Non Gun Store FFL's

[Pardini]

I keep reading threads about all the B.S. people encounter doing transfers etc at gun stores. Why don't more people use private party guys that hold FFL' s. They don't sell guns nor have any inventory, all they do are transfers. Buy what you want, email him where to send his FFL info and the seller ships him the gun. When the gun arrives at his place, go there do the paperwork and return after the waiting period to pick up the gun.

Why keep dealing with Gun Shop B.S. when you don't have too?

[hellayella]

it's called choice? some people don't like doing FFL stuff in other people's homes, others do...

[Steve_In_29]

There is a measure of security when dealing with an actual brick and mortar FFL as opposed to a table-top FFL that you have never met before.

[bsg]

to each their own; one size does not fit all.

[Fizz]

My favorite FFL (Gussler's) is operated out of a residential garage. I thought I navigated to the wrong address on first visit. Great prices and transfers ARE their business. None of that LGS PPT drama.

[uhlan1]

I much prefer a kitchen table FFL. No BS, no fud, can build a relationship much easier so transactions are silky smooth

[sealocan]

I agree with you guys, I've been recommending a home based FFL ever since my first transaction there.

"San Jose Gun Trader" is a vendor here on Calguns and list his inventory on his thread, constantly updating it and he can also order whatever firearms you like through Davidsons, one of the largest firearms wholesalers.
when you buy through Davidson's you get a lifetime guarantee on the firearm, which according to a few people here, has worked great. That is a "measure of security" that most gun stores don't even offer.

getting to know the owner is a nice extra, he is not pushy and has given me some great deals. and although I can't speak for him I'm pretty sure if you purchase something online or wherever he would receive it for you for a fee.

No waiting in lines, no FUD, just great one on one personal service.

the only one small downside is you have to call and make an appointment you just can't show up.
but they've always been very open and flexible with an appointment scheduled for me.

and for the San Francisco Bay Area their prices are competitive. plus because you're dealing with the owner there is a greater chance he'd be open to trades or more negotiations than a regular brick and mortar store could ever have.
Here his is Calguns thread page...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=664223&highlight=San+Jose+gun+trader

[Gunsmith Dan]

The problem unfortunately in CA more and more cities and counties are not allowing home based firearms businesses anymore.

In fact County of San Diego has stopped issuing Firearms Dealer Permits for the unincorporated areas which means those people with current permits will not be able to renew them.

As far as which one is better:

As long as the person has all the required licenses, carries business insurance and fills out all the forms and paperwork exactly the same there should be no issue with home based vs brick and mortar. In the beginning I ran my gunsmithing business from home but unfortunately there were several times people would demand you to do business with them after showing up unannounced on a Sunday at 9 PM, so that changed after that for sure.

That is the one benefit of a brick and mortar you don't have to deal with the crazy people showing up after hours.

[Tovarish]

Most of those guys don't do SSE. And how popular are on-roster guns right now?

Beyond that, I'm pretty sure most don't even know that's an option. It's beyond me why people are willing to pay more than 30 or 40 bucks for a transfer service fee, but lots of shops have no problem charging $75 up to $150 for it.

[Sigbird]

I recently purchased a consignment gun from a garage FFL in OC. This guy has about 500 guns listed on Gun Broker and he is legit as any Gun store I have ever been to. He does everything by the books, super cool, honest and a great experience for me. Plus he was about 8 min from my house.

[Tovarish]

I recently purchased a consignment gun from a garage FFL in OC. This guy has about 500 guns listed on Gun Broker and he is legit as any Gun store I have ever been to. He does everything by the books, super cool, honest and a great experience for me. Plus he was about 8 min from my house.

What's the Gunbroker ID?

[geoint]

I have had 2 home based FFLs, 1 in Texas and 1 here in CA. They have both been excellent. Yes, sometimes you have to deal with their kids running around in their place of business but IMO its not as annoying as all the retards I see at LGS's and my FFL is a husband/wife combo and they both know their stuff. No FUD, no tall tales, no upselling...etc. They are a very nice and pleasant couple to talk to and do business with.

Another thing not mentioned here is cost. Home based FFLs dont have the overhead of a brick and mortar store so their costs are always less (in my experience anyways). I can pick up an out of state ordered weapon for $65 at my FFL. Its at least $90 at any store I can think of, usually more.

Lastly, I enjoy visiting home based FFLs. Its just more interesting to me than going to a store. Back in TX, I bought and sold guns in parking lots fairly regularly and I miss it. Obviously, my purchases at a home based FFL are still DROS'ed and all that crap, but it just reminds me of buying guns in Texas. My FFL is out in the country, they have at least 5 huge dogs, theres Christian symbols and posters, country music CDs and kids arts visible all over the place in their house. I just feel more comfortable dealing with them than I do with most stores.


Plus, gun prices in most LGS's in CA are just outrageous.

[Norcalkid]

I agree with you guys, I've been recommending a home based FFL ever since my first transaction there.

"San Jose Gun Trader" is a vendor here on Calguns and list his inventory on his thread, constantly updating it and he can also order whatever firearms you like through Davidsons, one of the largest firearms wholesalers.
when you buy through Davidson's you get a lifetime guarantee on the firearm, which according to a few people here, has worked great. That is a "measure of security" that most gun stores don't even offer.

getting to know the owner is a nice extra, he is not pushy and has given me some great deals. and although I can't speak for him I'm pretty sure if you purchase something online or wherever he would receive it for you for a fee.

No waiting in lines, no FUD, just great one on one personal service.

the only one small downside is you have to call and make an appointment you just can't show up.
but they've always been very open and flexible with an appointment scheduled for me.

and for the San Francisco Bay Area their prices are competitive. plus because you're dealing with the owner there is a greater chance he'd be open to trades or more negotiations than a regular brick and mortar store could ever have.
Here his is Calguns thread page...

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...ose+gun+trader

Not really a down side. I would rather call than have to wait.


I wonder how hard it would be to get a license to do this. There are a few in my area so I know it's possible.

[Tovarish]

Not really a down side. I would rather call than have to wait.


I wonder how hard it would be to get a license to do this. There are a few in my area so I know it's possible.

Depends completely on your municipality. The biggest issue is getting your city and/or county to sign off on it, particularly since you're likely doing business in a residentially zoned area. That will not fly in more urban or more liberal areas, but probably won't be a problem in the sticks.

[BigPimping]

A good home based FFL is far superior to any gun shop. There is so much less drama, and the service is usually way better. Kevin Smith in Martinez is a perfect example.