New Mexico Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What type of background check system is used for firearm purchases from a licensed dealer in New Mexico?

1. State-based

2. NICS-only

3. State point of contact

4. No background checks required

The correct answer is: State point of contact

New Mexico follows a "state point of contact" system for background checks on firearm purchases from licensed dealers. This means that the state itself is responsible for conducting the background check, rather than relying solely on the federal NICS system (option B). It also means that the background check is carried out by a specific state agency, in this case the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, rather than through a designated state agency (option A). Lastly, New Mexico requires background checks for all firearm purchases from licensed dealers, so the option of no background checks being required (option D) is incorrect.