HALLAUSTIN
New member
I want to buy a firearm online, but dont know the 1st thing about how to go through an FFL. please fill me in.
Fill me in on FFL
- Thread starter HALLAUSTIN
- Start date
dogtown tom
New member
Federal law requires that any interstate firearm shipment be shipped only to a licensed gun dealer (there are a couple of exceptions).
When you purchase from an online gun store, gun forum or win an auction on gunbroker the procedure is nearly identical:
find a licensed dealer to receive your purchase.
pay the seller
have your receiving dealer send a copy of his FFL to the seller (if a dealer) or his FFL# if the seller is not also a dealer.
seller will ship the gun to your dealer
your dealer will notify you of the guns arrival
you go to your dealer, complete a Form 4473 and FBI NICS background check.
take it home.
gunbroker.com has a "Find an FFL" search engine:http://www.gunbroker.com/FFL/DealerNetwork.aspx
HALLAUSTIN
New member
Thankyou, that helps alot.
carguychris
New member
One other minor point...
The receiving FFL will usually charge a transfer fee for doing the paperwork. The fee will range from $10 to $50; $20-$25 is typical.
The receiving FFL will usually charge a transfer fee for doing the paperwork. The fee will range from $10 to $50; $20-$25 is typical.
One more minor point. Some FFLs insist on receiving shipments from other FFLs (even though they can receive a shipment from anyone). If you are buying from a private seller, make sure your FFL is willing to receive it from an individual. There have been several horror stories on this forum from people who didn't check and wound up with trouble from their receiving FFL.
I love using....
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/
It saves time by simplifying who in your area will accept tranfer sales and how much they will charge.
So simple even I can do it.
http://www.galleryofguns.com/genie/
It saves time by simplifying who in your area will accept tranfer sales and how much they will charge.
So simple even I can do it.
HALLAUSTIN
New member
I knew about the fee but that was about it. All this is rather helpful. I usually buy my firearms from the LGS, friends, or stores. This opens up a whole new venue to me. Thankyou everyone.
spanishjames
New member
A lot of the bigger online merchants will list FFLs in your area if you enter your zip code. You'll be hooked once you buy online, it's that easy. So watch the wallet.
I always scan for the best deals. Some are good, others are meh once you figure in the costs of the shipping and transfer.
Here is a good price on a Glock 19, for example, from Centerfire guns. You'll notice, however, that after shipping and whatever your FFL fees are, it might not end up saving you much.
Sometimes you can find really great prices on guns that aren't sold near you or are really cheap, like this .38 Special from Armscor that costs $189 new. That's a heck of a deal on a great plinking gun. Nobody local sells Armscor, but many are happy to do the transfer.
Here is a good price on a Glock 19, for example, from Centerfire guns. You'll notice, however, that after shipping and whatever your FFL fees are, it might not end up saving you much.
Sometimes you can find really great prices on guns that aren't sold near you or are really cheap, like this .38 Special from Armscor that costs $189 new. That's a heck of a deal on a great plinking gun. Nobody local sells Armscor, but many are happy to do the transfer.
HALLAUSTIN
New member
So if you are buying from someone and they ship from their FFL, what do I or my FFL need to do?
spanishjames
New member
The FFL you are using would be the best person to ask how to go about buying a gun. Basically, your FFL would send a copy of their license to the seller's FFL, who then ships the gun to him. Then your FFL transfers it to you.
Some FFL's will accept a shipment from an individual, and don't need it shipped from an FFL. You have to ask. FFL's who operate from their homes will generally make an appointment for you to pick up your gun. If you're transferring to a local shop, you can just walk in during store hours.
The thing I'd do first is find an FFL in my area. Then ask how to proceed once you find a gun you want to buy.
p.s. A decent transfer charge would be about $25.00 to 40.00. Any more and I'd look elsewhere.
Some FFL's will accept a shipment from an individual, and don't need it shipped from an FFL. You have to ask. FFL's who operate from their homes will generally make an appointment for you to pick up your gun. If you're transferring to a local shop, you can just walk in during store hours.
The thing I'd do first is find an FFL in my area. Then ask how to proceed once you find a gun you want to buy.
p.s. A decent transfer charge would be about $25.00 to 40.00. Any more and I'd look elsewhere.