LearningFirearms
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I only ask that because they say they will ship to a FFL. Does that mean I call my local gun shop and ask if they accept orders from other companies and if so their fees for doing so? Thanks.
How do you buy a gun online?
- Thread starter LearningFirearms
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Bigkrackers
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- Jul 23, 2011
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Yep. Just call up your LGS and find out what their fee is. I've seen them charge $25-$75 for the transfer.
pretty much nailed it....
and yes, there are usually a fee...anywhere from $10-50 to handle the transfer...
pretty much what you do is buy the gun just like any other online item......send them your FFLs information....call your FFL and let them know you ordered a gun........the gun is shipped to your FFL......and you go pick it up just like buying any other gun.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
You've got it right!
Go down to your local gun shop and ask them if they will do transfers for you, and what their fee is. Get their name and phone number, and the numbers the other dealer will need to do the FFL EZ check. (They may ask your dealer to fax a copy of their FFL, but that isn't necessary with the EZ Check.)
Then give that info to the seller and they'll ship to your dealer. Your dealer will call you when the shipment comes in. (DON'T call every day and bug them. They'll let you know.)
Some dealers will accept shipments directly from non-licensees (regular folks like you or me).
If you're buying from someone in your own state, you don't need to go through a dealer -- you can do the transfer directly "face to face," or even by mail or common carrier (as long as your state laws allow that).
Go down to your local gun shop and ask them if they will do transfers for you, and what their fee is. Get their name and phone number, and the numbers the other dealer will need to do the FFL EZ check. (They may ask your dealer to fax a copy of their FFL, but that isn't necessary with the EZ Check.)
Then give that info to the seller and they'll ship to your dealer. Your dealer will call you when the shipment comes in. (DON'T call every day and bug them. They'll let you know.)
Some dealers will accept shipments directly from non-licensees (regular folks like you or me).
If you're buying from someone in your own state, you don't need to go through a dealer -- you can do the transfer directly "face to face," or even by mail or common carrier (as long as your state laws allow that).
Maple_City_Woodsman
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- Jun 15, 2011
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Or just do what I do, and purchase 'Antique' cartridge arms which were made before 1899. These get shipped to my front door without any FFL, transfer, or license on my part.
There are actually quite a few center fire cartridge arms which were produced before that cutoff - 32 short, 32 long, 38 special, 44 Russian, 45 Schofield, and 45 Colt, as well as a host of rim fire weapons.
And NO, contrary to what the spaghetti westerns may want you to believe, everyone didn't carry expensive Colts, Remingtons, S&W, and Sharps arms. There were hundreds of manufacturers producing guns under just as many trade names, in every conceivable level of quality and price, from junk to inexpensive treasures.
There truly is a HUGE disconnect in the collectors market between the guns that were actually produced, sold, carried, and used in that time period, and the guns that 99% of collectors want to buy. That means that modern day prices on many of these forgotten names are very very low, and that a smart collector or firearms historian can take advantage of it.
Using Gun Broker, I have scored two 112+ year old revolvers for WELL under $100 in fantastic condition - a single action Hopkins & Allen, 80% original finish, for $75 as well as a double action Iver Johnson with 95% original finish for the unbelievable price of $49. Both are in perfect mechanical condition, with decent bores, and good cylinder lockup and forcing cone alignment. Either one would be 100% safe to fire with gentle hand loaded ammo.
And that brings me to the catch. The only downside is that some of these guns require you to hand load all of your cartridges, while the rest only require that you pay through the nose for the few boxes of ammo that are still produced.
OR - you could do a little bit of paperwork, and get a C&R license. That would give you many more purchase options yet, and not inconvenience your taking possession to any greater extent.
Long story short - Buying guns online is easy, and some of them can even be shipped direct under certain circumstances.
There are actually quite a few center fire cartridge arms which were produced before that cutoff - 32 short, 32 long, 38 special, 44 Russian, 45 Schofield, and 45 Colt, as well as a host of rim fire weapons.
And NO, contrary to what the spaghetti westerns may want you to believe, everyone didn't carry expensive Colts, Remingtons, S&W, and Sharps arms. There were hundreds of manufacturers producing guns under just as many trade names, in every conceivable level of quality and price, from junk to inexpensive treasures.
There truly is a HUGE disconnect in the collectors market between the guns that were actually produced, sold, carried, and used in that time period, and the guns that 99% of collectors want to buy. That means that modern day prices on many of these forgotten names are very very low, and that a smart collector or firearms historian can take advantage of it.
Using Gun Broker, I have scored two 112+ year old revolvers for WELL under $100 in fantastic condition - a single action Hopkins & Allen, 80% original finish, for $75 as well as a double action Iver Johnson with 95% original finish for the unbelievable price of $49. Both are in perfect mechanical condition, with decent bores, and good cylinder lockup and forcing cone alignment. Either one would be 100% safe to fire with gentle hand loaded ammo.
And that brings me to the catch. The only downside is that some of these guns require you to hand load all of your cartridges, while the rest only require that you pay through the nose for the few boxes of ammo that are still produced.
OR - you could do a little bit of paperwork, and get a C&R license. That would give you many more purchase options yet, and not inconvenience your taking possession to any greater extent.
Long story short - Buying guns online is easy, and some of them can even be shipped direct under certain circumstances.
El Mariachi
Member
Shop around for decent FFL transfer fees. I've got one guy that charges me $50 for a handgun, but $35 for a rifle. And that's after I joined a little Kali gun organization and got a 25% discount. Then there's the olde Mom & Pop store that I bought a Rough Rider from. My purchase/FFL fee was cheap($25.00) but whilst I was there I asked about P/P transfers done in their store. $125.00. Wowch. But finally I stumbled upon a little pawn shop out of Hell-A County that were very inexpensive----and they eventually FFL'd/transferred five different rifles that I had sent to them (from 3 different sellers) for a grand total of $75.00. That one saved my butt, coinage-wise. And now it's even better, given that I just got my C & R.
Or not, depending on if you're asking me....or the wife........
Or not, depending on if you're asking me....or the wife........
*NOVA*
Member
One other thing to remember is to let the LGS know what brand of firearm you want to ship to them. One store I know of refuses to accept High Point.
El Mariachi
Member
YHGTBKU? Why? Cuz they're fugly? Or black? Or inexpensive?.....
*NOVA*
Member
I KNOW, RIGHT? Look I ain't got anything against High Points and I do not want to steal this thread either. I'm just saying there ARE store owners out there who will refuse to accept certain brands of guns - they want nothing to do with a HIGH POINT because THEY, not me, believe it is not a safe gun to shoot.
BTW - kinda funny you say the 'boomerang' thing and I'm like all philosophical with the 'goes around' thing.
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El Mariachi
Member
Geeee, isn't that the State's job to decide (insert CDOJ joke -----> here)...
Mr_Rich
Member
The FFL I use was the guy who told me about Hipoints. Personally I wouldn't buy one because I can afford better. His point was he transferred a lot of them and while they may be ugly they work and if they don't they have a life time guarantee.
Rich
Rich
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
Good points to reiterate: Make sure your local dealer knows and is cool with EXACTLY what the deal is. What gun is coming? For WHO (that's you). FROM who?
There are horror stories from many of our members who are FFLs of guns that appear out of nowhere with no name or other information to identify who's supposed to get it. And they end up with it on their shelf waiting for someone to come claim it.
And (again) find out exactly how much cash are you going to need to complete the deal when he gets it. His fee, state fees, etc.
There are horror stories from many of our members who are FFLs of guns that appear out of nowhere with no name or other information to identify who's supposed to get it. And they end up with it on their shelf waiting for someone to come claim it.
And (again) find out exactly how much cash are you going to need to complete the deal when he gets it. His fee, state fees, etc.
CalebJns
Member
Find a good FFL...we have a "Corporate Owned" Store, and a Father / Son Shop in our area. I do ALL of my gun business through the Father/Son store. The corporate owned store can't wheel and deal, and it's harder to build a relationship with them due to constant turnover...The downside to purchasing online is not being able to handle and fondle them...My guy charges me $15 to transfer one in...he will also hold them for me, if I have multiple coming in...then it is just a one time fee of $15...IF I purchase one from the shop while picking up a shipment, he wouldn't charge me...find someone/shop you can and will do business with, and go for it...and as stated, make sure you keep them in the loop. I usually get the info and relay it to them, let them know what is coming, serial #, make, model, etc...they call when it comes in...and my guy will only accept pistols from another FFL...good info to know as well.
Jesse Heywood
Member
Try these sites.
http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspx
http://www.gunsamerica.com/FFLSearch.htm
It helps to visit the shop in person before ordering so they know who you are. Also, to get the best price, be ready to purchase with a USPS money order. Most put a surcharge on plastic that reflects how much they have to pay the cc company. Checks will delay shipment until the check clears. Be sure know the terms before you bid or order.
http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspx
http://www.gunsamerica.com/FFLSearch.htm
It helps to visit the shop in person before ordering so they know who you are. Also, to get the best price, be ready to purchase with a USPS money order. Most put a surcharge on plastic that reflects how much they have to pay the cc company. Checks will delay shipment until the check clears. Be sure know the terms before you bid or order.
k-frame
Member
And if you are ordering new, and have a favorite gun store, talk to the manager and see if they are willing to match online prices. They might or might not, but at least will appreciate that you gave them right of first refusal. If you order through them it could save you shipping charges or the shop may offer a discounted background check fee for buying through the store.
Buying used is a different situation but even then a store might be willing to keep their eyes open for you. Point being, try to work with your local shop. It's a tough economy out there and savvy business owners are looking to keep customers - and keep them happy.
Buying used is a different situation but even then a store might be willing to keep their eyes open for you. Point being, try to work with your local shop. It's a tough economy out there and savvy business owners are looking to keep customers - and keep them happy.
Bobson
Member
A what?
Maple_City_Woodsman
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Curios & Relics - Essentially a 'license' to acquire collectors and antique guns across state lines.
It is supposed to be a fairly easy license to get. There is a big list of guns that were made after 1899 but are still 'collectables' in the eyes of the ATF. Normally these post 1899 guns would need to be shipped to a regular gun dealer, but with a C&R license these can be shipped direct as well. That gives you, as a buyer, many more options for guns that can be purchased online and shipped directly to you.
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/curios-relics.html
It is supposed to be a fairly easy license to get. There is a big list of guns that were made after 1899 but are still 'collectables' in the eyes of the ATF. Normally these post 1899 guns would need to be shipped to a regular gun dealer, but with a C&R license these can be shipped direct as well. That gives you, as a buyer, many more options for guns that can be purchased online and shipped directly to you.
http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/curios-relics.html
mgkdrgn
Member
Generally the sales tax alone will sink that deal .... but it is nice to ask.
sirgilligan
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- Dec 21, 2010
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I ordered a gun online Monday. First time I have done this. I went to my local gun shop and talked with them. I was told they do business this way all the time, that the online seller is one they use and that he had personally used.
I will know today or tomorrow if it all is good, the gun is due to come in.
I used Gallery of Guns / Gun Genie, which is ran by Davidson's. I think they are in Arizona.
I will know today or tomorrow if it all is good, the gun is due to come in.
I used Gallery of Guns / Gun Genie, which is ran by Davidson's. I think they are in Arizona.
Step By Step
1. Locate an FFL advise of gun being purchased
2. Bid and hpefully win the gun
3. Have your FFL FAX, E-Mail or Mail a signed copy of his liscense to seller
4. Pay seller
5. When gun comes in the FFL's hands go to his POB fill out necessary forms
6. When approved and waiting period, if any, has past pick up your gun.
1. Locate an FFL advise of gun being purchased
2. Bid and hpefully win the gun
3. Have your FFL FAX, E-Mail or Mail a signed copy of his liscense to seller
4. Pay seller
5. When gun comes in the FFL's hands go to his POB fill out necessary forms
6. When approved and waiting period, if any, has past pick up your gun.
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El Mariachi
Member
I highly suggest getting your C & R if you're gonna be adding to your collection at a rate of at least 5 guns or so a year. I just received mine last week (took all of $30.00 & three weeks to get) and it's already paid for itself. Plus unlike a lot of other 'agencies', I have nothing but good things to say about the 3 different people at our local BATFE branch that I've spoken with already. They have been above helpful, courteous and informative.....
oneounceload
member
Make sure before you go ordering anything, that what you are doing is LEGAL where you live. There are still certain environs, where just ordering a gun and going to the FFL is NOT allowed.
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