Mine does and I was wondering if this is normal. I have ordered about a dozen guns through him and I have never even seen the box that the guns were shipped in. I wish he would wait and let me open them but I don't know how to ask. I don't want to be rude if this is standard policy.
Does your FFL dealer open your gun packages?
- Thread starter firestar
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Tamara
Senior Member
He should, just to be safe.
It's a good thing to make sure that the serial number on the gun matches the serial number on the manifest. Keeps the books from getting screwed up.
It's a good thing to make sure that the serial number on the gun matches the serial number on the manifest. Keeps the books from getting screwed up.
wun_8_seven
member
he has to log the gun in. and most don't trust the numbers on the box. so he has to get them off the gun its self. 187
Yes, this is standard proceedure. They also need to enter the serial number into their bound book. Knowing this, I don't have a problem with my dealer opening the box. Where I have a problem is if they start playing with my guns. My local dealer and I have done a lot of business. A LOT of business. We had a serious falling out at one point because I would buy an gun and have it shipped to him, or I would buy a new gun through him; when I got it, I would tell all the local gunstore commandos about my new gun but they had all seen it already. He let them handle it, play with it, pick it apart etc. They knew what I paid for it etc. I told him in no uncertain terms that I did not want people knowing what I bought unless I told them about it. And, I did not want ANYONE playing with my toys before I did.
El Tejon
Member
Sure. It's business, plus Les puts my guns on display to attract attention amongst other shoppers (geez, put some capital in inventory, would ya?).
Hello:
Yes, it is normal. It's no slight to you. It's just good policy for your FFL to be diligent in his own responsibilities. Your FFL has an obligation to keep up on his books. He can't/shouldn't let unlogged firearms sit around in his store. He is simply protecting himself.
It wouldn't be rude for you to ask what time packages are generally delivered to his shop. That way, you could show up a little beforehand and be there while he opens the package. Since legally the pkg is shipped to him, he will be the one to open it. You should be able to get that good warm fuzzy feeling just as well doing it that way.
Best,
Slabside
Yes, it is normal. It's no slight to you. It's just good policy for your FFL to be diligent in his own responsibilities. Your FFL has an obligation to keep up on his books. He can't/shouldn't let unlogged firearms sit around in his store. He is simply protecting himself.
It wouldn't be rude for you to ask what time packages are generally delivered to his shop. That way, you could show up a little beforehand and be there while he opens the package. Since legally the pkg is shipped to him, he will be the one to open it. You should be able to get that good warm fuzzy feeling just as well doing it that way.
Best,
Slabside
spacemanspiff
Senior Member
my ffl doesnt open my packages. she waits until i come in and i open them up, and i match the invoice to the product. then when i am done with that the 4473 is filled out.
i probably wouldnt care if the shop did open my packages, i trust them, but i like to be the first one to handle my new purchase.
i probably wouldnt care if the shop did open my packages, i trust them, but i like to be the first one to handle my new purchase.
Yuck Mouth
Member
I'm somewhat suprised that this seems the norm. My FFL waits for the customer to show up before he opens the package so you and he both can see the gun and make sure everythings there thats supposed to be there and you can see the condition of the gun right out of the box.
HBK
member
The first couple of times I ordered guns, the FFL lady opened them. THe last couple she opened one and left one shut, but she was really busy that week. We usually look the guns over together and have some light conversation. She's really cool and only charges $10 for the transfer.
Mike Irwin
Member
He has to to log it into the store's bound book. I THINK that there's a requirement that all firearms received have to be in the book by a certain time after they're received, isn't there?
No
No
Mine does not untill I get there and then he lets me do it and then we record all the numbers and sign all the papers. He feels this is best because if something is not right or damaged he knows that I can't think it was his fault, I like it this way.
No
Mine does not untill I get there and then he lets me do it and then we record all the numbers and sign all the papers. He feels this is best because if something is not right or damaged he knows that I can't think it was his fault, I like it this way.
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I should hope so. Like Wun_8_Seven says, he has to check the serial #s and enter it into the log book. If he goofs, the ATF slaps his hand and it's better that (s)he's on the level and looking after your interest than going out of bidnez which really doesn't benefit any one 'cept the antis.
and it's better that (s)he's on the level and looking after your interest than going out of bidnez which really doesn't benefit any one 'cept the antis.Safety First
Member
Firestar, that was a good question. If and when I order a gun to be delivered to the FFL, I will ask if he will wait until I arrive and we open it together. I know I would feel much better if I see my gun the way it arrives to the FFL and not have any question as to the condition of the gun when the package is opened. Just seems to make good sense to me,that's my 2 cents worth
wun_8_seven
member
if the dealers are waiting for you guys to show up before logging the gun in, i hope your showing up the same day he recieves it. if not he is asking for trouble. 187
Tamara
Senior Member
Don't have guns ordered by someone you can't trust...
bpisler
Member
The ffl i use opens them when they arrive just to make sure all the paperwork is in order,i've had 2 guns arrive without any paperwork,just a gun in a box addressed to them.
P95Carry
Moderator Emeritus
I think I'd expect it to be the norm. My local store is pretty much ''small town'' and the guy running it is well Ok .. I do a fair bit of bizz with him and he is very helpful. Never bothered me really ... many a time he has charged me less than norm for transfer ... no complaints at all. Lucky really.
Oh. I see. I do trust him and he is the only person that works in his shop so I don't worry about people messing with the gun. I would feel better if I saw just how the package came and maybe the packing material. He throws away the shipping box and I am always worried that he might be tossing something that might be interesting to me.
4
4 eyed six shooter
Guest
Not only do I open the guns to verify the ser # but I also safety check them before the customer gets there. I do not let others handle them. The safety check is very important. Guns do come from the factory with defects and if I catch them before the customer gets there I can do two things. Either correct the problem myself or send the firearm back to be fixed or replaced. Nothing pisses off someone more than picking up a new firearm, taking it home and then finding out there is something wrong with it. With liability being what it is today and to protect my customer from possible injury, I feel it is the right thing to do. My customers seen to like the fact that I have checked all safety features and verified that the headspace is good prior to them picking up the gun. If someone requested me not to open the package before they arrived, I would honor the request but so far no one has asked. Look at it this way, if you bought the gun from a stocking dealer the package would have already been opened and god only knows how many people have handled the firearm before you. Find a dealer that you can trust and your way ahead of the game.
Good Shooting, John K
Good Shooting, John K
themic
Member
my ffl transfer guy is a kitchen table FFL type... opens the package and checks serial numbers. i have no problems with that. last time, with the RAP 401, he already knew to have a butter knife ready when i came over to get that 
plastic box open.
plastic box open.RustyHammer
Member
Yes, standard operating procedure.
From what I have seen, the packing slip/receipt containing buyer's name is usually contained inside the box too.
Never had a problem with him inspecting it before I got there ... always considered it an added value. He has spotted a couple suspect things over the years that would have taken me a bit longer to notice.
He always gives me the original box with the gun, as well. (Except for once or twice, when he ASKED me for it to ship something else out in --> generic box/no factory markings, used gun, no problem.)
A GOOD dealer knows where the "lines" are.
/Rusty
From what I have seen, the packing slip/receipt containing buyer's name is usually contained inside the box too.
Never had a problem with him inspecting it before I got there ... always considered it an added value. He has spotted a couple suspect things over the years that would have taken me a bit longer to notice.
He always gives me the original box with the gun, as well. (Except for once or twice, when he ASKED me for it to ship something else out in --> generic box/no factory markings, used gun, no problem.)
A GOOD dealer knows where the "lines" are.
/Rusty
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BallisticTip
Member
- Joined
- Jun 8, 2003
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- 123
Holds it for my inspection, then does record keeping.
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