imported post
TF: That, Sir, is the BEST question: When I went to Bass Pro to look at Glocks for Midget's 18th Birthday present, I told the clerk why I was looking. He got really indignant and asked me to leave the store because he wanted no part of a criminal act! I was floored! After a few minutes, he calmed down enough to tell me he felt I was committing a Felony and trying to involve him in it by making a "Straw Purchase".
I went home after this exchange to look up the definition by Statute in Virginia law and found his understanding to be flawed. Midget is NOT a prohibited person AFTER she turned 18, but was, in fact, one before turning 18. He took the part of the law about "buying a gun for someone else" and ran with it, thereby assuming that EVERY purchase of a firearm MUST be FOR the use of the individual making the purchase.
I found this statute to be similar and parallel to one the Coast Guard enforces (or did while I was in): A vessel taking 6 (or more) passengers for hire out on the water must be inspected by the Coast Guard AND the Master of said vessel must have a commercial "6-Pack Captain's license" while a boat owner (Joe Boater) may take 6 of his best friends out towatch fireworks or go fishing, but he darn sure better not charge them for the trip!
Of course, his friends can bring food and beverages (but the master of said vessel must not be under the influence of alcohol) on the trip, no money can change hands (legally).
Neither statute seems very well-written and is interpreted in different ways by different people. I guess a paper trail is necessary to prove it isn't a "straw-purchase". Do you have to go so far as to make a sworn affadavit attesting to the "gifting" of the weapon?