Cost of FTF transfer

[jblane]

I've never bought through a face-to-face transfer before and am considering buying a gun through this forum. I'm wondering how the cost of doing so compares to the cost of buying a gun online through an FFL. Other than shipping and the fact that the gun is used, are there any other savings through a FTF transfer? Is sales tax collected? Are the transfer fees less (they seem to be less at a lot of FFL's, but I'm wondering why this is). I'm assuming the same DROS fees apply. I realize it depends on where you do the transfer, but is FTF generally cheaper, in terms of fees and taxes?

[WaR_ClouD-VII]

FTF is usually cheaper than buying a gun online and having it shipped to an FFL.. Most FFL's charge between $50-100 for an online transfer on top of the price of the gun, tax, and DROS. When you do an FTF you pay the $25 DROS fee (store usually charges about $10 more, making it $35 total) Some places will make you purchase a lock as well. I've always found it cheaper to do an FTF PPT, rather than shipping guns but that's me.

[damndave]

The max is $35 total for a PPT

[audihenry]

Think of it this way: if you buy something from a dealer and their transfer cost is $50, you better get at least a $15 discount for it to be worth it over FTF which is $35. In my experience, dealer transfer cost is usually around the $70 mark, so I usually prefer FTF PPT.

[kazman]

No tax on ppt and max is 35. But be aware some stores have hidden fees like storage or demo chg so ask before about their total fees for a ppt.

[CSACANNONEER]

FTF sales can be 100% legal without incurring any additional costs. Of course, this only applies to long guns 50 years old or older. If you are talking about a FTF PPT, then expect to pay $35 to the FFL for the service. $25 of it goes to the state and he can keep the rest.

[Rob454]

The max charge for a FTF sale is 35$. They may make you buy a lock but I personally just walk in with a gun lock I got at walmart and show them the receipt. Then I take the lock back. I dont need gun locks I have a ton of them al;ready

pros of a FTF sale
No tax that alone saves you 10% of the price of the gun.
No receiving charge anywhere from 50-300$
You can buy more than one gun within 30 day period
You usually save about 200-250$ by buying "used" rather than new or online. Obviously that depends on what gun you buy how in demand it is etc.

[jblane]

Thanks for the great info. That settles it, I'll go FTF for my next Glock purchase.

[Markus]

So if I ordered a makarov from Aimsurplus with a total of 280 shipped it would cost me another fifty bucks to get it transferred to me? at least?

[halifax]

So if I ordered a makarov from Aimsurplus with a total of 280 shipped it would cost me another fifty bucks to get it transferred to me? at least?

At least, plus sales tax and a lock maybe.

[liketoshoot]

What he said^, my FFL is 100.00 (75. + DROS) so make sure it is worth it.

[Markus]

sales tax? why would there be sales tax? Im buying something online out of state and they are just transferring it for me.

[halifax]

sales tax? why would there be sales tax? Im buying something online out of state and they are just transferring it for me.

Because a measure of tax is due on all tangible goods brought into CA for use in CA. In the case of firearms, the dealer will collect it from you to save you from declaring it on you state form 540.

[Markus]

ugh... then its not worth it! Gun is $270 +10 for shipping = $280 plus $100 BS fee is $380. Thats a bit much for a bulgie mack!