Newbie Question on Buying

[Revoke36]

I've been on the market for a new shotgun. I'm relitavely new to buying firearms in the last decade so forgive my ignorance. I notice that I can buy the same gun online for a lot less than my local gun shops. Why doesn't everyone just buy online and have it shipped to the local gun shops? I know there's a fee for the ffl but even with that fee, the gun still comes out a lot cheaper. Right? Am I missing something? A buddy that use to work at a gun shop said they(gun shop) will charge a couple hundred dollars for shipping to deter you from doing this even though the shipping fee is usually $30. Is this true?

[Soggoth]

Well, local FFL dealer can charge transfer/handling fee anywhere from $50 up to $150. Plus shipping, plus usual CA $30 fee, plus tax.

[kdruff2]

The FFL will (or is suppose to) charge you the CA sales tax that you avoided while buying online.

It gets down to either (a) a simple numbers game - buying locally or out-of-state via internet or (b) you can't find the gun locally.

Good luck!

[rice_man]

Well, local FFL dealer can charge transfer/handling fee anywhere from $50 up to $150. Plus shipping, plus usual CA $30 fee, plus tax.

^^
THIS

Some will charge even more if it is coming in from out of state. Unless you can find an absolute killer deal and an FFL that is easy on transfer fees then almost not worth the hassle of buying something sight unseen.

I especially like seeing and holding the actual the gun I'm going to be getting if it has wood furniture.

[Artema]

I'm so glad I don't have to deal with this stuff. Online orders with no sales tax and $60 for DROS+Transfer is nice over here on Vandenberg at the Rod & Gun Club. They even get you a 11% discount if they order it from Ellett Brothers for you. These fees that the stores charge just to get you to buy from their stock is crazy!

[aippi]

I am comming from a different perspective since I am a Dealer that sends firearms into CA. In 2008 your state passed a law that any dealer that trasfers gun into CA has to approved by the CA DOJ. Doesn't matter that we are Federal Licensed Dealers. Many FFL's refused to transfer into CA to begin with and some will still not transfer into CA. I signed up with your DOJ immedately and it takes less then 5 minutes for me to sit down at my computer and get an Appoval letter. No way was I going not going to do this because that is what the state wants and what the dealers in that state want. It was simply done to imped competition.

I don't sell stock type guns or used guns so you can not even buy my Custom Guns at a local shop. I am of the opinion that if you want a new gun you should give your business to your local dealers when you can. They have a business to keep up and running. Leases on buildings, power, heat and air, Security systems and employees to pay. You want them there for when you need something quick and that is only going to happen if you help them stay open when you can.

With this same loyalty you give them they need to return for those times when you find that perfect used gun on line and want a transfer done. Remind them that you have purchased several guns, ammo and other items from them and don't feel you should pay the same fees for a transfer that someone walking in off the street should pay. If they don't work with you on that then take your business down the road.

[Revoke36]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like buying local will come out to the same prices once all fees are applied. I definitely prefer to buy locally but I'll also save money by going elsewhere if I feel I'm being gouged. That's partly why I asked. Thanks again fellas

[Jel]

If I save $25-$50 buying at my LGS vs buying online and having it transfered in, then I'd rather support my LGS and buy from them. If I end up saving $100 after all fees and taxes, then I'm buying online.

Shop around and keep your LGS's honest.

[Newshooter]

It doesn't hurt to ask if they will price match their OTD price against an online deal loaded worth fees and such OTD price. The worst they can say is no but it never hurts to ask.

[anti]

You could always try find a private person with an FFL and see if you could pay them to do it. They're listed online in the FFL directory.

[Revoke36]

You could always try find a private person with an FFL and see if you could pay them to do it. They're listed online in the FFL directory.

I've seen that directory and some locals were priced at $70 as their fee. Is that enough of a savings to justify buying online? Also a good point by NewShooter. I can always ask for price matching.

[YY215227]

Like I said, Airco International is an FFL $50 includes BOTH DROS + TRANSFER FEES. No Tax.

Go to grabagun.com or budsgunshop online and see if you'll save considerably a lot more. If not..go support your LGS!

[Revoke36]

Im located in the Bay

[CSACANNONEER]

Im located in the Bay

I grew up on the Peninsula but now live close to Los Angeles. When you say things like "South bay" down here, most people think you mean South of the Santa Monica Bay.

[Capt1776]

Have it shipped to Airco International in Huntington Beach. $50 includes DROS + transfer and no tax at all.

Why no tax? You mean if shipped from a CA dealer? If it's from out of state you always have to pay CA tax.