brushes are often design with a special or particular shape so as to avoid such a hazard. 

It is also to keep in mind that allowing for a proper work space is important for gun cleaning. Many of these chemicals will stain fabric so it is also recommended to use rags or newspaper to cover any area that will be used while cleaning a firearm.

The household items such as a toothbrush or pipe cleaners are not necessary to clean a firearm, but may prove useful in certain situations. A pipe cleaner is used to clean extremely small spaces and may reach certain areas that the gun cleaning brush may not be able to. Protective eye wear and gloves are used as precautionary and safety measures, not necessary, but strongly recommended. Eye is simply used to protect the eyes from possible getting unwanted splatter of the gun cleaning solvents while employing the brush to clean.

Gloves are recommended so as to not get the solvents all over the hands. Though not severely harmful or toxic, it is still a good idea to keep the hands covered. Nitrile gloves are recommended because of their ability to withstand some of the solvents better than regular latex gloves.