Gun Buying Process 101

[1911dude]

I have been given the okay from my wife to get a hand gun. Since this will be my very first gun buy can I get some helpful information on the process?

For example, I have a friend that is a dealer in Oregon. If I buy from him, I'll have to have it transfered to a local FFL and pay transfer and DROS fees, right? If I buy from a local shop the only fee that would apply is DROS, right?

What other requirements am I going to have to pay fees for?

Would it be cheaper to just buy locally? I guess that would depend on the price my friend gives me. I live in san Diego so any tips on which FFL is a good one I'd appreciate it.

Thanks for assisting this slightly confused prospective buyer.

Cheers.

[ke6guj]

As a first time buyer, I'd say to just go to a local FFL and buy from him. Adding layers of complexity dealing with FFL-to-FFL transfers is not a good idea when you don't know the process yet.

YOu will need to go to the dealer and pass the HSC, Handgun Safety Certificate test in order to buy a handgun. YOu'll also need to provide proof of CA residency, most likely with a utility bill or car registration.

Even if you spend $50-100 extra by buying locally, it may be worth it for the handholding you'll get to walk you through the process.

[savasyn]

1)go to a gunstore, take the test to get your HSC card (~$30)
2)pick the gun you want, if it's on the California approved list, check with your buddy on price. Compare his price plus any FFL and shipping fees(usually around $100) to a local dealer's pricing on the same unit.
2a)If the gun you want is not on the Cali approved list, you'd have to try to find one that is already in the state AND in your area as it can not be shipped.
3)If you choose to buy from your friend, contact a local FFL and set up the transfer with them and have them fax their FFL to your friend.
3a)If you want to buy locally/the shipped gun has arrived locally, take your HSC card, secondary proof of residence and your driver's license to your local shop and pay the $25 for DROS and begin the 10 day wait.

I think that covers the basics. I'm sure others will fill in the gaps.

[Greg-Dawg]

First of all, have you shot a pistol before?

I have been given the okay from my wife to get a hand gun. Since this will be my very first gun buy can I get some helpful information on the process?

For example, I have a friend that is a dealer in Oregon. If I buy from him, I'll have to have it transfered to a local FFL and pay transfer and DROS fees, right? Correct, but make sure the specific 1911 model has been approved via DOJ: Roster of Handgun Certified for CA Sale.If I buy from a local shop the only fee that would apply is DROS, right? Correct and tax.

What other requirements am I going to have to pay fees for? Nothing else, make sure you have your Handgun Safety Cert. and utility bill invoice for proof of residency.

Would it be cheaper to just buy locally? Depends, on where you find the 1911. I guess that would depend on the price my friend gives me. I live in san Diego so any tips on which FFL is a good one I'd appreciate it.

[1911dude]

Ha...funny! Yes, I've shot a Kimber Super Match II and dug it. The guns that have made it to my final choice list are all on the DOJ approved list (Dan Wesson, Springfield). Oh yeah, forgot about the freakin tax. That's very true on whether they'll have the gun in stock or not. No handholding is needed. That's why I'm here to learn so I know what I'm doing when the time comes.

[bandogg]

Make sure your ID matches the address on whet ever bill or car registration you bring in. If not you will need to make a stop at the DMV to get a change of address card. They have them at the front desk and theres no charge. They time stamp it and you just write your name and new address and thats it. Show the FFL your ID with the card and you g2g.

[eric1972]

Plus, plan on an hour to do the paper work and DROS when you purchase the pistol, and another hour when you return 10 days later to pick it up and finalize the paperwork. Could be longer if the store is crowded!!!

[daves100]

FFL

Also if your Military your not required to take the HSC card test

[Joe Collins]

Make sure your ID matches the address on whet ever bill or car registration you bring in. If not you will need to make a stop at the DAV to get a change of address card. They have them at the front desk and theres no charge. They time stamp it and you just write your name and new address and thats it. Show the FL your ID with the card and you Gog.

More FUD your ID DOES NOT HAVE TO MATCH your proof of residency and you do not have to go to the DMV for a change.

What has to match is the address on the DROS must be the same as on the 4473. That is where the proof of residency comes in.

[Sam]

my proof of residency didn't match my driver's license. I had the gun shop call up the DOJ to tell them I was a student and they okayed it over the phone. Although that particular gun shop was a very customer oriented business and took the time to do the right thing. Both my driver's and my proof match so I don't have to worry about FFLs either being lazy or ignorant.

[SmithAndJohnson]

Make sure your ID matches the address on whet ever bill or car registration you bring in. If not you will need to make a stop at the DMV to get a change of address card. They have them at the front desk and theres no charge. They time stamp it and you just write your name and new address and thats it. Show the FFL your ID with the card and you g2g.

FUD. Driver's License is proof of IDENTITY. Proof of residence is the utility bill, the vehicle registration, etc. Proof of residence address has to match the form, but drivers license just has to match your name and face.

I've purchased 6 new handguns with the wrong address on my DL and no change of address card. Not a single issue.

[Librarian]

FUD. Driver's License is proof of IDENTITY. Proof of residence is the utility bill, the vehicle registration, etc. Proof of residence address has to match the form, but drivers license just has to match your name and face.

I've purchased 6 new handguns with the wrong address on my DL and no change of address card. Not a single issue.

Yes, you're right - DL often will have a PO box, which is fine, but not proof of residency. A residence address on a utility bill would not 'match' a PO box on the license.

But FUD - Fear Uncertainty Doubt - is NOT a synonym for 'wrong'. FUD is a deliberate spread of misinformation designed to frighten someone into a course of action not supported by facts. The classic example is the stories of an IBM computer salesman suggesting a competitors' computer offering would fail to do the job, and as a result the buyer - the manager or VP approving the purchase - would lose his job.

Think DOJ offering advice on OLLs.

[bandogg]

FUD. Driver's License is proof of IDENTITY. Proof of residence is the utility bill, the vehicle registration, etc. Proof of residence address has to match the form, but drivers license just has to match your name and face.

I've purchased 6 new handguns with the wrong address on my DL and no change of address card. Not a single issue.

Well maybe its just Turners that requires that the ID and Proof have the same address. I just bought a hand gun 9-30-08 and they weren't going to sell it to me with out the change of address card.

I am willing to bet if you went into Turner's and tried to explain the difference... you would go home empty handed.

I will be out buying another handgun tomorrow. Will see if I have the same issue at a different shop.

[eccvets]

lube up your butt hole and get ready to take it from the man. Make sure you can buy the gun you want (theres a list) and that it can only hold 10 rounds with the current mag.

[vltnolia]

Great to know. My ID card does not match so It shouldnt be a problem.