Rhode Island General Laws Title 11. Criminal Offenses § 11-47-40. Register of sales of firearms--Display of firearms

(a) Every person, firm, or corporation selling a pistol, revolver, or other firearm whether the seller is a retail dealer, pawnbroker, or otherwise shall keep a register in which shall be entered at the time of sale the date of sale, name, age, and residence of every purchaser of the a pistol, revolver, or other firearm, together with the caliber, make, model, manufacturer's number, or other mark of identification on the pistol, revolver, or other firearm.  Every person, firm, or corporation who shall fail to keep a register and to enter the acts required by this section shall, upon conviction, be punished as provided in this chapter.  The register shall be open at all reasonable hours for the mandatory monthly inspection of licensed firearm dealers to be conducted by state and/or local police officials.

(b) This section shall not apply to wholesale dealers' bona fide sales at wholesale to duly licensed retail dealers.  It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation dealing in firearms to display any pistol, revolver, or imitation, or any firearm of a size which may be concealed upon the person, or placard advertising the sale of one, in any part of the premises of the person, firm, or corporation where it can be readily seen from the outside.  “Firearm” as utilized in this section only does not apply to an air rifle, air pistol, “blank gun,” or “BB gun.”