Etiquette of the FFL Transfer

[Nil]

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I regularly shop at a local gun store that offers great prices on their merchandise with a few odd exceptions. Occasionally they will have one or two guns that are horribly overpriced and in this case, one of them happens to be one I want, a RIA 1911 Tactical that they have listed for $600.

Now I know that one can find these online in the mid-$400s and I would order one, but I feel like it'd be inappropriate to have this store handle the transfer when they stock the same merchandise. There's only one other gun store in town and I've had bad experiences there, so I'd prefer not to give them the business. But then this leaves me with the dilemma of undercutting my preferred gun store when they have treated me right in every other way.

So my question: how do you feel about FFL transfers such as this?

 

[Navy_Guns]

See if they'll lower their price so you'd pay the same as going the transfer route. If not, it's you're money and you gave them the chance to compete in the free market... At least the one they have in the shop you can inspect before you commit.

 

[RonE]

Navy Guns advice sounds good to me. You could on the other hand, go to a shop out of town, a netural corner so to say.

 

[Flame Red]

Around here, most of the gun stores don't do transfers anymore, or charge $100 to discourage them. The one store that does, will not transfer ANYTHING they can order or have. And they no longer transfer from individuals either.

My suggestion is to go to GB and call all the FFL's in your area and see if you cand find a small FFL that will help you out for a reasonable cost.

http://www.gunbroker.com/User/DealerNetwork.asp

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

You're getting in to the price range where things get more complicated since the tax ends up being a big enough chunk that it approaches the cost of shipping and the transfer. Unless you don't have sales tax, then ignore that.

I'd figure out what the actual delivered cost for you would be and then hit up your dealer and see if they can make an offer that is comparable to it.

Also, check gunbroker for FFLs. There are usually a few guys around who just do transfers out of their houses or another business.

I would definately hit up your local guy and see if he can make a decent offer though.

 

[SevenMichael]

So far, I've bought all my guns using FFL. Like you, my range is also a gun store and they even offer a discount to us members.

However, my range is located in an area with a 7% sales tax. When you buy a $ 1K gun, that's a chunk of change ! So, I've chosen to buy over the internet avoiding the sales tax and saving money.

I've explained this to my range owner and he understands... he can't compete with sales tax. Also, he buys from several distributors, which basically sets his price. So, sometimes he can't even get close to what I can get elsewhere.

SO, as someone else said, it's your money... spend it the way YOU want. If you have a good relationship with the dealer, then talk to him/her and explain why; he/she should understand.

Good Luck !

 

[Nil]

I've thought about doing it through an out of town store but part of me is hesitant to have a gun delivered somewhere I've never actually been to. Perhaps it's just paranoia on my part since I imagine the ATF would crackdown hard on any shenanigans when it comes to firearm sales, but it does make me a bit wary.

 

[hrgrisso]

Shotgun News

As an FFL I'd also recommend checking Shotgun News Website so you can look up FFL's in your area. You'd be suprised. Plus you also get the xfer fee listed right there.

 

[BridgeWalker]

I'm not an expert in gun transfers, but I have worked in sales. I second what Navy said, except I would not ask for the ame price, but for a lower but still fair retail price.

You obviously have good feelings about this shop and would prefer to support them if you can. But the difference between them and the website is the cost of storefront, employees, displays, shrink (merchandise damaged or stolen, accidentally or deliberately, by the public).

I rarely buy for the lowest price I can get, but for the fairest price I can get. I've only purchased two guns so far, and paid the lowest possible price for neither one. But I did pay fair prices for both, and so I am happy.

If you didn't have access to the online price, would $600 be a fair price? If so, then maybe you just need a moderate discount to feel like you're not getting taken by going through the store instead of the web. Would you feel better about paying $500? $450?

Personally I'd be upfront with the guy who runs the shop. Tell hime your dilemma and how tempted you are by the $400 price tag, and then ask if he can sell you one from stock for $450. I might go as high as $500 on a gun in that price range to be able to buy from a preferred dealer if that is what he needs to charge to cover his costs.

 

[Soybomb]

Find a pawn shop in the area, they're usually more than happy to make $20 on a transfer and you won't have to offend anyone you like to buy from otherwise.

 

[DragonFire]

Another thing to consider (that others have pointed out to me) is to ask if even if he can't do much on the price of the gun, maybe he can on ammo or other merchandise (holster, speedloader, mags, etc.).

He might be able to throw in or discount a couple of boxes to make up the difference.

If all else fails, ask him what kind of a deal can he do. Tell him you want to support his business, but can't afford to pay more than you have to.

 

[Quoheleth]

I try to support the little guy or the local guy as much as I can. But you're talking a 50% increase - you can get that RI Tac on-line for <$400. If he has it for $600, that's a huge difference. I would "eat" $50, MAYBE even $100 to support the local guy. But for that much money, he would have to be one heckuva great guy to get my $600.

If you're going to do $600 for a Rock, ask about a Springer, Colt, Kimber, or one of the "bigger" 1911 names. If I'm going to drop $600, it had better be a name brand, and not a Rock (no, that's not a flame - I have one - but no way will I pay that much for one unless it's been hot-rodded out the kazoo).

My $.02...refunds available upon request...

Quoheleth