Question: Info on "how to buy"

[probie]

Hi all,

First of all I'd like to say thank you for having a forum for a person new to world of guns in California. In addtion to educating myself, I would like to purchase a used rifle or two to get myself some trigger time.

My question is: when purchasing from an individual in the private firearms section, what is the most common or accepted form of payment? Face to face or for items that are shipped? If there is a link to another section of Calguns, I'll be happy to troll the other section.

Thank you all in advance.

*if this thread is better posted elsewhere, my apologies and any advice is helpful.

[alpalwal]

you'll want to put this in "general gun discussion" next time.

Anyways - face to face I just do cash. No one wants to deal with checks.
When shipping you can either use paypal - be discrete and don't say "HERE IS THE MONEY FOR THE GUN!!" they don't like that. Postal money order is also a great option.

[Eroland7]

Most firearms are transfered FTF at an FFL dealer, and you can pay him cash there. If someone is going to ship a firearm to an ffl for you then you would either have to mail him a money order or use paypal. Just be careful not to mention anything gun related in the paypal payment, because your account will be suspended... and WELCOME TO CALGUNS!

[626Tony]

For a novice I don't recommend shipping do F2F that way if there's a problem with the gun or the buyer you can both go home !

[bender152]

When buying/selling FTF, cash is the norm.

If the firearm is shipped, then a USPS money order is oftern requested. The reason for this is that the money order can be cashed on the spot at any post office (provided that the post office has enough funds to cover the amount).

Some people will also accept paypal, but be careful if you use this method. Paypal is very anti-gun. If they suspect you of buying/selling gun related items, they can and will freeze your account.

To cover the buyer and seller, if paying by paypal, we normally do not enter anything into the subject line or body of the payment.

[professionalcoyotehunter]

What do you have for sale?

[probie]

Thank you all

Thank you all for your input. I will take note and try and use disdcression...

...and Professional, I was looking to get into something that can use 9mm pistol rounds or something along the lines of a mini14. I do not have anything for sale.

I'm reading up on the lower priced stuff (under $600) on that ruger p9, mini14, sau 16-ca, etc. The Mechtech seems super appealing, but I understand there are issues w/ that.

All in all, I'm scouring the forums for old and new articles to educate myself and avoid anything ... you know?...or put my foot in my mouth.

[Omega13device]

A couple of tips for buying:

If you post "I'll take it" in the thread or send it by PM then you're committed. If you back out expect to get negative feedback. Don't say "I'll take it" unless you mean it.

Find a dealer who will do your transfer BEFORE you commit to buying the firearm. Make sure they're ok with the type of transfer you're doing (PPT or firearm shipped to them), find out their fees, any special instructions for shipping if applicable, and how to get a copy of their FFL to the seller. Some will fax it directly but others will want you to pick it up.

USPS has a max per money order of $1000 so if you're paying more than that you have to get multiple money orders and USPS is fine with that. For example if spending $1200 just get a $1000 and a $200, or two $600s, or whatever.

If paying by PayPal do not say ANYTHING about guys or gun parts when you pay. If you do, PayPal may freeze both your the other guy's accounts.

[damndave]

If it is a larger amount of money i would pay with something that has a paper trail unless the seller has a very good iTrader rating on here. A bill of sale would be a good idea too, just to keep for your own records.

if using paypal, make sure to make it very discreet. no mention of guns or calguns etc

[bsg]

i give you credit for being one of those guys who will ask for directions.... good luck and welcome to the fun zone.

[MiguelS]

PPT, pay inside shop or outside?

I just bought some 22lr magazines. I put on paypal, "thanks for the 2 magazine subscriptions."

[probie]

Heh, nice...

Thank you all for the tips...