FFL transfers - Has anyone had this problem?

[NYlakesider]

I don't have a lot of experience with FFL Transfers as I collect antiques and C&R's and have a FFL03 so I deal direct for the most part.
However, after that *** that Washington just passed, it looks like I may be doing FFL Transfers as I-594 has castrated my C&R License. (Now you are either a dealer as defined in 18 USC 923(a) or you are nobody. (C&R are defined in 18 USC 923(b))
I have only 4 transfer dealers in my area. The closest is around 50 miles round trip and the farthest is 90 miles RT. Currently they all charge in the $25 dollar range for a NICS check and paperwork.
[RANT ON]


I just wonder if these prices will hold up when they realize they have a government sanctioned monopoly. The new law did not cap what they can charge, they're allowed to charge a fee that reflects the "Fair Market Value" of such a service. If all of them decide that they want to charge $75, wouldn't that be what the "Fair Market price be?? Worse Possible Case would be that they all refuse to do transfer (Nothing says they have to), then they would control all legal firearm sales in the area. (i.e. I would have to sell my firearm to the dealer (he would have the upper hand on the price) and you would have to buy from him, at his price.
The only choice in this case would be, "I hope you are happy with what you currently own."
[RANT OFF]

Most dealers will rise.

The going price in my part of the people's republic of NY averages $50. Some real small dealers that seem to have only occasional hours charge about $30-35 but most times there so inconvenient it's not worth it. FWIW I live in the middle of nowhere and anything I do is a long drive!

Due to new laws passed we now cannot do private sales ( ALL GUNS) unless close family. That is a great boondoggle for dealers, the price for that service is fixed and less than doing a FFL to FFL transfer!

To be legal here you have to play the game using other people's rules, it may not be right but it's the way it is!

 

[G-Mac]

The first guy is a stoking dealer....

Did you mean "stocking" dealer or "stroking" dealer?

 

[Rastoff]

A while ago I made a decision. If I can't save at least $100, I'd rather buy at the local store. Further, if I can save more, I'll at least offer the local guy a chance to meet the price or get close to it. Most of the time, the local place doesn't have what I want and can't get it anyway. I mean, how many local stores stock Ljutic shotguns? (Hint: none)

So, I'm fortunate enough to have a friend that has an FFL. I call him and have whatever sent to his house. He charges $20 for the service. I usually pay him a little more.

But to answer the OP's question, yes, most of the small stores around here complain about doing transfers. They act like you're stealing their livelihood. What's worse is they don't carry the guns I want and can't get them. So, why are they complaining about doing a transfer for a gun they couldn't sell anyway?

 

[Straightshooter2]

My FFL put it this way. He has no problem accepting firearms for me as long as it's not something he sells. He has transferred a few old single shot .22 rifles for me with no problem. However, if I'm buying a Springfield, S&W, Sig, etc. he would expect me to buy it from him.

CW

 

[BONDOBOB]

YES I HAVE

As an FFL & Dealer, I understand where they are coming from. EVERYONE/DEALERS would like to sell the entire package instead of competing with other dealers or the DREADED COMPUTER but sometimes you can't have it all & if someone is willing to give me 30.00 to do the transfer that SOMEONE must do, I will take the 30.00. Bob

 

[Comrad]

If my LGS had what I wanted in stock, you betcha I would buy from him but in NJ there are slim pickings. I do make sure I buy some ammo, a sock and whatever accessories I like, makes everybody happy and I never had a problem.

 

[Coaltminer]

My dealer knows I will buy from him if I can and has no problem faxing his FFL to another dealer to get something he doesn't have and can't get. It's just good business for them. I've ordered only 2 guns this way, a Smith 581 and a nickel Colt Trooper Mark V. For new stuff, they get 95% of my business, and they know it.

 

[LedFowl]

My local FFL is pawn shop. They have a small number of used firearms. They've never given me any trouble about doing transfers for online purchases. I recently bought a K-22 he had in inventory.

 

[pawngal]

Do you mind if I ask why you don't give it out?

I'm just not comfortable giving a paper copy of my FFL to someone who might be a total stranger to me other than another FFL holder.

 

[TTSH]

Has anyone ever had any problems with their FFL being upset because you didn't buy a gun from them instead of buying one online?

All the time.

 

[Ματθιας]

Here's the other thing. You, (the general you) can go to the LGS and fondle their MSRP+ priced whatever and see if you like it.

If you do like it, order online and save some $$$$$. A lot of times, even with shipping and transfer fees, it's still cheaper to do it that way then to buy locally. That's the reality.

For me, I don't want to spend anymore than I have to - and it's not my responsibility to support anybody's business.

 

[kozmic]

Fundamentally, I try to patronize our LGS. So under most circumstances when I buy a new piece, I try hard to buy local even though I know I could buy it less on line. I know they get annoyed doing transfers on guns that they have sitting on their shelves. Frankly, I don't blame them.

If I do buy a new gun on line I use an FFL that is not affiliated with any gun store. I recently bought a Limited Edition Marlin 336C (30-30) from Grab-a-Gun. I couldn't find it local and they were the cheapest. I didn't feel bad about that purchase.

I think that the loyalty I show our LGS comes back to me in the long run. They call me with neat old S&Ws and other used guns that come it, etc. They know me my name and work with me on pricing. They are reasonable on smithing charges and often don't charge me for simple things.

I do the same with the local photography store and guitar shops. I'd hate to wake up some day and find they've shut down due to lack of local patronage.

I learned long ago that price is only part of the equation. Especially long term.

 

[mojave30cal]

My LGS knows I collect the older Smith & Wesson revolvers,
and they have my phone number and list of what I'm looking
for. If they have an accessory I can use, I'll buy it from them.
If I ever need a new firearm, I will run it by them and see
what they can get it for versus buying on the internet and
paying for shipping. They will do transfers, no problem. It's
easy money!

 

[Rastoff]

Here's the other thing. You, (the general you) can go to the LGS and fondle their MSRP+ priced whatever and see if you like it.

If you do like it, order online and save some $$$$$. A lot of times, even with shipping and transfer fees, it's still cheaper to do it that way then to buy locally. That's the reality.

For me, I don't want to spend anymore than I have to - and it's not my responsibility to support anybody's business.

This right here is why FFLs don't like to do transfers. They spend all the money on inventory and overhead. Then you come in, utilize their inventory for free and spend your money elsewhere. Why should they help you when you won't do anything in return?

If we don't spend money at their store, then it won't be there for us to fondle those guns we're interested in. Then how will you buy your gun on-line?

 

[GerSan69]

If an FFL doesn't "like" to do transfers on items he may sell himself, then instead of giving customers grief (which, in turn, will give his business a bad reputation) he shouldn't advertise that he does transfers!

 

[flundertaker]

my LGS has done a dozen or more transfers for me this year. I keep an electronic copy of their FFL and email it when I buy something. In some cases I have forgotten to tell them to be expecting a gun for me. They are great folks but guns are a small part of their business. I have never bought a gun from tgem but make a point to buy a couple boxes of ammo every time I pick up a gun even though it's considerably higher priced than other local places.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

 

[Ματθιας]

This right here is why FFLs don't like to do transfers. They spend all the money on inventory and overhead.

How is that my problem? Cut the overhead. Move the inventory. Be competitive.

LGSs used to be able to get away with charging whatever they wanted in the pre-internet days. Not anymore.

Then you come in, utilize their inventory for free and spend your money elsewhere.

How is that different than any other business? People try out products at one place and spend money and buy it someplace else. Happens everyday.

Why should they help you when you won't do anything in return?

Not a problem, if they don't want to do transfers, or my money, I'll find someone who will.

If we don't spend money at their store, then it won't be there for us to fondle those guns we're interested in.

You want to pay MSRP+, go right ahead. I'll save myself a few bucks, thanks.

Let me ask you this: All things being equal, if you see a product priced at $650 locally and the same product is $450 online, which one are you going to buy?

Let me guess, you'll gladly spend the extra $200+tax and feel good about it.

Then, how will you buy your gun on-line?

Hyperbole. If there's a buck to be made, somebody will be there to sell firearms, online or brick and mortar. Besides, I've bought firearms sight unseen.

Compete or go under.

 

[LouisianaJoe]

I have purchased several consignment guns from my LGS. They have also transferred several that I bought online. I have never bought a gun online that I could have bought from them. All online purchases are not available new. If I wanted a new gun, I would buy that from my LGS even if the cost were a little higher.

 

[LTC]

I have purchased most of my new guns from one local FFL. He deals on GB so I have been successful bidder on several of his auctions also. Most of my purchases are older firearms that I have purchased on this forum or through GB auctions.

My local FFL has no problem doing any transfer I send his way. He's making money either way.

LTC

 

[model70hunter]

Or one can go to this site to find FFL's who will do transfers. I just looked at my area and found new LGS's to go visit. Wow.

FFL Dealer Locator: Find FFL Dealers & Holders at Gunbroker.com

If one just searchs for FFL's who do transfers one will get lots of info, like how to do it legally for CA. I read this one, glad I don't live there.

Generally folks who own LGS' and I become joined at the hip and they will do this type of thing. The joining at the hip is their empty wallet and my full wallet of course. And it's very sad how quickly my wallet becomes empty.