Tight Regulations Cover Both Gun Buyers And Sellers
Pawn shops in Texas are highly regulated businesses, requiring a local business certificate and pawn broker’s license from the state. Those that sell guns must also have a federal firearms license.
In addition to federal reporting requirements, every transaction made at F&I Pawn Shop is recorded so law enforcement can track stolen property.
To Buy A Gun
In addition to presenting valid current identification and thumbprint, people who purchase guns must complete a six-page firearms transaction form from the U.S. Department of Justice.
The form asks whether buyers are making a purchase for themselves rather than a third party, whether they are under indictment or have been convicted of a felony, and whether they are fugitives from justice.
For the safety of others, the form also asks whether buyers are restrained through court order from harassing, stalking or threatening a child or intimate partner and whether they have any domestic violence convictions.
Applications must be reviewed and approved by the FBI before a gun can be handed over to a new owner.
RNC - Pawnshop Style
Uncle Ben’s Pawn Shop in Cleveland is getting a very special 70th anniversary gift: the Republican National Convention.
After returning from World War II, Bernard Benjamin Tansky started the shop in 1946.
The shop, which is located at East 26th Street and St. Clair Avenue, could see a minor jump in business. Ben's son Louis says the convention is a remarkable gift. He even hung a red, white and blue striped “Welcome RNC 2 CLE” sign in front of the store.
Tansky said he might take the short walk to the convention center area if he has time once the convention starts - unless they are swamped with business.
Louis said he pretty much grew up in the pawnshop. He and his siblings would sweep the floor and find plenty of things to get into and play with.
“We were probably more of a pain in the butt for my father, to keep an eye on us, than we were worth,” Tansky said.
Tansky said his father did want one of his kids to take over the business, and he ended up being the only one interested. He considered a career in politics or law but found the allure of the pawnshop hard to resist.
“I found that the business was really something I came to love,” Tansky said. “I kind of came to realize that my true calling was continuing the family tradition.”
More than just being a family business and making money, Louis Tansky said that Uncle Ben’s Pawn Shop has a higher calling – helping people down on their luck get quick money.
“My father wanted to try to help people out and he wanted to help them get back up on their feet,” Tansky said.
