You do not need an FFL to order a gun from an online retailer like Smith & Wesson , but you cannot have it shipped directly to your home.
You buy the firearm online and select a local FFL dealer to receive it.
Navigating the World of Buying Firearms Without an FFL The question of whether you can buy a gun without a Federal Firearms License (FFL) often comes up for first-time buyers or collectors. The short answer is , but how and where you do it is strictly governed by federal and state laws. 1. In-State Private Sales