First time PPT questions

[vodkaeater]

Hi,

I've bought a few firearms before. Have 3 handguns and a shotgun, all purchased from various stores over the years.

I am now looking to purchase a firearm from another CalGuns member. Never done a PPT before. We agreed on a store to use for the paperwork stuff, but I have a few questions...

-When do I give him the money? Before the waiting period? After?
-What if things do not go right with the background? Maybe it's stolen or something? Who knows, but what do I do then? (Secondary to that, if I give him the money before, how could I recover that money?)
-Since we're at a store, would I hove to cover any taxes? (I know there is a transfer fee, but anything above that?)

Any pointers or tips would be great so I have some idea as to what is going to happen before I get there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[kmas]

For the most accurate answer, go to your local gun store and ask them, or even call them up.

[holt7153]

How's his iTrader?

[Garv]

The money is generally given just before you start the paperwork and after you have inspected the gun.
If you do not trust the seller enough by a high I-Trader rating and personal phone conversations, don't buy.
Do not recall any stolen firearm PPTs here on CG so they are at least rare.
No taxes on the PPT, but most recommend not making the payment obvious to the FFL.
Prepare to buy a lock for a handgun.
The store might accept a "safe affadavit" for a rifle (or not).

[Bainter1212]

Hi,

I've bought a few firearms before. Have 3 handguns and a shotgun, all purchased from various stores over the years.

I am now looking to purchase a firearm from another CalGuns member. Never done a PPT before. We agreed on a store to use for the paperwork stuff, but I have a few questions...

-When do I give him the money? Before the waiting period? After?
-What if things do not go right with the background? Maybe it's stolen or something? Who knows, but what do I do then? (Secondary to that, if I give him the money before, how could I recover that money?)
-Since we're at a store, would I hove to cover any taxes? (I know there is a transfer fee, but anything above that?)

Any pointers or tips would be great so I have some idea as to what is going to happen before I get there would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

1) You pay after you have inspected the firearm and agreed to purchase it - just like a used car.

2) It would be incredibly stupid for someone to sell a stolen firearm via PPT - the FFL takes a copy of their DL and has them sign a copy of the DROS. A gun coming up stolen means the police start asking some serious questions of the seller.
Recovery of funds should the transaction go south is your responsibility. You will have a name, address and phone number. You can ask for your money back or take the seller to court.....otherwise the gun is yours once money changes hands.

This situation is extremely rare, I wouldn't worry about it. You are more likely to wreck your car on the way to the PPT.

3) FFLs are legally limited to $25 DROS plus a $10 fee for PPTs. You will only have to pay the $35.

Good luck.

[gunnlover]

I generally don't buy from sellers with zero i-trader rating or with new join dates. But when I meet someone to PPT I always exchange (whether buy or sell) half way thru the paperwork process. There is usually a small lag time when the clerk comes back with everything. During this time I discreetly pay or ask for the funds. But not in front of the clerk and always before we get the drivers licenses back.

[gunnlover]

Forgot to add, I don't meet without a verbal conversation first. Texts and email won't cut it.

[vodkaeater]

So, his iTrader is 11/100% nothing but positive responses from both buyers and sellers.

I totally get how dumb it would be to sell a stolen this way. Just wondering. I mean, this isn't Craigslist, so I have a much higher degree of trust for people here than from somewhere else.

So, what I'm getting overall is;

-Make all the arrangements over the phone in advance
-Call the store to make sure they're all good on a PPT
-Be subtle with a huge pile of cash
-Don't get into car accident on the way there

[bender152]

Some shops are better than others to do the PPT at. I don't know where you're located, but in the Bay Area, there are a few places I absolutely avoid.

Targetmasters in Milpitas. Don't do a PPT there, unless you like standing around for 2 hours.

Reed's in Santa Clara. The PPT process is quick, but once your 10 day wait is over, you only have 24 hours to pick your gun. Otherwise they charge you an outrageous "storage fee".

[vodkaeater]

He wanted to use J&R's in Livermore

[Junkie]

90% of the time I've paid after doing paperwork but would understand if someone wanted money first (especially since you have no feedback).

You'll pay the $35 to the FFL as well as buy a lock if you need to.

[bender152]

He wanted to use J&R's in Livermore

Good place. I've done PPT's there before.

[Malthusian]

So, his iTrader is 11/100% nothing but positive responses from both buyers and sellers.

I totally get how dumb it would be to sell a stolen this way. Just wondering. I mean, this isn't Craigslist, so I have a much higher degree of trust for people here than from somewhere else.

So, what I'm getting overall is;

-Make all the arrangements over the phone in advance
-Call the store to make sure they're all good on a PPT
-Be subtle with a huge pile of cash
-Don't get into car accident on the way there

You can usually tell from your interactions whether the seller is reliable. The timely communication and keeping you up to date on time slots etc.

On my last experience as a seller, I got bad vibes from (2) buyers. They were offering trades and IMHO they are not as easy to negotiate. The third buyer paid asking price and the PPT went very smooth as well

I usually put the cash in an envelope and slip it to the seller once the transaction is in the process.

So far all my PPT's have gone very smooth, both as buyer and seller

The FFL's all have various issues that you have to deal with. Storage fees, waiting in line via a priority system etc. Also the lock issue, some accept the manufacturers lock, others require you to buy one.

[kmas]

He wanted to use J&R's in Livermore

That's a safe bet. They are knowledgeable

[Bainter1212]

A lot of people have this idea that you shouldn't pay the seller in front of the dealer......I really don't understand this mentality. There is no "mandatory reporting" when it comes to paying sales tax.
The seller is the only one who is supposed to report his income - nobody else. I have done maybe 30 or 40 PPTs and I have handed the seller money right there at the gun counter with no issues whatsoever.

You want to make sure that the seller has a valid, state-issued ID before you show up.
I have had sellers show up with temporary DLs, passports, etc all of which will not fly. They need to have a valid state ID with their current address on it. Believe me, you don't want to drive an hour just to find out they don't have it.