DMK
Member
Excluding C&R transfers, how do you purchase your guns generally?
Do you order guns or buy what they have locally?
- Thread starter DMK
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2TransAms
Member
You left out my option: all three. I usually can't do all the transfer hassle without it costing more than a local purchase.
Usually I know about what I want, and I just buy whatever catches my eye at the shop. But I've bought a few from Gunbroker,and a few ftf sales as well. I guess I just do whatever I need to to get the gun I'm looking for.
Usually I know about what I want, and I just buy whatever catches my eye at the shop. But I've bought a few from Gunbroker,and a few ftf sales as well. I guess I just do whatever I need to to get the gun I'm looking for.
M2 Carbine
member
I'll order a gun once in a great while but I buy most of my guns at gun shows.
There's a small local gun store where I buy a few guns a year.
There's a small local gun store where I buy a few guns a year.
I have bought a couple of used guns I happened to find at local dealers for a fair price -- and they happened to be guns that I wanted.
Normally when I am ready to buy a gun it is something that I've been researching for a while and I know exactly what I want, so I order it from one of my local dealers. I am fortunate in that I live near a couple of very good gun shops that have excellent customer service and are good at getting me what I want.
As a general rule, I don't go "shopping" at gun shops hoping to find a new gun that catches my interest. I already know what I want well in advance of making a purchase.
Normally when I am ready to buy a gun it is something that I've been researching for a while and I know exactly what I want, so I order it from one of my local dealers. I am fortunate in that I live near a couple of very good gun shops that have excellent customer service and are good at getting me what I want.
As a general rule, I don't go "shopping" at gun shops hoping to find a new gun that catches my interest. I already know what I want well in advance of making a purchase.
1911 guy
Member
All three.
I didn't vote because that wasn't an option. Often, I'll buy a firearm because I need "something to do purpose X". I'll peruse the local offerings and choose one I feel best suited. A few times, I've had a bug for a very specific make, model and caliber. If I can't find it locally, then it's time to start casting a wider loop.
I didn't vote because that wasn't an option. Often, I'll buy a firearm because I need "something to do purpose X". I'll peruse the local offerings and choose one I feel best suited. A few times, I've had a bug for a very specific make, model and caliber. If I can't find it locally, then it's time to start casting a wider loop.
CountGlockula
Member
Buying locally doesn't enable you to purchase EXACTLY what you want.
I order online for a specific handgun.
My last purchase was from Glock: Model 35 in Olive Drab Green. Most local gun stores don't have it in OD Green.
I order online for a specific handgun.
My last purchase was from Glock: Model 35 in Olive Drab Green. Most local gun stores don't have it in OD Green.
BrainOnSigs
Member
I couldn't afford to buy as many guns as I do if I bought locally. I go to a FFL friend to order or I buy on line. Out of state purchases are great. I save money at the on line dealers that I have bookmarked plus no 7% Florida sales tax. My FFL does the transfer for $25 on these deals. I buy enough from him that he has zero issues with me going somewhere else for something he can't locate.
Mannlicher
Member
I have done all three of the methods you mentioned. Depends on what I want, can afford to pay, and where I find it.
hexidismal
Member
I have no doubt that I would buy guns online if it were worth it to me to do. My local FFL charges $40 for a transfer .. next closest ( and the cheapest around ) is $35 and thats 25 miles away. When you add $40 plus the usual shipping of around $20, that tends to make firearms well above store price, or at least just as high. If I'm going to be paying the same, it makes no sense for me not to buy it at a store that might be more willing to help me out if I have any problem, and where I actually get to visually inspect the gun and its action.
calzoom
Member
I reasearch the crap out of the gun I want and have been lucky to find it exactly, if I can wait long enough.
Longest wait was 3 years.
Presently looking at 357's in small/med frame, 3" bbl. 6 or more shot. Large frame too much weight for me.
Longest wait was 3 years.
Presently looking at 357's in small/med frame, 3" bbl. 6 or more shot. Large frame too much weight for me.
alucard0822
Member
Depends on how anti gun your state is. In maryland for pistols you have to have an ILS or omega lock (most local shops have them on backorder) supplied or purchased at the time of transfer, you cannot bring your own. You also have to have a certified fired case from the gun if the shop doesnt have a range and a certification stamp it has to be sent back to the manufacturer to get the fired case. Long guns don't have to go through all this, but with a decent amount of good local gun shops in the area that can order just about anything and one that will even order direct from gunbroker if you wish there is almost no need and no cost savings in oredering them myself to go to an ffl dealer. I ordered one pistol, a stoeger luger in .22lr from gunbroker to be sent to my local gun shop, it took about 6 weeks from the time it arrived to actually pick it up. it had to be sent to beretta to get the fired case, and needed a letter from the state police to "certify" it was exempt from the omega lock law because it was 20+ years old, all in all alot of hassle to exercise a constitutional right.
p.s. you dont have any idea what you have to do to get a CCW permit, but it does involve basically telling the state police that 2+2=5 and wearing your collar of obedience
p.s. you dont have any idea what you have to do to get a CCW permit, but it does involve basically telling the state police that 2+2=5 and wearing your collar of obedience
Starter52
Member
I prefer to buy locally, but sometimes I order from out-of-state dealers. Probably 90% local, 10% out-of-state.
Deanimator
Member
Selection at stores here in NE Ohio is hideous. You won't find anything interesting north of Cuyahoga Falls. There are a couple of good dealers down there. I've never bought a gun from them, although I've spent a lot of money on accessories and reloading supplies.
Most of my guns have been bought face to face from friends and fellow club members.
A few were bought at gunshows, especially the Ohio Gun Collector's Association show.
Lately, I've bought a few from online dealers, such as CDNN and Summit Gunbroker. I just ordered a nice S&W M&P revolver from RM Vivas in New York.
Most of my guns have been bought face to face from friends and fellow club members.
A few were bought at gunshows, especially the Ohio Gun Collector's Association show.
Lately, I've bought a few from online dealers, such as CDNN and Summit Gunbroker. I just ordered a nice S&W M&P revolver from RM Vivas in New York.
JesseL
Member
I buy locally, but there are several good gunshops within spitting distance of home so it's not much of a limitation.
El Tejon
Member
Gun shows, private sales, estate sales, from FFLs (big and small), through my federal license, etc. Have purchased guns when on vacation, I just have my people call their people.
The Ohio Gun Collectors Association shows are fantastic!!!
The Ohio Gun Collectors Association shows are fantastic!!!
perdurabo93
Member
- Joined
- Jan 27, 2006
- Messages
- 121
I buy about 95% of my guns used from other private non-FFLs and for the most part those people are out of state, usually via forum boards like THR, FALFiles, arfcom, etc. My FFL only charges me $10 for a transfer (he's a pawnbroker, not a retail dealer). I buy a few guns from private individuals locally when the best deal is local, but I'm not one of those Tinfoil Hat Brigade wingnuts who refuses to ever fill out a 4473.
Why would I pay retail markup and sales tax when I don't have to? For the most part, local brick and mortar gun shops have nothing at all to offer me except a good gouging.
I buy all my accessories and reloading supplies from MidwayUSA or Brownells with my C&R discount. I buy powder and primers at gun shows. Every once in awhile I'll buy powder or primers I need right away from Cabela's or Sportsman's Whorehouse.
If I need to get an idea how something feels, I find something similar at the gun show and fondle it before buy it cheaper elsewhere and getting it transferred.
If I need advice or expertise, I consult the internet. The ignorant Bubbas down at the local gun shop usually haven't got a clue about anything that isn't some kind of hunting rifle or shotgun.
Why would I pay retail markup and sales tax when I don't have to? For the most part, local brick and mortar gun shops have nothing at all to offer me except a good gouging.
I buy all my accessories and reloading supplies from MidwayUSA or Brownells with my C&R discount. I buy powder and primers at gun shows. Every once in awhile I'll buy powder or primers I need right away from Cabela's or Sportsman's Whorehouse.
If I need to get an idea how something feels, I find something similar at the gun show and fondle it before buy it cheaper elsewhere and getting it transferred.
If I need advice or expertise, I consult the internet. The ignorant Bubbas down at the local gun shop usually haven't got a clue about anything that isn't some kind of hunting rifle or shotgun.
SoCalShooter
Member
Well my FFL works out of his garage and does not have any stock except consignments so basically every gun I order.
BrainOnSigs
Member
Some of you gents must have some nice gun shops with fair prices.
I can buy a Glock on line for $470 with a $15 shipping charge. My FFL charges $25 to do the transfer (which includes the NCIS check). That's $510. Most of my local gun shops want $550-$580 for a Glock. If you add in the 7% Florida sales tax plus the $5 NCIS fee that's $593.50-$625.60. That is a saving of $83.50-$115.60. If I buy a Sig or HK the savings can be $140+. I saved $280 on my last Les Baer. If I buy 1 gun a month then the savings alone can buy me 2 extra guns per year.
I can buy a Glock on line for $470 with a $15 shipping charge. My FFL charges $25 to do the transfer (which includes the NCIS check). That's $510. Most of my local gun shops want $550-$580 for a Glock. If you add in the 7% Florida sales tax plus the $5 NCIS fee that's $593.50-$625.60. That is a saving of $83.50-$115.60. If I buy a Sig or HK the savings can be $140+. I saved $280 on my last Les Baer. If I buy 1 gun a month then the savings alone can buy me 2 extra guns per year.
MD_Willington
Member
Both...
10 Ring Tao
Member
Where ever I can find it AND get the best deal. I'd say my purchases are pretty well distributed between the three choices.
JohnBT
Member
98% local, if you count driving 100+ miles to visit a gun shop to be local.
John
John
support my local gun store
There is a good gun store a block away from my office, and I buy most of my supplies and firearms there. I often am in there several times a week with a cup of coffee. Excellent service, fair prices - they take good care of me. I also think supporting locally owned gun stores plays a role in terms of keeping shooting and the RKBA strong.
I live in a small university town, and, at least in a small town, a good gun store is an important part of the shooting community that brings people together to socialize, vote, and advocate on behalf of what they believe in.
I don't shop or buy at big box stores for the most part - a Walmart came here about 4 years ago and I still have never been in it. Generally, I tend to shop service over price.
There is a good gun store a block away from my office, and I buy most of my supplies and firearms there. I often am in there several times a week with a cup of coffee. Excellent service, fair prices - they take good care of me. I also think supporting locally owned gun stores plays a role in terms of keeping shooting and the RKBA strong.
I live in a small university town, and, at least in a small town, a good gun store is an important part of the shooting community that brings people together to socialize, vote, and advocate on behalf of what they believe in.
I don't shop or buy at big box stores for the most part - a Walmart came here about 4 years ago and I still have never been in it. Generally, I tend to shop service over price.
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