PPTs for handguns without magazines

[Vinnie22]

Hi everyone. I just have a question about buying a handgun from private parties. Will there be any problems with my FFL if the handgun does not come with any magazines? (For example, LEO sells to non-LEO but does not have any <10-rd magazines available.)

[rodralig]

From my experience, some shops will give you a hard time. Some don't really care if there are no magazines.


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[9Cal_OC]

From my experience, some shops will give you a hard time. Some don't really care if there are no magazines.


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[Romeo_alpha01]

You’ll have a 50/50 chance of needing the magazine. I would ask the FFL about their policy on safe handling demos.

I had one FFL turn me away for bringing a freedom week magazine to use during testing. Keep that in mind as well.

[SkyHawk]

Technically the safe handling demo can be performed with any similar gun, but some FFLs will want to see a mag in the gun you are buying.

Another option is buying the frame only, taking all the other parts with you. Frame-only transfers do not require safe handling demo. But then your AFS record will not be for a semi auto handgun.

So the easiest thing to do is acquire a 10rd or less mag for the gun, before or during the PPT.

[Vinnie22]

Thanks for your quick answers. Unfortunately it is not a common gun in this state, but the "firearm safe handling demo" should be doable without the mag (no mag safety) or with the standard 12 mag (which will NOT be sold with the gun, sir). Hopefully the FFL we go to understands that. Of course I can order a 10rd mag online, but will take time to arrive (hopefully by the time I get the gun back from DROS).

[9Cal_OC]

Thanks for your quick answers. Unfortunately it is not a common gun in this state, but the "firearm safe handling demo" should be doable without the mag (no mag safety) or with the standard 12 mag (which will NOT be sold with the gun, sir). Hopefully the FFL we go to understands that. Of course I can order a 10rd mag online, but will take time to arrive (hopefully by the time I get the gun back from DROS).

I’d call ahead of time if they allow that 12rd mag. Some may not even if you’re not keeping it. Dumb, I know.

Even if yours doesn’t have the mag safety, it’s more for the purpose of loading a snap cap via mag into the chamber, dry firing, dropping the mag, and ejecting the case.

[SkyHawk]

Thanks for your quick answers. Unfortunately it is not a common gun in this state, but the "firearm safe handling demo" should be doable without the mag (no mag safety) or with the standard 12 mag (which will NOT be sold with the gun, sir). Hopefully the FFL we go to understands that. Of course I can order a 10rd mag online, but will take time to arrive (hopefully by the time I get the gun back from DROS).

The other option is to block the 12rd mag to 10rds before the PPT. Some FFLs will perform this service for a fee if you can’t.

[tigerpan]

Depend where you go and who doing it. I have store let me using they mag for the safety demo

[Wheellock]

What pistol is it for that you can't get a mag? Enquiring minds and all...

[Vinnie22]

I may have to go with this option, as all online stores (except EBAY) are sold out of this magazine. Thanks for the input.

[Great Made America]

A lot of shops sell on eBay, and will ship out immediately. Or you can order directly from them.

I believe we're in the same town, and some of the local shops will require a magazine for a safe handling demo unless you have a CCW permit.
If in doubt, better to bring a magazine with you, or contact them in advance to confirm they will proceed without.

[jmpgnr24k]

^^^ your answer.

[CWL]

How many FFLs check mag capacity? They certainly wouldn't let you load it during the transfer.

Now if it was something like a Glock G17 with witness holes, I can understand.

[Wordupmybrotha]

Depends on the FFL. Turner's Pasadena refused to PPT because I had Megcar mags that were blocked down to 10 rounds. Could have been an a-hole manager, not just store policy. But non-chain FFL are more sensible.