Following this post. I’ve had the same issues.


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It's your money.  Spend it however you feel suits you.

A wise consumer today does research. You need to factor in the delta (difference) between buying locally vs. online to include:

-  FFL fees
-  Shipping Costs
-  Who pays for return shipping if there's a problem
-  Restocking fees
-  Sales/Excise tax
-  10rd Magazine limits -- might cause you to forfeit the included mags with no compensation to get the gun you want

If, after all that is taken into  account, you think there is a 30%-40% price difference between local and online cost, then it's a no-brainer.  Buy online.

Timing is always a factor. Check for sales regularly, especially around holidays.  Go to the stores and see what's being offered at discounts. Sometimes you'll get lucky and find what you wanted at the lowest price available just by walking in the door.

Once you've determined that the online price is more attractive, I'd then recommend you let the LGS with the same model firearm know BEFORE you commit to the purchase.  They may offer enough of a discount that it changes your mind .  Saving a couple of bucks isn't always worth going out of state. 

Many variables to consider than simply price, especially in these crazy times.  Some guns are just out of stock and impossible to find.  Is that going to be a more critical factor for you than price?  Depends on how much you want it now.

I've purchased handguns online that were on sale, and my LGS owner said my cost was well below his cost.  So, he had no ill feelings about me deciding to get it there.  I still paid him the FFL fee and bought ammo from him to feed the new member of my gun family.

Key advice is do your research and take every cost into account before determining which source is less expensive -- and by how much. Beyond that, it's up to how bad you want it. Work with the LGS and at least give them the opportunity to give you a better price.  Too many people think the price in the display case is set in stone.  In reality, if they want your business, they will at least consider matching the other dealer's price.

Well put.  Those were my thoughts exactly.   Appreciate the breakdown.


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Got it.


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You only need a bill of sale for a TRANSFER (i.e. applying for a Permit to Acquire).  If the firearm is in your possession, and it's not listed with the Feds as stolen, you can register -- no problem.

No different than a visitor bringing a gun for hunting for a week.  They register their guns on arrival -- no proof of ownership required.

People who steal guns don't register them.  So, HPD is fairly certain you're not registering guns in your name that you don't legally own.  That would be like a car thief trying to register a stolen car in his name.  You'd be asking for trouble.

Bottom line:  If you want to get a bill of sale for your records and for the previous owner's benefit (documenting where the gun was transferred), that's your choice.  Since you already own the gun, no paperwork other than the HPD registration application is needed.

Roger that. I appreciate the info. That makes total sense.


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Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.


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Aloha everyone. I have two pistols up in Washington state that I purchased while living there. Both from a relative but no bill of sale or anything tying me to them. I’ve been living in Oahu for three years now and I’d like to bring them over and register them here but I’m not sure exactly how that would work.  Can anyone school me?

I have my appointment booked for my permit to acquire and have my safety course affidavit so I’m pretty sure that portion of the paperwork is in order.


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