Who typically conducts background checks for firearm purchases?

Background checks for firearm purchases are primarily conducted by licensed firearm dealers or state authorities. This process is essential to ensure that individuals purchasing firearms do not have criminal backgrounds, mental health issues, or other factors that would prohibit them from owning a gun legally.

Licensed dealers are required to initiate a background check through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) or through state-specific systems. This ensures that the transaction complies with federal and state laws designed to promote public safety.

In contrast, the other options are not viable methods for conducting background checks. Friends of the buyer lack the authority and access to comprehensive databases needed to perform effective background checks. Similarly, the buyer themselves cannot reliably verify their background without relying on the established procedures that licensed dealers or authorities must follow. Government agencies do play a role in this process, but they typically do so in conjunction with licensed dealers, rather than conducting all background checks independently.