Rettings and FFL

[ScottyBear]

Do they accept out of state transfers (online purchases) and what is their fees?

Thanks

[gunsnrovers]

Yes.

Expensive.

[thomasanelson]

I tried to DROS a rifle several years ago. They said yes on the phone, but when I arrived (with the Rifle and my FFL), they said NO. Reason: They said they do DROS's on a case by case, but if they sell the gun it is not likely. If they had said "No" or even "maybe" it would be one thing, but to say "Yes" and then "No" once I was there?????? They are not likely to get my business in the future.

[ScottyBear]

I just called them, they said "we won't just accept a gun delivered to us" and they won't accept one that they already sell in their shop. The basic FFL fee was $100 not including sales tax or DROS fees.

[AJAX22]

I just called them, they said "we won't just accept a gun delievered to us" and they didn't seem to want to accept one that they sale themselves. FFL fees were $100 not including sales tax or DROS fees.

There is no sales tax on an out of state sale.

They're just trying to tack on an extra 8 percent.

[aplinker]

I've been in there a bunch of times. Their attitude towards PPTs and even people buying things is pretty rude and unhelpful. Maybe a degree or two more than most places for everyone, but exceedingly more than anywhere I've seen for PPT. I would imagine this would make them substantially more expensive and unhelpful on an internet/out of state/auction purchase.

I wish there were a "Nordstrom of guns" out there somewhere. A place they actually had enough people to help, were more knowledgable than the customer and did all they could to make the sale and choice pleasant. I'd even gladly pay more for some real, attitude-free, genuine service.

[rkt88edmo]

If there were a Nordstrom's of guns, I'd still never buy anything there because the prices are so high Although a personal shopping service would be nice ha ha ha

[monkey]

There is no sales tax on an out of state sale.

They're just trying to tack on an extra 8 percent.

The DOJ and the Franchise Tax Board decided awhile ago that because an out-of-state transfer MUST go through a CA FFL, then it's the same as their actually making the sale and hence sales tax is due on the sales amount. Some FFLs let you inform them of what you paid for the gun, but others including Retting will not accept the gun for transfer to you unless there's a bill of sale from the previous owner. If the gun is a gift and no money has actually traded hands, then Retting will want a signed statement from the previous owner to this effect.

The higher volume dealers are usually the ones who are picky about collecting sales tax because they receive more scrutiny by the FTB and DOJ. If you want an easier time with sales tax, find a smaller local dealer. If your dealer is not charging sales tax in this situation, it's not because he isn't supposed to. He'll discover this painfully if he's ever audited.

Stevenson's Gun Country and Gun World, both in Burbank on Magnolia, are pretty cheap and easy with interstate transfers.

FYI- The sales tax principal is the same with automobiles and the DMV. If you buy a car out-of-state and move into CA within a year, then you will owe CA sales tax on that car even if you paid the sales tax in the other state. Deviously, when you go to the DMV to register your new car as a new resident, they will usually void the registration from your old state of residence BEFORE they inform you of the sales tax due, that way you cannot back out of the CA registration to avoid the tax. A lot of states are like this, especially in those states that border a no-sales-tax state like CA does with Oregon.

[ScottyBear]

Probably never going to be a "Nordstrom of guns" because of the liability. Although Turner's seems to be a big chain, and they were pretty nice to me when I visit.

[ballistic]

Check out Guns America, Gun Broker, and Auction Arms for a FFL to handle a transfer in your area. Shop by e-mail or phone, ask what they charge and if they charge sales tax.

- Warning - thread hijack -
There have been long discussions on this board about California sales tax for out of state gun purchases. Most FFL's will charge tax, some do not.
I have spoken to some FFL's that have called the Franchise Tax Board and been told tax does not need to be collected. One claims to have a letter to that effect.