Mitchell, I see that you're only 18. You can't buy a pistol until you're 21. Rifles you can buy. Your purchase must ship to an FFL holder. You'll have to fill out a BATF 4473 and pass the FBI background check. That's about it. Most sellers require certified funds before shipment. Beware, it's easy to get something cheap but better to get something good. browse your local gun shops. Sometimes you can come up with something nice that somebody traded in on the latest hot shot "Magnum".
jam