Limalife put together a nice 3 part video about visiting the gun store, the do's & don't etc. I recommend it for any new or even seasoned purchaser.


I have searched around a bit and found a few things in a thread related to picking up a for a used/online purchase weapon after transfer to an FFL , but nothing definitive or related to a new purchase at a local gun store (LGS). I will be going to my LGS in the next 2 days to pickup my 1st handgun and want to make sure I dot the i's and cross the t's during pickup.

I think it would be a good idea to have a thread about tips and procedures to be used when picking up any firearm at your LGS or FFL. Things to look for, check, inspect. When and how to do it, etc. Looking for feedback from you long time pro's. I am going to list the points that I have found and come to mind, please correct me or add anything I have missed. I will try to keep this 1st post updated with group consensus.

Safety 1st, always self verify the weapon is unloaded, even if the store clerk clears it. Then follow the 4 golden rules. Ask the clerk if they have any rules or places the prefer the weapon pointed toward.

Inspection (To be done before signing any paperwork? Once you sign it's yours regardless?):
Overall external appearance:

• nicks, stratches, gouges
• heavy wear, rust
• loose levers/safeties etc.
• any obvious deformities.

Operation:

• Check slide operation, looseness, wear on rails
• safeties functional
• slide mechanism function (Do not release it and let it slam, use your other hand to control the slide after the release functions)
• firing mechanism function (ask clerk before dryfire)
• mag retention and release, mag safety
• slide lock when racked on empty mag
• any other feature of the specific to the model.

Please feel free to add your own ideas or thoughts, I was not trying to be the expert, just get things rolling. If I miss anything or get something wrong let me know!

Since I posted this I been told most of this is not/should not be needed on a new weapon, but that it cannot hurt to check. The real test is upon firing to see if you get FTF, FTL etc. If you do, be safe and start keeping track of the issues immediately. Ammo, magazine etc..