How do I buy a gun online?

[DoubleJ]

If I find a good deal online for a .243 and want to buy it, what is the normal proceedure?  I know I need someone with a FFL on my end to have it shipped to but, I don't know how to set it up or anything.  Before I even start to look, what do I need to know?

[chrisb]

generally you would mail or fax a copy of your FFL's license to the seller who would verify it and then ship the gun to the FFL holder.

[Ray]

If you need to have it transported you can get someone with a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to do the transfer. Most any gun shop should have FFL and the ability to do the transfers. They usually charge a fee which is less than 50 dollars. I want to say that the last time I did this the fee was 25 or 30 dollars for the transfer in order to be paid to the FFL holder and then shipping of course. Therefore - I would find an FFL Holder before closing a deal and make sure you know their cost for doing business.

Otherwise just buying from a private sale on the internet which is done face to face and there is no mail transport then you can buy guns much like you do at a gun show.

[BIGINNER]

CHRISB GOT IT...  THATS HOW IT USUALLY WORKS,  ARANGE A WAY TO MAKE THE PAYMENT,  AND SEND A SIGNED  COPY OF THE FFL.  AND JUST WAIT TIL THE GUN COMES IN.  

[coop2424]

All of what is above is correct but also if you are buying from a business you will have to pay tax at the time of FFL transfer.  If it is an idividual then they will have to work with a ffl on their side to ship to your ffl if your ffl does not allow shipment from individual.

[cwuwildcat]

gunbroker.coms website has a list of FFL's in your area.  Just plunk in your zip into it's search and it will give you a list.  Call one and confirm their rate.  Some are way out of date.  The guy I used is listed as $20, but he's now charging $35, and is charging/collecting the sales tax on the price of the firearm. 

[high country]

I do seem to remember that you can buy a long gun from a seller in your own state w/o a ffl recieving it. if it is interstate then it MUST be recieved. I may be out dated on that one......look for yourself. I do know that you will pay WA sales tax on the sale price, unless you ship it to a neighboring state.

[Bscman]

In WA state:

If buying from another WA state resident, a long gun DOES NOT need to be transferred through an FFL. It can be shipped directly to you.
Seems strange, but this is true in Washington for shipping WITHIN the state.

To do the transfer:

All out of state purchases must be sent and handled via an FFL holder.
First, you need to find someone with an FFL who is willing to do the transfer for you.
They will be the one recieving the package. They also have to log the rifle into their log-book.

Most shops these days are charging $30-50 for a transfer--this covers faxing/mailing FFL copy, recieving firearm, log-entry, etc.
I recommend you check the local mom and pop shops first, for the best deal. After that, check with pawn shops. There are a few local to me that will do any transfer for $25. The big shops want $40-50.
One side note here--not all FFL's will accept shipment from a private party--some will only accept if the firearm is shipped from an FFL holder. There is no law regarding this, it is simply the preference of the FFL holder. Some will only accept from a known, licensed, dealer with a background...not a private party. Others may accept from a private party ONLY if there is a copy of their driver's license enclosed. Others just plain don't care as long as it's a legal deal. I guess waht I"m saying is you better double-check with the seller regarding shipping before you set the deal with your FFL holder.
It'd be a shame to set up a deal where the seller ships the rifle by himself, but your FFL denies it because it didn't come from an FFL holder. This is rare, but does happen

Before the seller can ship the rifle, they must have a signed copy of the FFL they are shipping to...So contact your FFL holder and give them the seller's information. They will fax/mail a copy of their FFL to the seller/shipper.

Once all this is done, you just sit back and wait for it to arrive. Your FFL holder will call you and you can do the transfer paperwork and walk away with the rifle.

Whether it comes from a private party or company, there is no sales tax that needs to be paid (assuming it comes from out-of-state).
In-state deals will require sales tax just like any purchase you make at any store, but you pay that sales tax at the time of purchase with the seller--not with your FFL holder who is doing the transfer.
If they try and charge you sales tax, they're just trying to pocket extra $$$ at your expense.

Once you've done it once or twice it's a real breeze. The only real hassle is finding a shop to do the transfer for a reasonable cost. I usually pay via USPS money order and have the FFL faxe or I mail a hard copy along with payment. I can usually get it all done next-day. If buying from a company, I"ll usually pay with a credit card and have the FFL faxed for same-day service.

[carpsniperg2]

  nice right up Bscman. that us very spot on!

[high country]

In WA state:


Whether it comes from a private party or company, there is no sales tax that needs to be paid (assuming it comes from out-of-state).
In-state deals will require sales tax just like any purchase you make at any store, but you pay that sales tax at the time of purchase with the seller--not with your FFL holder who is doing the transfer.
If they try and charge you sales tax, they're just trying to pocket extra $$$ at your expense.

there is law that states recieving dealers in WA shall charge sales tax on the purchase price of the gun, but not the paperwork or shipping.

I had my run in with this a few months back. My ffl has recieved a large number of guns for me and he directed me to not have him recieve it as he would be required to charge me tax......and I know him well

[jackelope]

Once the gun crosses state lines, it is federally regulated interstate commerce...thats why you gotta have a FFL do the transfer.
As a buyer you need to get a copy of the FFL license and send it to the seller. The seller needs to stick that into the package with the gun along with a photocopy of his drivers license. Then they send it to the FFL who will transfer it to you.
The other thing you need to do or remember is to make sure your FFL holder will accept shipment from a private individual. Some do not, then the seller's gonna have to ship it through an FFL holder on the other end, raising the price more.

[87Ford]

I recently ordered a new gun from a dealer in Oregon and fully expect to be paying WA state sales tax to my FFL holder upon completing the transfer...

http://dor.wa.gov/content/getaformorpublication/publicationbysubject/taxtopics/firearmtransfers.aspx

[unluckyjohn]

1, Uberti 44 wcf 30" its never been shot and Im really thinking its time to sell. been keeping an eye on gun broker but nothing like it is selling. bad time for most Im guessing

[h2ofowlr]

You could also go to seattleguns.net and do private party and elimate some yellow paper.

[Wazukie]

I recently ordered a new gun from a dealer in Oregon and fully expect to be paying WA state sales tax to my FFL holder upon completing the transfer...

http://dor.wa.gov/content/getaformorpublication/publicationbysubject/taxtopics/firearmtransfers.aspx

Long guns bought in Oregon dont need an FFL transfer, only handguns.  I believe this is true for Idaho purchases also.  I live on the river and have bought several from Oregon.