Good FFLs For Out of State Transfers from Individuals Near Vallejo?

[bigstick61]

The only place suggested to me so far will result in something like a 60% markup on the gun out the door, which is insane (after their fee and all of the state nonsense).

The FFL I have been using for purchases doesn't do transfers. Seems to be a common theme.

Some places I've seen recommended for the greater Bay Area are rather far from me.

Do you guys have any suggestions?

The one place I have had recommended to me has a $100 fee. Is this the norm now? It has been a while since I have done such a transfer, but I never paid anywhere near that.

[norcal77]

FFLs aren't in the business to be altruistic, it's pay to play 🤷♂️$100 ain't bad for an out of state transfer...

[bigstick61]

FFLs aren't in the business to be altruistic, it's pay to play 🤷♂️$100 ain't bad for an out of state transfer...

Last time I paid $20, although it was a kitchen table FFL.

[newshooter650]

Most store-front FFLs will be at least $100 from what I've seen, Your best bet would be a kitchen table FFL, I know there was a dude in Tracy doing that for like $50 per transfer. Here was here on CG. I think his name was Mike.

[bigstick61]

I see on Gunbroker a kitchen table guy in Napa with a $50 fee. A phone number is all there is for him, so I'll check that out on Tuesday. Glaser in Brentwood is also $50, but they do not accept from individuals, so the increased cost of using an FFL for shipping, the bridge tolls, the drive, etc. brings it back up closer to the $100 mark.

I think it's insane that it's come to this. Places with such high fees were more exceptional than normal when I more frequently bought guns from out of State like this and I avoided them. Most set the fees that high because they wanted to discourage people from doing such transfers there. One in my area that was $160 told me that to my face and it was not the only place that told me that.

It's been a few years since my last such transfer but many places have fees way higher than $100 these days, apparently.

[foothillman]

It all comes down to "do you actually save $$"
As you mentioned 2 X bridge toll, gas and time are part of the cost.
Also do they release on undetermined...would suck if NO and some Dick at DOJ felt you needed more "screw-tiny"
Good luck sending the firearm back and getting a refund.

I had a great FFL that checked all the box's but his cost went up to do business.
Was $25 + DROS and had no problem receiving from private party as long as a copy of ID was included.
$25....turned into $150 + DROS
Was buying from GunBroker and those fees also went up slightly.
Had to look for another FFL to make it worth buying online.
Would never have looked for another FFL since they always treated me right.

The cost of doing business can lead to customer loss.
I thought I was a good customer and worth getting a "loyal discount"
They even called me by my first name when I walked in.
No, not Norm

Luckily I found a FFL that is only 10 minutes farther away.
The kicker is he takes private party mail, release on undetermined and charges a flat $50 that includes the DROS fee.
Also buy $100 of ammo for my new firearm as a Thank You.
Since the new 11% kicked in my buying has drastically declined...0....


A 2.5 hour drive each way is not saving you any $$