C&R + COE = Worthless 50% of the time?

[DesertWalker]

Forget about using it at overpriced retail gun shops where they are too lazy or too stupid to bother accomodating you. Just use it online and save money and frustration.

^^^^EXACTLY! What Bobby said. Vote with your dollars buying from dealers who know what they are doing, and don't mind dealing with Californians.

[Emdawg]

I would just use it for online purchases. No need to go to the local gun stores.


I am pretty sure many of them supported Brown when he signed the registration bill in the hopes that it would bring more business due to requirement by law.

In reality it seems to not be working. I have heard of no noticeable increase in FFL sales. They are paying the price for collaboration, it seems.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

this is why I will always be glad to throw money at Classic and AIM for my C&R needs

[JPurp]

I am a newer C&R holder but so far I have had a good experience at LGS 3 of 4 times. The one bad experience was them wanting me to wait 10 days. I took my business to another shop.

In 2 cases I had to "assist" the sales person through the process (more on this below).

I think showing up prepared has gone a long way in my success. For some of these salespeople the perception that "I know what I am talking about" made the difference. First off I keep all my C&R stuff in an organizer with a big label that says "FFL" that I bring into the store when I am ready to buy.

I typically say I am going to buy that and it will be an "exempt" transfer. That usually triggers a few questions so I pull out an unsigned copy of my FFL, sign/date it and write "file copy only" on it right in front of them. I also provide a copy of my CA DOJ COE, though I don't think they require a copy it seems to make the salespeople feel better. I also have a sheet with a copy of my HSC and drivers license. I know the HSC isn't required (more on that below) but since it is still current it is one less thing I would have to deal with if the sales person was "on the fence" about a C&R+COE sale.

The new DROS system has been in place since Jan 1st but most sales people only ever do one maybe two types of DROS. By telling them to use the "collector" option on the menu it has helped them and reinforced the thought that "I know what I am doing". One caution with the DROS system if they mistakenly start a DROS choosing the "exempt" option it is the wrong one. The fastest way to confirm is have them scroll down and if the "exemption type" shows up as LEO it is the wrong one.

In one case I did get push back and I was able to share the little cheat sheet I made with the key codes. I keep a print of out the codes in my C&R organizer. Here is a summary of what is on my cheat sheet with a few notes;

1 in 30 - Carefully a May 5th memo from the AG said this code only applies to C&R handguns. There is a pending lawsuit to get this exemption restored for modern handguns. I would not attempt more than 1 in 30 for non-C&R handguns. A violation of 1 in 30 has penalties (PC 27590 - $50 1st offense, $100 2nd offense, misdemeanor 3rd offense)
Code - PC 27535(a)
Exemption - PC 27535(b)(9)

10-day Wait - This is repeated twice in the code. The 2nd instance applies to the "dealer".
Code - PC 26815
Exemption - PC 26970
Code "dealer" - PC 27540
Exemption "dealer" - PC 27670

HSC
Code - PC 31615
Exemption - PC 31700(a)(6)

Safe handling demo - The exemption references the HSC exemption.
Code - PC 26850
Exemption - PC 26850(h) - Ref. PC 31700

If you do find a gun you just have to get and they are sticking you with the 10 day wait there is a final "Hail Mary" you can try to take it home that day. When they print your DROS for you to sign and finger print look at the top next to "earliest delivery date/time". If the DROS was done properly as "collector" it will show the current date instead of 10 days in the future. Point that out to the salesperson or manager and maybe the will go back in and deliver it to you so you can take it home.

Good luck.

-JP

[JPurp]

One additional note for the FFL that doesn't want to give you a copy of there license.

The way I understand it as an FFL 03 you don't need a copy of the license like an FFL 01 would (someone please correct me if I am wrong), you just need there FFL number for your book.

Every shop I have been to has there FFL posted somewhere on the wall. It is usually in the same area as all there ATF required notifications and there local business license. Depending on where it is posted you probably can read the required numbers from there.

-JP

[BigJ]

OP: please walk away next time, and before you do ask for the owner/manager's contact info. I'm positive the owner of any small business would like to know why he lost a sale that day. You don't have to make a scene or act all angry... they simply don't deserve your business if they will not follow the law.

[JPurp]

One additional... additional note. Since the make/model/importer/serial number/etc in your book is supposed to match the info from the FFL 01's book I ask for a copy of my delivered DROS.

If they "refuse" I politely remind them that AB 538 went into effect 1/1/14 and PC 28210(e)(1) requires them to provide a copy of the delivered DROS for EVERY transaction.

-JP