Buying a gun online? (GunsAmerica)

[Guvnor]

I just registered with guns america, and im looking to buy a shotgun. But every gun I have ever purchased so far has been in person. Im confused on how the whole FFL transfer process works with online sales. If someone could explain the process I would appriciate it.

Do you buy the gun first? And then worry about contacting a local FFL? Or is it the other way around?

 

[Conqueror]

You should contact a local FFL first, just to make sure he/she is willing to do transfers for you. That's not absolutely necessary but is a nice courtesy to the dealer, plus that makes the transaction faster once you've already bought something.

As to the process, it's quite simple. You buy gun online. You pay for gun. Your FFL sends his papers (usually by fax or email) to the seller. The seller sends the gun to your FFL's registered business address. You pick the gun up when it arrives, pay the transfer fee, and your dealer handles the 4473.

 

[oneounceload]

Sites like GA will typically have a list of local FFL's in your area that will handle transfers if you don't know any. The seller will usually require payment via postal money order or similarly secured payment. Most seller's will allow you a three-day NON-firing inspection period so you can return it if there is an issue that wasn't explained or shown to exist. IF your deal goes well, it is customary to leave positive feedback on the seller and he will do the same to you. Once the auction is over and you are the winner, contact the seller by email to arrange for payment options, FFL names, etc. Keeping a good back and forth email correspondence goes a long way to making the whole deal smooth, and also can provide any detail should something go wrong.

As with any auction site, it is Caveat Emptor - check the seller's feedback - if they have 1500 feed-backs and one or two are bad with the rest excellent, that goes a long way to assuaging your fears, IMO.

 

[Grassman]

I too have been thinking of buying online but have not pulled the trigger*pun* due to the potential hassle. Am I wrong? One of my local FFL dealers wants to charge $50 for the transfer, I think that's a bit high. Is it?

 

[geronimo509]

$50 is pretty high. Go to Gunbroker or Gunsamerica and you should be able to find a list of nearby FFL's that will do a transfer, most have their prices and most should be lower. You should probably call just to verify that the info on the website is correct. Do that or call around and you should be able to find a better price.

Oh, +1 to what everyone else said.

 

[Aran]

My local FFLs only want ~$20

 

[garymc]

Mine charges $10, but he doesn't use a computer or fax. He mails a copy to the other dealer, which adds a few days to the transaction.

 

[MarineOne]

I bought my M1 Carbine from GunsAmerica and had zero issues.

I called the seller and told them I was in Iraq and wanted to have my wife do the paperwork with my FFL, so I put a small refundable deposit on the rifle and called the wife. She bought it for me and we had it about 2 weeks later, and when I got home for some down time she had it transferred to me.

My FFL only cost $25 and I use him whenever I can.



Kris

 

[oneounceload]

One of my local FFL dealers wants to charge $50 for the transfer, I think that's a bit high. Is it?

Many of these folks take the attitude that if you didn't buy it from him, especially if it one he stocks, then he doesn't make any money for his time and effort. Not saying it is right or wrong - just is what it is.

 

[BP Hunter]

I have purcahsed 3 guns online; 2 handguns from budsgunshop and a rifle from aimsurpls.

1. You need to find a local FFL who is willing to accept the transfer. Make sure the transfer fee is reasonable. $50, I think is excessive. Mine charges $25 only.
2. Purchase the rifle online as you would on any product you buy online.
3. The online store should provide the tracking number of the shipment.
4. Follow the tracking online....patiently.
5. Once it arrives in the store, visit the store and fill up the ATF form 4473. If cleared, pick up the gun and enjoy.

 

[iyaoyas98]

My FFL charges $30. I have a copy of his license saved on my drive that I can E-mail to sellers. Make sure the FFL accepts from individuals, thats a hangup most get stuck on.

 

[Mike In Charleston]

My favorite dealer has a gun shop inside a Suziki motorcycle shop that charges a $25 FFL fee. All he askes his customers is to give him a chance to beat the deal we get online by the time you figure out the combined purchase/FFL fees and after several purchases, every one has been cheaper through him.

 

[medalguy]

+1 to all these posts but I would add look at the photos. Carefully. Very carefully. Some sellers tend to place the firearm in such a way that somewhat minor but important defects can be hidden by light reflections etc. and then claim the defect was clearly evident in the pic.

Having said that, I have bought a number of guns online and only had 1 or 2 problems with condition. Remember that one person's description of 98% might not match YOUR opinion of 98%.