Hello - Newbie with a couple of questions

[mehfisto]

Hi Folks,

Just wanted to post and say hi. I'm from Dana Point in Orange County. I'm saving up for my first pistol ever, and I've decided on the .40 HK USPf.

I'm probably going to order it in May (we're taking a trip in April and my wife would shoot me with it if I bought it before then), and I was just wondering, should I contact an FFL before or after I purchase it? I plan to buy it online.

Also, I found a seemingly comprehensive list of FFL's on the gunbroker.com site, is this a reliable list? Anyone here in OC have an FFL?

Thanks a bunch!

[Garrett/Archer]

Hello, and welcome to the wonderful world of H&K.

First pistol ever... well your going to need one of these guys..."Handgun Safety Certificate" (sorry if this is something you already have and/or know). You can take the test at any FA dealer.

If you know your going to purchase from a certain party, then I would contact the FFL before the purchase. Let them know what is coming. Also what I do is get all info prior to delivery, SN#, make, model, cal., etc. Then with that info go down to your FFL and start the DROS. That will start the waiting period at time of purchase rather than delivery (This will be slightly strange to them, as the majority of transfers are done after the weapon arrives but you will not be turned away).

Further advise... yes, your right, take the trip first.

As FFL's there is one to stay away from and that is Grants for guns, but you are a ways away from them.

Greg

[softmentor]

Yes, I would check around for an FFL in advance. You may find that many FFL's will charge a lot more for a gun you did not buy from them. One FFL here charges $35 when you buy from him but $100 if you didn't. You may also want to count all the costs of FFL, and shipping before buying online. You may save online, but there are other costs to consider. I have done it both ways, and there are good deals online. Just watch out for the extra charges and be sure the bottom line is still a good deal
I have never worked with and FFL who would start a DROS before they had the actual gun in hand.
Great choice buy the way. That's what I carry on duty (private security, not LEO)

[Garrett/Archer]

softmentor good thing to bring up, FFL fees. The average fee for the DROS will run between $35 to $50, anymore than that your being taken for a ride. Also add to that, tax on purchase (yes, everybody has a hand is in your pocket).

Like softmentor stated, it might be better just to buy local. Either strait from a GS or private party FTF. Sorry I forgot to add if your going to start your DROS at time of purchase, you'll need proof of the purchase along with all the sellers info, name, address, phone number along with their FFL (private party transfer to FFL is acceptable in California).

softmentor, your lucky, my duty weapon is the all around unreliable Glock.

Greg

[audiophil2]

check out calguns.net. There are a few USP for sale there now. Mostly .45s though. Someone on that site could point you to a socal FFL with good prices.

[ASI9]

softmentor good thing to bring up, FFL fees. The average fee for the DROS will run between $35 to $50, anymore than that your being taken for a ride. Also add to that, tax on purchase (yes, everybody has a hand is in your pocket).

Like softmentor stated, it might be better just to buy local. Either strait from a GS or private party FTF. Sorry I forgot to add if your going to start your DROS at time of purchase, you'll need proof of the purchase along with all the sellers info, name, address, phone number along with their FFL (private party transfer to FFL is acceptable in California).

softmentor, your lucky, my duty weapon is the all around unreliable Glock.

Greg

Good God, $35 dollars for a DROS? I work in a gun store, and I know for a fact that the DROS fee for the store is 25 dollars. Whoever is charging $35 for a dros is screwing you badly.

[Garrett/Archer]

Good God, $35 dollars for a DROS? I work in a gun store, and I know for a fact that the DROS fee for the store is 25 dollars. Whoever is charging $35 for a dros is screwing you badly.DROS fees:

• Single handgun transaction purchased from your local gun shop FFL dealer $25
DROS fees for each additional handgun $21.

• PPT (Private Party Transfer) DROS fees are $35

• Internet or out-of-state FFL or PPT DROS fee can range from $35 to $50 per firearm.

mehfisto post stated he was planning to buy it online... therefore his DROS fee will run around $35 to $50, average.

He did not ask the question in regards to cost, but it's his first pistol and I was helping stay informed as much as possible.

Greg

[N6ATF]

My internet receiving FFL's receipt:
FFL Transfer Fee (Per Gun) Make, Model, Serial - $25
Dealers Record of Sale - Handgun DROS #- xxxx - xxxxx - $25
Handgun Safety Certificate/Card #xxxxxx - $25

I was exempt from the HSC after all.