This article, The Role of Background Checks in Firearm Ownership, outlines the part that background checks play in obtaining a firearm. The article begins with a brief history, followed by a description of current laws, and how background checks work today. 

In describing the current laws, the author writes:

"Many states have their own laws on firearm ownership and background checks; however, no matter the state, there are some types of firearms that are mostly restricted from personal ownership, including machine guns (fully automatic rifles or pistols), short-barreled (sawed-off) shotguns, and silencers. Ownership of any of these requires the person to a much more detailed FBI background check and registering the weapon with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives' NFA registry. In December of 2018, a ban on ownership of bump stocks was signed into effect as well."

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