Weigend Vargas, E., Lee, D. B., Hans, Z., Goldstick, J. E., Simmons, M., & Carter, P. M. (2025). Firearm transactions and background checks in Missouri, USA in 2020. Journal of Public Health Policy. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41271-025-00566-w
Abstract
Federal law requires all Federal Firearm Licensees (FFL) to ensure a background check has been conducted before any firearm sale in the United States. We estimated the proportion of firearm transactions without background checks across various forms of sales and other transfers in Missouri, United States in 2020. Based on the Missouri Firearm Survey responses from 361 respondents, 44% of firearms transactions did not involve a background check in Missouri, a proportion higher than national average. Sales at FFL presented the lowest proportion of non-background checks transfers (18.5%) while private sales from known sellers and transfers without sales had the highest proportion (82.8% and 78.4%). Among private sales, there were significant differences between those involving known sellers and those involving unknown sellers. This information can be used by policy makers to discuss potential solutions to reduce levels of firearm violence and relevant health issues in Missouri.