How Do Face to Face Gun Sales Work?

[Johhny]

I've never bought a gun in a private sale before and I want to know how it works. Do I need to pay extra to get a background check for it through a dealer? Can I just pay the guy and walk away with a gun? There is usually a sign just outside of the gun show that says that transferring a firearm here is illegal. Does this apply to all guns or are C&Rs and Antiques exempt? Thanks in advance for all replies. I hope to be a productive member on this froum .

[moulton]

i think if the firearms is a shotgun or rifle that is over 50 years old it dosent have to go through a ffl....correct me if I am wrong though

[ybz]

Can I just pay the guy and walk away with a gun?

I think that would be acceptable if you dont mind hanging out with the FFL for 10 days (before you walk away with the gun)... Me thinks even the friendliest FFL would frown about a dude not leaving his side for 10 days, i guess if it was a lady doing the transaction the FFL may be more flexible...

For your reading pleasure:

http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/dwcl/12070.php

[Librarian]

I've never bought a gun in a private sale before and I want to know how it works. Do I need to pay extra to get a background check for it through a dealer? Can I just pay the guy and walk away with a gun? There is usually a sign just outside of the gun show that says that transferring a firearm here is illegal. Does this apply to all guns or are C&Rs and Antiques exempt? Thanks in advance for all replies. I hope to be a productive member on this froum .

EXCLUDING Curio and Relic ('cause, for some reason, I just don't seem to understand the rules for those, so I need to not talk much about them), the exchange must go through a FFL holder.

As a buyer, you must go through the background check and the wait; if a handgun, you must perform the handgun handling demonstration. You must also have a Handgun Safety Certificate if buying a handgun, and you will not be permitted to take possession if you do not have a California-approved lock.

Process goes something like this:

• Buyer and seller meet at FFL storefront
• Seller brings gun and ID
• Buyer brings money, ID, and HSC if needed
• Buyer and seller show ID to FFL, and FFL fills out/has you fill out paperwork
• Someone pays FFL for transfer and DROS (usually buyer)
• Buyer gets receipt and date when gun can be picked up
• Buyer gives seller purchase price $$
• Buyer and seller leave; gun stays with FFL
• At correct time, buyer returns to FFL storefront, with lock and/or locking case (for handgun) to pick up gun.

[stator]

I've never bought a gun in a private sale before and I want to know how it works. Do I need to pay extra to get a background check for it through a dealer? Can I just pay the guy and walk away with a gun? There is usually a sign just outside of the gun show that says that transferring a firearm here is illegal. Does this apply to all guns or are C&Rs and Antiques exempt? Thanks in advance for all replies. I hope to be a productive member on this froum .

FTF (face to face) applies for long guns 50 years or older, antiques, or black powder for us here, but for all long guns in most free states. You just pay the private seller who then gives you the long gun right there.

PPT (private party transfer) is for the other stuff and handguns. This involves using a licensed dealer (must be CA-DOJ licensed, not necessarily FFL licensed but I've not heard of one licensed without the other) doing the transfer including the 10 day waiting period.

Those with FFL licenses, SBRs, NFAs, and AOWs have a different set of rules to follow.

[VeryCoolCat]

If you still don't get how to do a face to face transfer.

Get the gun, get the person... go to your local gunshop... lets say turners...

They'll guide you through it. The person receiving will have to wait 10 days to pick it up.

So choose an FFL thats reasonable distance from the receiver because he has to come back and pick it up.