I tried purchasing a gun recently and was denied due to my military discharge.

Question

I have an other than honorable discharge but the reason for the denial was that it shows as a dishonorable discharge. If i submit documents showing that I don’t have a dishonorable discharge would I be able to purchase a gun without any problems?

James L. Arrasmith · Answer

If you were denied a gun purchase because your discharge was misclassified as dishonorable, providing documentation showing that your discharge is other than honorable may help clear up the issue. The denial likely stems from the information submitted during the background check. Under federal law, a dishonorable discharge disqualifies someone from purchasing a firearm, but an other than honorable discharge does not necessarily have the same restriction. 
 
You should gather all relevant paperwork, such as your DD-214 or any military records, to prove your discharge status. Submitting this documentation to the appropriate agency or authority handling your background check can help them correct the records. It’s also a good idea to request a copy of the denial paperwork, which should provide details about why the transaction was declined. 
 
Once your records are corrected and reflect the proper discharge type, you may have the opportunity to purchase a firearm. Keep in mind that this process may take some time, and you should follow up with the agency to ensure the corrections are made. If you’re still unsure or face additional obstacles, you might want to consider seeking legal guidance to better understand your rights and options in this situation.

Q: I tried purchasing a gun recently and was denied due to my military discharge.