how to - used guns

[ekkthree]

what are the rules of thumb for buying used, private party transfer deals?

i'm looking on the bst here, but i'm unsure of the process. i get that the actual transfer needs to go thru a store, but who pays the fees? how much are those fees?

as far as pre-purchase inspection, do you generally just do a visual inspection or do you shoot it? in that respect do you meet at a store or range? etc....
when you look it over, what are you actually looking for anyway?

i get that everything's negotiable, but you know... generally speaking

[Librarian]

Usually buyer/seller agree on an FFL and meet there.

Buyer pays fees. Ordinarily, that's just DROS ($25)+ by-law PPT fee ($10).

Most, but not all, FFLs prefer that purchase price be exchanged someplace other than inside their shop.

There are 2 sticky threads in the Handgun Forum about inspecting semi-auto handguns and inspecting revolvers.

[Trriemferent]

I havent done it but I dont think there is anything wrong with asking if you can shoot the gun before you buy it. This isnt common but, if the seller lets you test drive it, you better be ready to buy it. So agree on the price and FFL first and once you shoot it, you go to the FFL and start paper work.

[Dooder]

I havent done it but I dont think there is anything wrong with asking if you can shoot the gun before you buy it. This isnt common but, if the seller lets you test drive it, you better be ready to buy it. So agree on the price and FFL first and once you shoot it, you go to the FFL and start paper work.

I haven't asked to shoot before I buy. I've been offered to shoot before I buy at the range and knowing that I'm going to buy I agreed.

I have been asked by a couple buyers to shoot before he buys and I had no problem entertaining that. BUT one time that really pissed me off was a dude asked and we met at the range. He shot it and said he'd buy it and we agreed to meet at the FFL the next day. Then at midnight he calls me says he changed his mind. Glad he did that before we got to the FFL but it was really annoying at the time.

So yes if you know you're going to buy it then sure why not ask. But if you have any doubts, save the seller the trouble.

Some ranges that do FFL services will let you shoot your gun during the 10 day wait too. So if you choose a range that does that you can shoot it all you want after you do your paperwork.

[ekkthree]

Some ranges that do FFL services will let you shoot your gun during the 10 day wait too. So if you choose a range that does that you can shoot it all you want after you do your paperwork.

Good to know. Thats a cool idea