Advice On Buying Gun - Local Or Out-Of-State

[jyl]

Has anyone, preferably in CA, tried buying a gun from an out-of-state vendor using a local FFL as intermediary?

If I take some of the ads on GunsAmerica at face value, looks like I could save something like 30-35% over the price + taxes at my local gun shop.

I'm wondering how much hassle it is, how important it is to examine the gun before taking delivery, and if there are any pitfalls that I haven't thought of.

This would be for a S&W 1911, if it matters.

HardDrive, haven't you been looking into this issue?

[Danskman]

Hi John...

just went through this and you really need to do your homework. All the big gun shops in our area (Sacramento) charge what ends up being about $100 for the transfer. Small guys/gunsmiths/pawn shops charge much less. Best I was able to find here was about $35 transfer fee, plus the $26 DROS. Depending on the firearm you're looking at, that amount, plus shipping, can blow a good deal out of the water. I was about to buy a used Kimber last week on Gunbroker.com, and after all the trouble, I just decided to buy new from my local shop. I may still give it a shot in the future on a different firearm. I have a good relationship with a local shop, and even though I paid a bit more, they are always there for help, advice, ammo, and accessories, so I am more than happy to give them my business.

[vash]

my brother gave me his service sig. all it took was $19 and i sent in a inter-family transfer form. i got to have the gun in my possesion, while they ran my history. i just got a letter saying all was clear. easy, i pulled the form online.

i was thinking of buying them out of state, and then just have my bro "give" them to me. if i had to, i can let him hang with it for a spell to make it look legit. sooooo, you dont have a family member willing to give you a pistola?

actually i wouldnt do this again, i only need one pistol. rifles and shotguns, now that would be quite the wish list.

[jyl]

I don't have any "cooperative" family members outside of CA, alas.

I sat down a couple nights ago and read all the CA and Fed gun laws I could find on, or linked to from, the Attorney General's website, just out of a paranoid desire to stay legit, and because I was interested in getting a curio and relic license. Talk about making your head spin.

Anyway, I do want to support my local gun shop, so that there will be a local gun shop. But the gun I'm looking at has a MSRP of about $1200, is (supposedly) available online for about $830, and I think the local place will ask $1000 or so. So I'm undecided . . .

Hey did nostatic ever get a pistol? What about HardDrive?

[red-beard]

what are you looking to buy?

[alf]

Originally posted by jyl


Anyway, I do want to support my local gun shop, so that there will be a local gun shop. But the gun I'm looking at has a MSRP of about $1200, is (supposedly) available online for about $830, and I think the local place will ask $1000 or so. So I'm undecided . . .

Go to your friendly local shop that you have been using and see if they could match the prices you found online. Offer to pay cash and see if they will bite.

Don't you guys have gun shows in CA? Where members could walk in with a wad of cash and walk out with a gun and other cool manly-man stuff I remember going to the Great Western in LA in the 90s...


alf

[tabs]

The LA County Board of Supervisors in their GREAT WISEDOM decided it wouldn't be appropriate for guns to be sold on County Property.(LA County Fair Grounds). Thus the Great Western Gun Show is now being held in Texas.

A resident of CA can only buy one handgun a month, and for a FFL Dealer to sell it, it has to be on the approved list...having gone through a drop test, paid for by the manfacturers. Needless to say discontinued models are not tested. This was a Saturday Night Special law, to ensure that the guns you buy in CA are not cheaply made defective junk. Private Party transfers of guns not on the list is legal as well as a FFL Dealer having the gun on consignment. The net effect is for an outflow from CA of guns not on the list. I have sold very few guns to CA residents, even when I lived there. They go hither and yon but alas not to CA.

Consider that when U buy a Gun from a distributer or even a private party out of state (presuming it is legal to own in CA) you pay shipping, a Dealers fee/Transfer fee, DROS Fee (which you have to pay anyway). However there is NO SALES TAX...which offsets some of the cost, so even though there is some hassle the savings can be substantial.

My prefered method of purchasing is through auction. I usually never see the gun before it is delivered. But have a good idea of it's condition before I bid on it, having talked to the auctioneer before hand.

For U BOYZ in the LA area, Little John Gangle is havin a Sporting Arms/Modern Gun auction at the Phoenix Club in Santa Ana (across from Angels Stadium) on October 24, 25.....in 4 sessions.... there usually are some really good deals to be had at these auctions...you should be aware of the going rate on the guns you are interested in though so you don't overbid. Like a New in Pouch Detonics 45 ACP for $225.00.

[nostatic]

I pick mine up tomorrow night. Talk to James at OrdnanceOutsellers:

http://www.ordnanceoutsellers.com

I used a local shop for the FFL. $70 for all fees. No sales tax. I paid James, he shipped to the local shop, I filled out paperwork, wait 10 days, done deal.

[red-beard]

Originally posted by nostatic
I pick mine up tomorrow night. Talk to James at OrdnanceOutsellers:

http://www.ordnanceoutsellers.com

I used a local shop for the FFL. $70 for all fees. No sales tax. I paid James, he shipped to the local shop, I filled out paperwork, wait 10 days, done deal.

God I'm glad I live in Texas. Local FFL fee: $10-$45, depending on who you use. I pay $30 since the customer service at the shop is better. But yes, if I need one transferred from a FFL in another state, I can do it for $10.

I recently picked up a Kel-Tec P-40 this way. It is a discontinued gun and quite popular for those in the know. Once the trigger work is complete, these fire extremely well and can take (with a barrel change) 40 S&W or 357sig. Carries 9+1, DOA and weighs 14oz unloaded. It is the lightest/smallest 40 S&W/357sig around. It is designed for concealed carry.



The pictured model has a +1 magazine installed. I paid $230+FFL fee.

Oh yeah, I had it in 2 days...fired it on the range last weekend. I did the trigger mods on Sunday, so I should be testing it out today!

James

[jyl]

Originally posted by red-beard
what are you looking to buy?

SW1911DK which is a Smith & Wesson 1911.

[red-beard]

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=38817855

What is the best price you've found so far?

[targa911S]

Buying on line is just like any other on line purchase. Buyer beware. make sure they have an inspection period and return policy. It can look great on your monitor and be a POS when you get it.

[jyl]

Originally posted by red-beard
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=38817855

What is the best price you've found so far?

$868 at GunsAmerica. I figure with shipping and fees, maybe total out-of-pocket $970. More than I've ever spent on a gun, but considering this'll be my first gun purchase in 10 years I can rationalize it.

[jyl]

Originally posted by targa911S
Buying on line is just like any other on line purchase. Buyer beware. make sure they have an inspection period and return policy. It can look great on your monitor and be a POS when you get it.

That's something I'm worried about. I've never owned a 1911, and my impression is the sample-to-sample variability can be higher than, say, for a Glock. I'm not sure I could detect the difference before shooting it. Of course, S&W is supposed to have great customer service.

[red-beard]

S&W customer service sucks. I called them 2 weeks ago to get 3 magazines and they took over a week to ship them out.

John, I just bought a Springfield, Mil Spec all Stainless, for $699.

If you would consider used, I would highly recomend a Gunsmith in Livingston, TX. He is highly acclaimed around here for match quality 1911's, which shoot better than factory. He specializes in Colt Goldcups.

http://www.gunsmith.fuselier.com/

He is a BATF registered gunsmith and can ship to your local FFL.

[Danskman]

Paid for one of these last week. I can pick it up on Monday, 10/24. Anxiously waiting...

http://www.paraord.com/product/product.html?id=2

$649 at my local shop. As much as $750 on various auctions on Gunbroker.com. On display at $699, and asked if they could do any better. I was very happy with the $50 discount.

[Danskman]

Anybody here tried IDPA? It's really a blast. I'll be shooting in a match this Saturday. After using a range for 20+ years, the action/tactical shooting is quite an eye-opener. Learning a lot about gun handling that I just had never had the opportunity to experience before.

[id10t]

Danskman - I used to shoot IPSC about every other month. Nothing pisses off the High Tech Group A fellows with the $4k 1911s than having some long hair kid come out using a borrowed holster, knife sheaths for mag carriers and a old beat up 9mm and scoring well.

[Danskman]

id10t...

Good for you!!! I've not done IPSC, but IDPA is much lower key - you shoot what you have. No need for mega-modified guns. All the guys just use whatever handgun they own. I believe there is a minimum caliber of 9mm, or something like that. Zero advantage in having a trick gun. You just need something that is very reliable, and that you can shoot straight. You should give it a try. "Tactical" scenarios. The match I shot last month had a scenario where you are changing a tire on your car and have to engage six bad guys and avoid shooting a hostage. You're always on the move and making rapid decisions and at least one reload in each scenario. Lots of 9mm's, .45's, and lots of Glocks. I shot my Hi-Power and was actually very pleased with my scores. First time I have ever drawn a gun from a holster and fired. Lots of first time experiences - engaging targets and shooting until slide-lock, reloading and engaging more. "Point" shooting from waist level, shooting on the move - forward, backwards, and sideways. Lots of fun blasting holes in cardboard.

[dhoward]

That's basically IPSC/ USPSA probably without the politics...