Help a n00b on buying a gun online

Help a n00b on buying a gun online

I’ve just never done it before. I realize I have to get the FFL transfer, but I don’t really know what order to go in.

Do I order the gun first, then go to my local gun store and have them fax over their FFL papers; or do I go to the gun store, have them fax over their papers, then order the gun? When does the local place do the background check, before sending their FFL info or after they receive the gun in the mail and I go to pick it up?

What information does the local place need, other then the company I am ordering the gun from and their fax number/ contact information?

Does the ordering company have to process anything, or once they get the FFL do they just send out the gun that day/ next day?

Fist go to your FFl and get a signed copy of his license. Make sure to find out how much the transfer fee will be. Then make an order for the gun at chosen web site. You will pay them for the gun and give them the copy of the FFL where they will ship the firearm over night. Once your FFL receives the gun you go through the process you would go through buying a firearm from the store (paperwork and phone call bit). You pay the transfer fee and the gun is yours.

Does the order have to be placed within a certain time of faxing in the FFL? Like, if I go after work and have all the information sent out, then get home, look everything up, call, and they're closed for the evening. If I call the next day, is that a problem, or will the place just keep the FFL on file until it's needed...

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Originally Posted by Spartan

Does the order have to be placed within a certain time of faxing in the FFL? Like, if I go after work and have all the information sent out, then get home, look everything up, call, and they're closed for the evening. If I call the next day, is that a problem, or will the place just keep the FFL on file until it's needed...

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If I were you I would just scan the ffl into into my computer and e-mail it with the request for the firearm. Or simply call and ask how they want you to send the info. May need to send USPS. Depends where you get it from.

How many gun stores let you use their ffl? I would have a problem with people ordering stuff online that I could sell and make a profit selling out of my store if I owned one.

Well, if they don't have what I want in stock, it's their problem. Usually when they have to order things that aren't on the shelves, they're more expensive, right?

I have found out that pawn shops that are licensed will do transfers cheaper than gun shops. At least in my city.

I won a pistol from gunbroker.com last month, and the pawn shop only charged $15 for the transfer.

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Originally Posted by spacedoggy

How many gun stores let you use their ffl? I would have a problem with people ordering stuff online that I could sell and make a profit selling out of my store if I owned one.

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All do. They are not going to get your business on that purchase any way so they might as well get some money doing a transfer. It is also good to have a friend that has a ffl so you can get it for cheap.

Just a note on getting that FFL info. You may want to call your local shop and ask what their policy is on doing this so you don't waste your time or a trip. I know some stores will not give you the FFL information. The one I work at is this way. They will give the FFL info to another FFL, but you won't get anything on that. In that case you would need to let the person you are buying from know who to call to get that info. So give your local shop a call and find out how they do it.

anyone know what is involved i getting your own FFL lisc?

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Originally Posted by -gunut-

If I were you I would just scan the ffl into into my computer and e-mail it with the request for the firearm. Or simply call and ask how they want you to send the info. May need to send USPS. Depends where you get it from.

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Not sure, but I think they need an ORIGINAL signature on the FFL. I've done it a couple of times, and my dealer always signs in red ink, says it's to prove it's an original signature, not a photocopy.

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Originally Posted by big dutchman

anyone know what is involved i getting your own FFL lisc?

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http://www.atf.gov/firearms/nlc/ffl/ffl_types.htm

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Originally Posted by big dutchman

anyone know what is involved i getting your own FFL lisc?

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When I was in high school, everyone had an FFL - I had a friend who's father had 1. People did it so they could buy a few guns a year to make the fee worthwhile. But, that changed - I think under the Clinton years, maybe under Bush Sr. I can't remember. They tightened it up because they felt there were too many licensed dealers out there who really didn't have a storefront.

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Originally Posted by Shipwreck

When I was in high school, everyone had an FFL - I had a friend who's father had 1. People did it so they could buy a few guns a year to make the fee worthwhile. But, that changed - I think under the Clinton years, maybe under Bush Sr. I can't remember. They tightened it up because they felt there were too many licensed dealers out there who really didn't have a storefront.

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I thought it was 911??

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Originally Posted by spacedoggy

I thought it was 911??

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No, I think they cut down on the FFls prior to 1911. They reaised the fees and tightened the rules to get the license.

Then if it's not 911 then I'll put my money on the Clintons

I personally have found that if you are ordering something NEW you can get your local shop to order and the same or lower price than you will get it online especially when you figure in the fee to do the transfer.

I have a good friend who owns a gun shop and he wouldn't mind a bit to do a transfer for someone looking for something rare or something he couldn't get his hands on. That being said i think we all owe it to our local stores to give them a chance at our business. if we all just ordered online our local stores would go out of business and then there wouldn't be anyone to do our transfers lol.

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Originally Posted by Shipwreck

When I was in high school, everyone had an FFL - I had a friend who's father had 1. People did it so they could buy a few guns a year to make the fee worthwhile. But, that changed - I think under the Clinton years, maybe under Bush Sr. I can't remember. They tightened it up because they felt there were too many licensed dealers out there who really didn't have a storefront.

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You're right Shipwreck. It was Clinton and some very anti gun mayors. Our mayor got local license fees raised that were outragous, then if you allowed your FFL to lapse the new federal fees were much higher.

Faxing a copy of the FFL won't work, nor will emailing a copy unless the feds changed the law. The FFL holder shipping must have a wet signed copy to make the transfer. This the reason a different color of ink is used.

I called my local shooting range.

They do NOT sell guns (just ammo) and they are FFL certified. In addition, they are $30 instead of $50 at the shop.

Because they are NOT in the business of selling guns...they have NO PROBLEMS with performing FFL transactions for customers...

Try calling your local shooting ranges to see if they have an FFL program.