Question Regarding "Transfer Dealers"

[imprezagm4]

Most (if not all?) websites that sell firearms require you to have a FFL from what I understand. GunsAmerica.com however mentions transfer dealers, though they don't really explain what it is. I assume you buy a firearm, it is shipping to the transfer dealer, and you go pick it up from them without having a FFL. Do I have this correct? Is it a hassle? Looking at getting a Romanian AK but no one sells them locally that I know of.

Thanks

 

[41 Redhawk]

A "transfer dealer" is simply a FFL holder that is listed on GA's site as someone who will handle transfers. The websites do not require that interstate handgun sales and transactions involving shipping a firearm be conducted throught a FFL, that is federal law.

 

[ArmedBear]

GunsAmerican lists them:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/transfer.cgi

Just put in your Zip code. Then contact them and ask.

Some are quite reasonable, others charge a lot in order to discourage anyone from every using them as transfer dealers.

Also, ask if they can get you one for (name your price). They might rather do that, since there may be more profit in it for them, and if you pay less money than you otherwise would have, it's a "win-win" deal.

 

[imprezagm4]

OK I think I understand it then.

Does the transfer dealer actually "purchase" the firearm from whomever on GA, then the transfer dealer sells it to me? Or do I still pay the GA person and give the transfer dealer the fee ($25) and they give me the gun?

 

[RNB65]

No. A "transfer dealer" is just a fancy term for an FFL holder.

 

[imprezagm4]

*EDIT

OK, I understand now I'm pretty sure

 

[41 Redhawk]

Nope, you still buy from whoever is selling the gun. The transfer dealer/FFL holder simply handles the NICS check and logs it through their BATF book.

 

[imprezagm4]

Thanks for the answers! Getting a FFL seemed like hassle, is it?

 

[41 Redhawk]

The short answer is "You are dealing with the fed, of course it is a hassle"

I believe to get a Class 1 FFL (the kind that let you do transfers or sell non Curio & Relic firearms) you need to be in the business.

 

[imprezagm4]

Oh I see, I guess that makes sense. Looking at sites like aimsurplus.com confused me, because they make it seem so easy.

"To order a firearm you ONLY need to get a FFL and fax us a copy"

 

[scurtis_34471]

Mail order through a transfer dealer is looking better all the time. My local dealers are VERY high. When I was in Houston this summer, I saw a CZ PO1 at Academy Sports for $450. My local guy in Florida wants $570 for the same gun. What the hell is up with that. Its not the CZ either. Every gun I look at is a good $100+ higher than any of the online retailers. In some cases, I can pay the shipping and the transfer fee and STILL save $70+. Its nuts how much these local dealers charge.

 

[41 Redhawk]

As far as you buying a firearm mail order it really isn't that difficult. You just go to you local dealer and have them send a copy of their FFL to the seller. The seller ships it to your chosen dealer and you pick it up there after the paperwork is down. I have purchased 5 or 6 and sold two that way.

 

[TexasRifleman]

Oh I see, I guess that makes sense. Looking at sites like aimsurplus.com confused me, because they make it seem so easy.

There are different types of FFLs. Lots of the things AIM sells come under the Curios and Relics type of FFL, a totally different animal.

 

[RioShooter]

Oh I see, I guess that makes sense. Looking at sites like aimsurplus.com confused me, because they make it seem so easy.

"To order a firearm you ONLY need to get a FFL and fax us a copy"

Getting a 03 class FFL (Curio and Relic) is as simple as mailing the application with $30 to the BATFE.

I got mine in the mail today. I also happened to get an aimsurplus flyer at the same time.

I think an SKS will be the next addition to my gun collection. And it will be delivered directly to my front door.

 

[Gunfire]

Who knows, if the FFL dealer in the receiving state must charge the recieveing state's sales tax or if the recieving FFL charges the FFL seller's state sales tax and sends it to them or neither?

or is my FFL just scamming and making an extra 6% and not even sending it to the state?

I would rather pay it and not have any discrepencies than argue with any taxing authorities or anybody else for that matter.

 

[Gunfire]

So who else pays any sales tax on your interstate ffl transfers?