Online Retailers

[JasonY012]

Im in the market for a HK USP 45 and Ammo Bros has it for $929 which really isnt too bad. Friends have thrown around different online shops like buds, and grabagun.com which have them for $1-200 cheaper. I've bought ammo and parts online but never a actual firearm so I'm trying to get some info and weighing the pros and cons. I tried searching for some info on calguns but didn't find anything so I'm reaching out and seeing if anyone has any online sites they would recommend.


Thanks in advance

[IVC]

Buying a gun online is a simple process, but it's good to know what you're getting into.

The process is that you buy it like anything else, then at the checkout you have to provide the FFL to whom it's going. If it's a larger one, chances are their paperwork is on file with the vendor and you don't have to do anything else. If not, your FFL has to provide the info to the vendor before it can be shipped.

On the other hand, when you buy online you don't get to handle the gun. It might have a minor handling mark here or there, you might not like it, etc. Once it's shipped it's yours.

Next, you have to pay for shipping (unless it's a "free shipping" deal) and, *this is important*, you have to pay receiving FFL's transfer fee. They can charge whatever they want since this is not regulated by the CA DOJ. Most will charge $50-$100, but you better check. Shipping and transfer fee can add up.

Finally, you have to pay "use tax" (same as "sales tax," but something BOE started enforcing a few years back on gun purchases) and standard DOJ fees.

On price alone the best comparison is to look at the base price, add shipping and transfer costs. The rest is the same (now that FFL's charge tax) in both cases. Apart from price, consider that you don't get to pick the actual gun.

[DDM4556]

Buying a gun online is a simple process, but it's good to know what you're getting into.

The process is that you buy it like anything else, then at the checkout you have to provide the FFL to whom it's going. If it's a larger one, chances are their paperwork is on file with the vendor and you don't have to do anything else. If not, your FFL has to provide the info to the vendor before it can be shipped.

On the other hand, when you buy online you don't get to handle the gun. It might have a minor handling mark here or there, you might not like it, etc. Once it's shipped it's yours.

Next, you have to pay for shipping (unless it's a "free shipping" deal) and, *this is important*, you have to pay receiving FFL's transfer fee. They can charge whatever they want since this is not regulated by the CA DOJ. Most will charge $50-$100, but you better check. Shipping and transfer fee can add up.

Finally, you have to pay "use tax" (same as "sales tax," but something BOE started enforcing a few years back on gun purchases) and standard DOJ fees.

On price alone the best comparison is to look at the base price, add shipping and transfer costs. The rest is the same (now that FFL's charge tax) in both cases. Apart from price, consider that you don't get to pick the actual gun.

This EXACTLY.

I've never found a deal online that was good enough to get me to bite. After adding all the fees, its usually the same or more than just finding an FFL with aggressive pricing, or waiting for a sale.

Unfortunately you just missed Riflegear's HK days, where every HK was something like 20% off.

I missed it too But if I were looking for an HK, In would start there to see if they had a little wiggle room in their already-good prices.

[Mitch]

The only "online" dealing I ever thought made any sense was using Gun Genie. Strictly speaking, your are not importing a gun, the local FFL is, and that makes him much happier about it too.

I had one FFL tell me flat out he didn't want to accept out of state guns for me anymore. He was an idiot, but I'm sure he wasn't alone in his sentiments.

[Baboosh]

$809 and in stock

https://www.2azone.com/usp45-704501a5-p-1418.html

Jamie

[The Shootist]

2A Zone all day long guys you can't beat their service and their prices are great! In and out very efficiently, very professional, very friendly.....

[JasonY012]

Thanks for the feedback guys. After talking to my LGS and doing the math, buying from out of state didn't save me much money after all the fees. After taxes and fees I was really only saving $25-30 and the online retailer I was looking at didnt have the gray USP =). I think the biggest reason I was apprehensive about buying online is I just like going to my LGS and treating it like a pet store. For me knowing thats the exact one Im getting is worth the $25-30.

I was coming back from a client meeting around noon and passed by ammo bros in Cerritos. With nothing left on my calendar for the day I decided to drop in and o my I didn't see the gray one on their website... I'm usually not one to be wowed by stylized guns but there was just something about the gray usp... now the 10 day circle jerk begins.

Thanks again for the info it was much appreciated.