Flakey FFL

[Andyman562]

You came here to bash on an FFL, but it's really you; that is the issue.

Who orders a firearm and sends it to a FFL without notifying them prior or seeing if they will accept it?...

What is a FFL to think when a firearm shows up with someone's name that they never heard of or expecting? More likely, they send it back.

And you should be checking to see what their transfer fee is first. You tried to save a few bucks buying online, but I've heard of transfer fees from $25- $125 and then you have DROS and tax on top of that. That can make the difference from buying online or buying local.

This was poorly set up on your end.

[elSquid]

WTF back atcha...

So you buy and ship without even speaking to a FFL ahead of the purchase to make sure the impending transaction will meet your expectations as related to his fees etc.

If he bought online via buds: buds has a list of "preferred" FFLs that will receive shipments for transfers without the need to check with the FFL first.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/ffl.php

"Buds "Preferred Dealers" are listed in green and have agreed to accept all incoming ATF approved transfers of firearms purchased on www.budsgunshop.com. When choosing a Preferred Dealer from our list, you will not need to contact the dealer to arrange a firearm transfer. The transfer service and rate has been pre-approved for all Bud's customers. However, completion and approval of ATF Form 4473 will still be required to take possession of any new or used firearm from your local dealer."

-- Michael

[Tonyson]

My first online purchase was from Buds and the FFL was home-based too. I immediately established communication through email.

Some online retailers have "preferred FFL's" which don't require buyers to contact the FFL prior to placing the order.
I make it a point though to at least google the FFL for additional info like where they're located, customer feedback, etc.
For my most recent online purchase, I chose one such preferred FFL and while the order's being processed, I found an excuse to visit the FFL (an actual store) and bought some ammo while introducing myself.

[Tonyson]

If he bought online via buds: buds has a list of "preferred" FFLs that will receive shipments for transfers without the need to check with the FFL first.

https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/ffl.php

"Buds "Preferred Dealers" are listed in green and have agreed to accept all incoming ATF approved transfers of firearms purchased on www.budsgunshop.com. When choosing a Preferred Dealer from our list, you will not need to contact the dealer to arrange a firearm transfer. The transfer service and rate has been pre-approved for all Bud's customers. However, completion and approval of ATF Form 4473 will still be required to take possession of any new or used firearm from your local dealer."

-- Michael

^^this

[Kwikvette]

I can't add any more than what others have said.

Did you really order a firearm and have it shipped to an FFL you haven't communicated with and expect business as usual?

Even if the FFL was a commercial establishment, having done what you did is just lacking in courtesy. I hope the FFL proceeds with business but charges you over $250+ just for receiving a firearm from your online order.

[dfletcher]

So I ordered a Ruger GP100 through the interwebs. The last time I bought a gun online I promised myself that I'd just endure and pay the extra $ locally next time. But I guess I kinda forgot about that when I discovered I'd save over $200 for this purchase.

Anyway, the gun arrived at this FFL's place on the 13th (per Fed Ex). I've called him several times and have heard nothing back. So I drove by there today.

It's a house.

WTF???

Is this normal? I've lived and purchased all of my firearms in SoCal and so have always gone through a business. Now though, I live on the Central Coast and suffice it to say that business is done quite differently here than in SoCal. I dig the slower pace, but this is nonsense.

Oh, I didn't go knock on this guy's door. The whole situation seems sketchy to me---I happen to know he has at least one gun and doesn't like returning phone calls. And another thing: his answering machine says, "I'm not home right now..." And yes, I checked the number and address several times.

Has anyone here ever run into something like this?

They're called "Table Top FFLs" and have existed ever since GCA68 was enacted. I've been buying guns for well over +40 years and they used to be routine. The first handgun I ever bought from the Kittery Trading Post in Maine made it's way to an FFL's home in Newburyport, MA and I recall like it was yesterday doing the paperwork on the guy's kitchen table. Then going down the street for clams.

I've bought dozens of guns in CA the same way.

That something is unknown isn't a reason to be suspicious or reject it as abnormal. However it does seem, when you're dealing with such FFLs, that a bit more effort and coordination is required than dropping by the local gun store. These guys usually have regular jobs, don't have business phones, and are fairly casual about appointments and general business niceties.

[JS41989]

Nothing flakey about the FFL. You simply didn't follow basic protocol. Lesson learned.

[-hanko]

Yeah, genius, I've only done this about 8 or 9 times in the last year.

So how many times a week do you wake up in the morning and go, "Oh man, I posted what last night?"

Genius?

You've got that title for so succinctly summarizing a complete lack of courtesy and a perfect nfg attitude toward the FFL.

Thanks for the heads up. Like I said, I've only ever bought from or through commercial establishments, so this is new to me.

A home-based FFL is required to run a business with regular business hours per the BATFE. He is the business. His home is his business location. Duh.

Even though most websites have FFLs on file, most websites state specifically to contact the receiving FFL first before placing the order to make sure the dealer is OK with receiving it. If you had called this guy and realized you couldn't get ahold of him, you probably would have tried another FFL and no harm done.

Also, some websites place an FFL on file if they've done business with that FFL directly. That doesn't mean that the FFL will accept shipments, it just means they have the FFL on file. A very well established FFL in my area is on file with pretty much every website I visit, however they don't accept shipments of any kind. They will order any legal gun you want for you at their store from their distributor, but that's the extent of them receiving shipments.

See above.

I agree. This is insane. Who just has a gun shipped to a FFL in the blind?





You're "that guy". That guy we hear about when visiting our favorite FFLs. That guy who screws it up for everyone else. It is a wonder that you get through each day without serious injury.

Genius?

You came here to bash on an FFL, but it's really you; that is the issue.

Who orders a firearm and sends it to a FFL without notifying them prior or seeing if they will accept it?...

What is a FFL to think when a firearm shows up with someone's name that they never heard of or expecting? More likely, they send it back.

And you should be checking to see what their transfer fee is first. You tried to save a few bucks buying online, but I've heard of transfer fees from $25- $125 and then you have DROS and tax on top of that. That can make the difference from buying online or buying local.

This was poorly set up on your end.

"Poorly" is in the extreme understatement mode.

Try posting your confused whining in the FFL forum here and see what you get.

I'll buy the beer and popcorn.

[WartHog]

Poor OP - your Waaaaaambulance will be arriving soon...

[SandHill]

So how many times a week do you wake up in the morning and go, "Oh man, I posted what last night?"

OP, if you DON'T wake up tomorrow and say that to yourself, there's no hope for you and I would appreciate it if you would patronize some other forum and leave us in peace.........

[becxltoo984]

LOL..but you saved yourself a few $$$ you Hope !

[onelonehorseman]

I use a home based FFL for most transactions and it has been really helpful. He told me it's up to each city as to whether they will allow an FFL to operate out of a private residence or not. His city does.

The guy will work with my schedule for making appointments and has done DROS and pickups for me late (9-10 pm), as well as Saturdays/Sundays at any time that works for me. When I go there it's usually just me so no waiting, and he always has everything ready when I get there.

It has been far superior to busy shops, and I never have to wait an extra day to pick up because he will always make arrangements with me when the tenth day is up; even if it's on a holiday.

OP, it should be fine.

[MrTokarev]

My favorite ffl (Gussler's) is home based. I never get the drama or FUD that's so common at commercial outfits and he never tries to upsell me on a different gun or accessories. He actually knows what the law says as well, unlike a lot of other dealers.

I've also had good luck with de chiel in Chula Vista.

[9mmContagion]

LOL You should be applauding this FFL for having an FFL to allow YOU to purchase your guns. WTH does it matter if it's a brick and mortar store and an honest guy running a home based FFL. I've dealt with several home based FFLs, and they've been nothing but pleasant! And this is all on you for not calling the FFL you plan to ship to. I don't care if they are already on the seller's approved list, you still call to touch base with every party involved.

[Baboosh]

90% of transfers come with no notice. This is part of being an FFL listed on websites. If you don't want guns showing up without notice then don't list your FFL on the transfer websites.

The reason we liked to be noticed was that we either had it in stock for less or you were ordering something off roster or not legal in the state.