Am I missing anything? Buying local vs online

[Fozzie TheBear]

I have only ever purchased firearms from local dealers and enjoy giving them my business. However, I am seriously considering ordering a handgun from an out of state online retailer due to the savings.

Locally
$1100 - Handgun
$25 - DROS
$88 - Tax
$1213 - Total

Online
$805 - Handgun (free shipping)
$25 - DROS
$125 - SSE Fee
$70 - Tax
$1025 - Total

So as much as I would like to give business to my local shop, $188 isn't chump change. Is there anything else I am missing that would narrow the gap between buying it locally or online? I do plan on seeing if there is any wiggle room on the price locally but want to be sure I know how they might justify the premium.

Any other words of wisdom? Thanks

[greg36f]

I normally calculate the savings and ask if they can meet me halfway. If they can, I give my business to the local guy.

To me it's worth a few bucks to get it local and support the local gun store.

Make sure that the internet guy has the gun IN STOCK and can really ship it.

[Chiefnra]

What is $125 SSE fee?

[baih777]

Does the SSE fee include out of state transfer fee ?

[762ch]

I prefer buying local to support their business, but if you are a dealing with a well known gun store it wouldn't hurt to ask them to price match it.

[bigbearbear]

Does the SSE fee include out of state transfer fee ?

Make sure you check this before committing to the transaction. Normally, when you buy a firearm online, the FFL who receives the firearm for you will charge you a processing fee and the amount varies from one FFL to another. I suspect the price you quote above does not include that. Current prices for this fee here in the Bay Area are as follows:

- Reed's Indoor Range: $100
- Coyote Valley Sporting Clay: $85
- Roger's Relics: $65

Assuming that your SSE fee includes the dealer fee, then in a nutshell, you're not missing much. The only thing is that you'll have a longer wait time because they have to ship the gun to your FFL first, then you can start your DROS and wait 10 days. So total wait time is longer.

[Fozzie TheBear]

Thanks for the replies.

I did tell them that it would be out of state and it was not part of their estimate but I will confirm before committing.

Definitely want to try and stay local, hopefully they'll work with me.

[sealocan]

I always try and go local unless the item I'm looking for it cannot be found locally.

and I find a dealer who orders through Davidsons, a big firearms wholesale.
I've been led to believe they guarantee / warranty everything they sell for life. I'm not sure how strong that is because I've never needed it ....because my local dealers won't try to unload a lemon, on me or rip me off, unlike some online dealers.

[SonofWWIIDI]

What is $125 SSE fee?

SSE=single shot exemption conversion. Typically for non-roster guns from out of state.

[brianm767]

I normally calculate the savings and ask if they can meet me halfway. If they can, I give my business to the local guy.

To me it's worth a few bucks to get it local and support the local gun store.

Make sure that the internet guy has the gun IN STOCK and can really ship it.

Ditto on this! For $188 I'd buy on line also, but if I could get them to come within $75 $85 bucks, mayby even $100 on a thousand dollar gun, I'd buy local.

I also don't see the dealers transfer fee on your online purchase, is there one on top so the SSE fee? If so that may be from $40 up to who knows what.

[SuperSet]

Some things to think about..

Profit margin is not that high on guns, anyway. Shops make up their revenue on accessories, magazines.. you know, stuff under $50.

Also, does your local gun shop merit your support? I have some really good ones around me but I've been to a few that seem 'bothered' by customers walking in their doors. It's strange that I get better customer service going to Chick Fil A than some gun shops.

[Untamed1972]

Make sure you check with your FFL......they can charge whatever they want for out of state transfer fees.....they're limited like they are with FTF PPTs.

If you're bringing in something they have in stock or could get for you expect them to add on transfer fees that would make it equal in price to what they are selling it for.

[NytWolf]

What is $125 SSE fee?

SSE=single shot exemption conversion. Typically for non-roster guns from out of state.

Then OP's example is apples to oranges. If the out-of-state gun requires SSE, the in-state will also require it. Unless of course, the CA FFL charges no SSE fee for SSE sales. But if that were the case, it's a no-brainer to go local.

I myself would go with the LGS for one important reason. I can inspect the firearm with no commitment. With out-of-state, I can only inspect it once shipping has been paid.

[flatbedtruckin]

Online savings =cash for ammo,beer, taking the lady out for a nice dinner.. but then again supporting local businesses is golden... up to you. Either way it should be a win for you if you find something you like...just make sure your are clear about online return policys... i have always had hassle trouble free firearms purchases online... also online shipping tracking does help with "waiting is the hardest part" aspect..

[Merc1138]

Then OP's example is apples to oranges. If the out-of-state gun requires SSE, the in-state will also require it. Unless of course, the CA FFL charges no SSE fee for SSE sales. But if that were the case, it's a no-brainer to go local.

I myself would go with the LGS for one important reason. I can inspect the firearm with no commitment. With out-of-state, I can only inspect it once shipping has been paid.

Depends on whether or not the shop rolls the cost of the SSE into the purchase price of the gun, there are a number of shops that do this.

As far as ordering guns, I've had shops order guns from distributors in the past and not had a problem. However, if it was some random gun shop in another state selling on gunbroker there's no way to know whether or not the thing has been fingerbanged 5,000 times sitting in a display cabinet. It's not an issue with some guns, but on others letting the slide slam shut on an empty chamber or idiots flipping the cylinder closed on a revolver could be an issue.