Maine's 72-hr Waiting Period

Beginning on August 9th, 2024, a 72-hour waiting period on the commercial transfer of firearms went into effect state-wide.  

Our Understanding of the Law:

  • The 72-hr waiting period is to run concurrently with NICS checks
    • Waiting period starts when an “agreement” is reached
    • The state does not clearly define what an “agreement” is
  • Even if an NICS check comes back as “Proceed” instantly, the 72-hr wait remains in effect
  • There are limited exceptions to the 72-hr period (NFA items for example)
  • There are penalties for dealers found to be in violation (starting with fines)
    • Note: ATF also requires that dealers adhere to local/state laws as a condition of licensure

Western Mountain Sports seeks to make the transfer process as smooth, inexpensive, and timely as possible. This is why we will continue to keep our transfer fees at $15 per 4473 (up to 3 firearms at a time), have no extra fees for custom orders, and maintain our flexible policy concerning availability outside of our standard hours.

Updated Process for Firearms Purchases to Comply with Maine's 72.hr Waiting Period

In-store Firearms Purchases (excludes NFA):

  • The customer purchases an item and completes form 4473
  • Information is submitted for NICS check (the clock starts)
  • Customer is given a day/time when they can pick up their purchase
  • Customer returns on the specified day, at or after the time specified, and signed their completed 4473
  • Customer takes possession of their items.

Purchasing a Firearm from Our Website

  • The 72-hr period will start upon successful checkout from our online store
  • Customer will receive an email stating when they will be able to come to the shop and complete a NICS check
  • Upon completion of the NICS check, customer will be able to take possession of their firearm(s)

Transfers from Online Retailers:

  • If a firearm is purchased online and shipped to Western Mountain Sports to complete transfer
  • Once our FFL is submitted to the seller for transfer, an agreement is established between all parties involved to complete the transaction
  • Western Mountain Sports will begin the countdown of the 72-hrs once our FFL has been submitted to the seller
  • Processing times and shipping are then counted towards the 72-hr wait
  • Once a firearm arrives, the NICS check will also count towards the 72-hrs
  • So long as the required 72-hrs has expired between the submission of our FFL to the online retailer and the Completion of the NICS check, a customer may take possession of their firearms.
Western Mountain Sports Transfer Fee