Quick question

[Featureless]

When an FFL tells a customer a handgun is 'allocated' (apparently by the distributor) what does that mean?

[EBR Works]

"Allocated" essentially means that the inventory is reserved for dealers that make large purchasers. The inventory is allocated to sales reps that can decide to whom they will sell it based upon their purchase history. Basically, if you're a dealer that doesn't buy much from that distributor, you're not going to get one.

[Featureless]

"Allocated" essentially means that the inventory is reserved for dealers that make large purchasers. The inventory is allocated to sales reps that can decide to whom they will sell it based upon their purchase history. Basically, if you're a dealer that doesn't buy much from that distributor, you're not going to get one.

Aha! Thank you. I'm reasonably sure Rooster's in Templeton is not a dealer who makes 'large purchases'. So, if I can find it (Ruger LCRx Model 5435 .22lr) in stock at some larger FFL (Brownell's, Midway USA,) and have it shipped to Rooster's (I'll ask them what the protocol is) might be the only way to buy one.

[acespawnshop]

Exactly what EBR said.

If you're one of the top purchasers from the distributor you most likely will get some allocated firearms. If you are not then you will have to wait for the reps to contact all their dealers who regularly make large purchases then whatever is left over that does not get sold will be marked as available for purchse from every dealer who that distributor does business with.

Example: Davidsons gets 400 Glock 17s. They know theres a lot of dealers who want them so they go to their best dealer first. So if an FFL makes $2,000,000 a year in purchases from Davidsons, they get first crack, Then FFL who does $1.5 mil will get second dibs, so on until they go thru their list of dealers. Maybe after they're done with their list of dealers theres 35 Glock 17s left in stock. Then they mark them as available and then whoever wants to click and order them can get some.

Now, even if something is marked as allocated the small dealer still can probably get 1 or 2 of them by simply calling their rep at Davidsons and speaking to them in person.

[Tyke8319]

"Allocated" essentially means that the inventory is reserved for dealers that make large purchasers. The inventory is allocated to sales reps that can decide to whom they will sell it based upon their purchase history. Basically, if you're a dealer that doesn't buy much from that distributor, you're not going to get one.

But...that is not always the case. Also depends on what quantity has been "allocated" to that personal dealer rep. If there is a small quantity that has been "allocated", then as was said the small dealer may be out of luck.

[acespawnshop]

But...that is not always the case. Also depends on what quantity has been "allocated" to that personal dealer rep. If there is a small quantity that has been "allocated", then as was said the small dealer may be out of luck.

True its always a good idea to keep in touch with your Reps even if you arent buying. I would always have a couple "hard to get" handguns on my wants list just to show that I do want them to keep contacting me and keep us in the loop. Plus if you ever get to meet them in person say at Shot Show or something that helps to.