Gun transfer highway robbery: what would you do?

[Army GI]

I recently purchased a Saiga 5.45 from atlantic firearms and had them ship it to Gilmay guns in Fresno, CA. I called them on several occasions to ask about what the transfer fee was going to be. I was told it would be $125. I thought that was a bit high, but I do business with them a lot and wouldn't mind spending extra to support their business since I've been going to them for gunsmithing needs for almost a decade.

My rifle comes in and they tell me that my total will be $202!!! WTF

I called back and told them I was under the impression that it would be $125 total, not $125 just to "receive" the firearms + DROS+ WTF else they were charging me. The guy on the phone, as polite as he is, said he'll ask but their hands are pretty much tied.

I'm so angry right now because I feel I've been misled. The worst part is that it will cost me $100 for them to send it BACK to Atlantic firearms.

This must be some sort of nightmare.

I'm thinking about actually sending it back to Atlantic based on principle. I don't want to spend $202 just for a damned transfer, they were WAYYYY off when they told me $125. It'll end up being more money, but I don't think they deserve to get the whole amount after the switch-a-roo they pulled on me.

What would you do in my situation? Just bite the bullet and pay the $202 or have them send it back to the online retailer and have them ship it somewhere else at a later date?

[BajaJames83]

you should have done the footwork prior to buying and shipping a gun,...

[decepticon6551]

Sounds like you're paying the sales tax + transfer. How much was the rifle? Their hands are tied if its a sales tax issue.

[Jack_O_Trades]

You are probably also paying ca sales tax which I believe they are required to collect.

[Army GI]

you should have done the footwork prior to buying and shipping a gun,...

No bro, I called TWICE and I walked into the store and asked them to their face how much it would be. The answer I got was $125+tax. That's DIFFERENT than what they told me this week. I asked them how much would it cost me in total to do the transfer. They gave me a half answer at best.

[Army GI]

Sounds like you're paying the sales tax + transfer. How much was the rifle? Their hands are tied if its a sales tax issue.

I believe the sales tax on a $489 gun would be something like $40 right? Nobody ever mentioned a "receiving fee." It was not clear at all when they broke it down to me that there would be a $125 fee just to "receive" the gun.

[M1NM]

Gunslinger in Glendora also pulled the same scam on me a few years ago. Quoted 75 and then jacked it up to 150 when gun arrived. I paid it and haven't been back since (neither have 3 friends of mine).

[America's Least Wanted]

Yeah, if money is an issue you need to not just ask what the 'total' is but does 'total' include DROS, tax, extra "dealer's FFL fee" etc.

Yes, sounds like you are being 'jacked for about $75 by a less than honest gun shop.

Now that we have WWW and this wonderful forum best thing is post like you did and in future refer to proven list of lowest cost/best service FFLs.

I did and no surprises and 'OK' service. (at first they said they were too busy but the 'better half' said "just come on over, we'll squeeze you in").


Depending on a few factors you COULD pay up then sue them in Small Claims, or threaten to. 4 out of 5 they will call you and say it was a 'misunderstanding' and refund what they overcharged, and will only overcharge folks they don't think will make an issue in the future.

[Josh3239]

This is pretty standard. Transfee fees I found in SoCal floated around $80-$200. That never included sales tax and that never included DROS.

When you asked for transfer fee you get the transfer fee, that is like asking what the DROS is and then getting upset when that doesn't include the sales tax. I know, I got that a crap ton when I was working behind the counter. So many people thought the DROS includes the sales tax and sometimes the cable lock they had to buy.

Just swallow it, the shop will probably charge you money to mail it back out. And Atlantic may even charge you again for shipping to a new dealer. Cut your losses and learn from it.

[mjsweims]

Sounds like they charged you $125 to receive the gun + sales tax on the gun ($40-$45) + DROS ($35). $125 sounds a bit high, but you should have shopped around. The ffl I deal with near here charges $100 plus tax and dros.
FYI the link http://www.gunauction.com/help/fflnetwork.cfm will take you to a search engine that will give you a list of FFLs and their fees to receive firearms.
I say suck it up, pay the fees, and enjoy your purchase.

[OCArmory]

DROS is $25. Some companies charge a paperwork fee but that is not the state fee. For example we charge $55 for a rifle transfer + $25 DROS + Sales tax (8%). They should have been clear but sometimes miscommunications occur

[Cypriss32]

Goto the Armory on fowler Ave, They charge $60.00 flat rate including dross for a internet transfer. Gilmay jerks ALOT of people around in fresno. There gunsmith tried to pull some shady **** on me, and I knew A LOT better. Grabbed my stuff, and left. When a shop has a used G19 for 775.00 that is a sign to go elsewhere.

[Spyguy]

1. Always ask for a complete breakdown of the fees. If it's a company that you've never used for FFL transfers before, see if you can get their fees in writing. They may have them published on their web site, on a sign in their store, or ask them to print/fax/email you their fees.

2. If they really are pulling a "bait & switch" then go in and speak to the owner or manager. Explain that you've been a loyal customer for X years and that you've given them a lot of business (many shops jack their prices because people buy cheap guns online, use the shop for transfer, and never spend another penny there). Tell him you were told the total fee was $125 + tax before you arranged the transfer, and if they do not adhere to that quote, that you will take your patronage elsewhere, as well as inform all your friends.

[decepticon6551]

Sounds like they charged you $125 to receive the gun + sales tax on the gun ($40-$45) + DROS ($35).

I say suck it up, pay the fees, and enjoy your purchase.

Places I've dealt with quoted the DROS as part of the transfer, but it appears these guys didn't. The true difference in price is a $35 cost if you proceed with the DROS & a $100 cost if they send it back (assuming your next transfer fee is the same $125 & Atlantic ships it again for free)... And you would have to wait for another couple weeks to get your rifle.

I'd proceed with the DROS, if you feel they hid the fee from you, ask them about it. If they don't take care of it, never return.

[sl0re10]

I'd pay it just because of the costs to send back and rebuy.... but, if it helps, I'm sure most of us will never go there now.