The law of Alaska relating to firearms defines the term as “a weapon, including a pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun, whether loaded or unloaded, operable or inoperable, designed for discharging a shot capable of causing death or serious physical injury.”[i]

As per law in Alaska, all transactions taking place in place of business are to be entered in books kept at place of business or in electronic records.[ii]  As per this section, a person engaged in the business of buying and selling secondhand articles, or lending money on secondhand articles, shall maintain a book, in permanent form, in which the person shall enter in legible English at the time of each loan, purchase, or sale certain details.  This includes the date of the transaction, the name of the person conducting the transaction, the name, age and address of the customer etc.  In case if a property bought or received in pledge, includes a firearm, the name of the maker, the serial, model, or other number, and all letters and marks inscribed should be noted by the person concerned.[iii]

Sec. 09.65.155 of the Alaska Statute deals with the civil liability of firearms or ammunition manufacturer or dealer.  As per the section, a civil action to recover damages or to seek injunctive relief may not be brought against a person who manufactures or sells firearms or ammunition if the action is based on the lawful sale, manufacture, or design of firearms or ammunition. However, this section does not prohibit a civil action resulting from a negligent design, a manufacturing defect, a breach of contract, or a breach of warranty.[iv]

Moreover, the state, municipality, and the officers, agents, and employees of the state or municipality, are not liable to any person, including the purchaser of a surplus firearm or part of a surplus firearm, for personal injuries or damage to property as a result of the sale of a firearm or a part of a firearm, unless the state or municipality conducts the sale with gross negligence or recklessness.[v]

[i] Alaska Stat. § 11.81.900

[ii] Alaska Stat. § 08.76.010

[iii] Alaska Stat. § 08.76.010

[iv] Alaska Stat. § 09.65.155

[v] Alaska Stat. § 18.65.340