Online Vs LGS

[tws3b2]

I buy some things online but not firearms. For me, no real savings. Places like gb cost more. Everytime I try gb it's bidded up to what it cost locally or more. Then you add 3% credit card (a lot of times) then ffl and up to $40 shipping. I guess some find good deals or just can't find anywhere else. There are several LGS near me and gun shows fairly often. Several times I've gone out and found what I was looking for and after picking it up and holding decided no. Looked around and find something I did like better.

 

[Brubz]

Agreed selection is a plus. My ffl is very reasonable,I just need to find the right deal and tax is negated. Patience is your friend..

My last online purchase no CC fee $15 shipping no tax charge and my FFL fee was $25 I'm not complaining

 

[SwampWolf]

Now if, and lately that’s a huge if, a LGS has something in their rack I’m wanting ... I’ll go in. Otherwise the LGS hassle alone makes buying online and going through my local FFL so much easier it’s worth it if there’s a bit of a premium.

Most of what you have every right to complain about has to do with which state you live in. I'm fortunate enough to be a Buckeye and in Ohio, you can buy as many guns as you like at any one time and there is no waiting period (of course the price we pay is having to deal with a much higher crime rate ). Typically at the several LG stores I buy guns from, it takes almost as long to fill out the federal form as it does to ring up the sale at the cashier's register.

 

[md7]

I buy local as much as possible. When I can’t, I’ll order online and at least pay my local guy the transfer fee.

In either case, I’m at least doing something positive that benefits my local guys.

 

[Howland937]

I don't order firearms online. Ever.
I have a close friend who has the FFL, but uses it mostly to order for himself and his friends. I have had him order a few guns for me, but they were either cheap .22's that didn't matter cosmetically or handguns that were going to have grips changed out...and he was able to get them cheaper.

For the most part, I hate the idea of buying a gun without getting a chance to look it over first, especially if it's a used gun. I have on more than one occasion stood at a gun counter while the sales person brought out every brand new rifle in the caliber I was looking at...Just so I could pick the one with the nicest wood or best bluing. A couple of times they acted a bit perturbed, but most of them understand.

 

[Riomouse911]

Most of what you have every right to complain about has to do with which state you live in. I'm fortunate enough to be a Buckeye and in Ohio, you can buy as many guns as you like at any one time and there is no waiting period (of course the price we pay is having to deal with a much higher crime rate ). Typically at the several LG stores I buy guns from, it takes almost as long to fill out the federal form as it does to ring up the sale at the cashier's register.

Some of that is true, I agree.
There is a ten day wait for all firearm purchases per State mandate. That does require a second trip to the store and which has done nothing to reduce crime. It is strictly a hurdle to make buying a gun a hassle.

The waiting for service for hours on both trips there? Not a State mandate, its lousy staffing leading to a poor customer experience. If I didn’t sit about waiting forever, especially on the pick up day, I never would have mentioned it. I’ve bought dozens and dozens of guns over the counter, but only one at Bass Pro. After this awful experience, I’ll never go back.

Even with an instant background check, if it takes nearly three hours standing around to get a clerk to fill out the 4473, get the OK from the manager, then pay and walk out with your purchase... it wouldn’t be an in and out trip...it would be a three hour ordeal.

You are lucky that you don’t have to make two trips 10 days apart just to exercise a constitutional right... I wish the Supreme Court would recognize this, too.

Stay safe.

 

[Sniper66]

It does pay to shop around and not just for price. The posts here point out the many advantages of shopping and buying locally, not the least of which is convenience. About once a month I go for a drive. Takes most of the day. I visit several local gun stores, have lunch somewhere, and visit a few more. I cruise the gun racks, ammo, reloading components, and other shooting paraphernalia. It is a fun day and gets me out of the house. And once in awhile I find something. I tend to have a good memory for prices so I know a deal when I see one__not always, but usually. More importantly, I find something I want. Last trip I found some powder and bullets. And a recent big find was another store that compels me to change my route. This guy has lots fo stuff....fun times ahead.

 

[mistermills357]

Good move.