How to buy a gun in Indiana

Following the Dec. 14 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, many have called for tighter gun control laws. This has led to a rapid increase of gun sales across the country, including Bluffton's 21st Century Firearms.

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about owning a gun in Indiana. For more information, see the Friday, Dec. 28, edition of The News-Banner.

Q: What do I need to buy a gun?

A: To purchase a long gun (shotgun or rifle) you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Indiana or a bordering state (Illinois residents may face restrictions). To buy a handgun, receiver, pistol gripped shotgun, or NFA firearm you must be at least 21 years old and a resident of Indiana. For all firearm purchases you must present a valid photo ID that includes your current address (drivers license, state ID card, military ID w/ current orders). The actual buyer must also complete ATF Form 4473 and be granted a proceed response to a "national instant criminal search" or "NICS" background check. The check takes about 5 minutes to complete ( This does not apply to NFA firearms ).

Q: I am a resident of another state, can I buy a gun in Indiana?

A: If you are a resident of a state bordering Indiana you may buy a long gun (Illinois residents may face restrictions). If you are a resident of a state other than Indiana, you may still buy either a long gun or handgun, but we must ship the gun to another federal firearm license dealer (FFL) in your state of residence. The FFL in your state will perform the NICS check and often charge about $25 for the service. The buyer is responsible for shipping charges.

Q: Is there a waiting period to buy a gun?

A: Indiana law does not require a waiting period. However, if a person receives a "Delayed" response from NICS the firearm cannot be transferred for up to 3 business days, while they continue their review. If we do not hear from NICS after three business days we may transfer the gun(s) to the buyer at our discretion.

Q: Are silencers and machine guns legal to own in Indiana?

A: It is legal for Indiana residents to own National Firearms Act (NFA) defined firearms. These include silencers, machine guns, short barreled rifles (SBR), and any other weapons (AOW). A “Tax Stamp” is required for ownership and costs a one time fee of $200.00 per firearm. The application for the tax stamp is submitted to the BATFE and can take from 60-120 days to be approved.

Q: How do I obtain a License to Carry a Handgun (LTCH) in Indiana?

The application is really a two part process beginning with a recommendation from your local law enforcement agency and then the application is sent to the Indiana State Police.  The Indiana State Police Superintendent is charged with the responsibility of actually issuing the license and administering the licensing program. An application is currently composed of three separate documents: 1) the original application, 2) the supplemental application, and 3) a blue FBI applicant fingerprint card. A money order or certified check made payable to the state of Indiana for the proper amount must be included.

Source: 21st Century Firearms of Bluffton

Ice wreaks havoc on county roads

The snow and ice from Wednesday's snow storm caused multiple accidents, and though no one was seriously injured, one driver severed a utility pole, causing a wire to fall across his car.

Though the wire was apparent not conducting electricity, electrical experts offer the following truth behind common myths to stay safe in similar situations, and learn more about the accidents in the Thursday, Dec. 27, News-Banner.

1. Tires are electrical insulators

Tires are electrical conductors, not insulators. It is true that you are safe in your vehicle when a live wire falls on it. But that's because electricity always seeks the easiest path to the ground. If you remain in the vehicle, the path of the electricity will be on the outside of the vehicle, through the tires, and into the ground. As long as we do not provide a path to the ground through our body the electricity will not enter it. So when an electrical wire falls on your vehicle, stay in your vehicle until help arrives and the power is shut off by the utility company. If you have to get out of your car because of a life-threatening situation, jump out with both feet together, making sure that you are not touching any part of the vehicle when your feet hit the ground and hop or shuffle at least 30 feet away.



 2. Power lines are insulated

Ninety percent of outside power lines are not insulated. There may be a weather coating over the wire that provides no insulation or protection from electric shock. Further, the lines that are insulated are exposed to the rigors of weather, so you never know what condition the insulation is in. No line is safe to touch or approach too closely, ever.



3. Only high voltage is dangerous

Voltage is the pressure that pushes electricity along, like water though a hose. Amperage (amp), the amount of electricity in any given spot, is what will hurt or kill you. It takes less than one quarter of one amp to put a heart into ventricular fibrillation (irregular beating). Most residents have at least 100-amp service coming into their houses. Many residents have 200-amp service.



4. When a wire falls to the ground, it automatically shuts off

Always treat a downed wire as energized until the utility company has shut it off and stated it is safe! Keep at least 300 feet away (two full pole spans) for downed wires.



5. When a live wire falls, it makes sparks

A power line sparks if it falls to the ground and does not make firm contact with the ground or other material. When a wire falls to the ground and makes firm contact, it will often make no noise or sparks, and will give the impression of being de-energized. Always treat a downed wire as energized until the utility company has shut it off and stated it is safe! Keep at least 300 feet away (two full pole spans) from downed wires.



6. Wood is an insulator

Wood is in fact a conductor, though not a good one. The molecules in wood are far apart, so it becomes difficult for electricity to jump from molecule to molecule. But the higher the voltage, the easier it is for electricity to move through wood. And if the wood is damp, it changes the equation and wood becomes a good conductor, even at low voltage. So be careful standing on a wooden crate to turn on your main fuse box or when you use a wooden ladder.



7. Household rubber gloves or rubber-soled shoes insulate

Only 100% pure rubber insulates against electricity. Household gloves and shoes are not made of pure rubber. Often, to make these shoes more marketable and durable, additives are mixed in with the rubber-like material. And that makes these gloves and shoes conductors.
Source: PSE&G

Oh the weather outside is frightful ...

Wells County received about an inch of snow during the season's first significant snow fall of the season — canceling schools, causing accidents and disrupting power.

But if severe weather strikes again, the National Weather Service posts alerts online to keep residents informed. Click here to see if Wells County has any alerts. Click here for more county-based weather-related information.

Also, see this earlier blog entry for safe driving tips.

Learn more in the Friday, Dec. 21, News-Banner.

Adopt a pet

Alex is a 2-year-old DSH tiger/white male.

Kiki is a 2-year-old DMH tiger/white female.

Little Bit is a 10-month-old Jack Russel/Rat Terrier mix male. He is very sweet and energetic!

Have yourself a fuzzy little Christmas

The Bluffton Parks and Recreation Department held its annual Paws and Claus holiday celebration Wednesday, allowing people to bring their fuzzy friends to meet the mythological elf.

 

 

NWCS awards high school bids

Northern Wells school board members unanimously awarded $11,098,564 in bids Tuesday to renovate the Norwell High School during the next two years — and taxpayers will pay about 2.6 cents less than originally anticipated.

Twenty contractors submitted bids in five categories, and board members selected the lowest bidders in each category. Learn more in the Wednesday, Dec. 19, News-Banner.

Click on this image to view a larger copy.

Click on this image to view a larger copy.

State police offers holiday shopping tips

From the Indiana State Police:

The holiday shopping season is upon us and the Indiana State Police would like to share some helpful safety tips.  Many shoppers will begin their day in the darkness of the early morning hours and end in the late evening hours, leaving shoppers vulnerable at times to potential criminal activity.  To counter anyone wishing to perform criminal acts on unsuspecting shoppers, the Indiana State Police offer the following precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Park in a well-lighted area and be sure to lock your car.
• Use extra caution when walking to and from your car, preferably with a friend.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a rubber band around your wallet and place in the inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Do not leave purses unattended in shopping carts.
• Place gifts and other valuables in the trunk of your car.
• Keep your car doors and windows locked at all times.
• Make sure your car is good mechanical condition.
• Carry a fully charged cell phone with you.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if they get separated from you.
• If you notice suspicious activity, contact store security or the nearest police agency. Especially if you notice person or persons loitering around your vehicle.
• Remember, the most important tip is to know who and what is around you.  Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you at all times.

The ISP also offers safe-travel trips this season. Click here to watch the video.

And don't forget to shop locally and conveniently online.