What’s the general feeling from my 2A brethren when it comes to buying out of state to save on a purchase?

Do we simply accept paying 30-40% more knowing that we’re supporting a local business?


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What’s the general feeling from my 2A brethren when it comes to buying out of state to save on a purchase?

Do we simply accept paying 30-40% more knowing that we’re supporting a local business?

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.

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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Just don’t send your FFL transfer to Xring, they charged me almost $400 to do a transfer

Just don’t send your FFL transfer to Xring, they charged me almost $400 to do a transfer

What the actual fuck 
I just can't understand how they are still in business.

Wonder if any of the FFLs working out of their house are open again...transfers at shops kill any savings you get from ordering online

Wonder if any of the FFLs working out of their house are open again...transfers at shops kill any savings you get from ordering online

There are still a few (or at least last time I checked) that offer reasonable FFL fees.  By that I mean in the $20-30 range.  Some less if you shop with them often. 

I'll pursue, or at least I used to, via FFL for things generally couldn't find through LGS.  I would say I have a number of acquisitions through both LGS and FFL. 

There are still a few (or at least last time I checked) that offer reasonable FFL fees.  By that I mean in the $20-30 range.  Some less if you shop with them often. 

I'll pursue, or at least I used to, via FFL for things generally couldn't find through LGS.  I would say I have a number of acquisitions through both LGS and FFL.

Yeah, I had a few transfers through one that charged $21, but he stopped due to covid when I checked early this year. Went through 808 Gun club for a transfer in Feb...$75

I'll have to check FFLs next go around...any recommendations?

Yeah, I had a few transfers through one that charged $21, but he stopped due to covid when I checked early this year. Went through 808 Gun club for a transfer in Feb...$75

I'll have to check FFLs next go around...any recommendations?

OGC.  If you're LE or Military Active Duty, they charge $25/firearm.  Regular price:  $40/firearm.

OGC.  If you're LE or Military Active Duty, they charge $25/firearm.  Regular price:  $40/firearm.

I'm not military, but I still go through OGC.  I prefer to go through a LGS bc they have regular operating hours, so I know they will be there when have to pick up the gun or do the paperwork.  check with them bc their store price could be cheaper than online.
I've gone through FFL from the home a few times but you are at the mercy of their personal schedule.  1 time i wanted to pick up the gun and FFL guy was at a breakfast for about 3-4 hours, another time he was in vegas.  at least the LGS has regular hours
I don't mind paying an extra $20 for convenience

OGC.  If you're LE or Military Active Duty, they charge $25/firearm.  Regular price:  $40/firearm.

I'm not military, but I still go through OGC.  I prefer to go through a LGS bc they have regular operating hours, so I know they will be there when have to pick up the gun or do the paperwork.  check with them bc their store price could be cheaper than online.
I've gone through FFL from the home a few times but you are at the mercy of their personal schedule.  1 time i wanted to pick up the gun and FFL guy was at a breakfast for about 3-4 hours, another time he was in vegas.  at least the LGS has regular hours
I don't mind paying an extra $20 for convenience

Thanks, next time maybe I'll send it to OGC, closer to town and like stang said, regular hours.

Thanks, next time maybe I'll send it to OGC, closer to town and like stang said, regular hours.

FYI.  Most popular sellers online already have the FFL license for most Hawaii FFL holders in their records.  If you start to purchase online, the check-out process may present a list to select your FFL from.  If the FFL you want to use is in the list, just pick it.  Nothing more to do.

If your FFL isn't in the list, you can forward a digital copy of the FFL's license to the seller. 

OGC makes that easy.  Just go to their website and act like you want to "buy" a firearm transfer by placing it in your cart.  The cost when you check-out is $0 -- you pay when you pick up the gun.  But the checkout process will notify OGC you are having a gun shipped to them, and it sends a copy of the FFL license to your email.  Forward that to the seller, and you should be set as far as starting the transfer and having it shipped.

https://ogctactical.3dcartstores.com/FFL-Transfer-Request_c_62.html

The "Buy" button to request FFL transfers is at the bottom of that page.

FYI.  Most popular sellers online already have the FFL license for most Hawaii FFL holders in their records.  If you start to purchase online, the check-out process may present a list to select your FFL from.  If the FFL you want to use is in the list, just pick it.  Nothing more to do.

If your FFL isn't in the list, you can forward a digital copy of the FFL's license to the seller. 

OGC makes that easy.  Just go to their website and act like you want to "buy" a firearm transfer by placing it in your cart.  The cost when you check-out is $0 -- you pay when you pick up the gun.  But the checkout process will notify OGC you are having a gun shipped to them, and it sends a copy of the FFL license to your email.  Forward that to the seller, and you should be set as far as starting the transfer and having it shipped.

https://ogctactical.3dcartstores.com/FFL-Transfer-Request_c_62.html

The "Buy" button to request FFL transfers is at the bottom of that page.

Thank you kindly.


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Can’t go wrong with either OGC and BNR!

Just don’t send your FFL transfer to Xring, they charged me almost $400 to do a transfer

Wow! I hope there were at least 10 firearms in that transaction, or somewhat special transfers. Never thought it was that outrageous at xring. I know the owner professionally.

Wow! I hope there were at least 10 firearms in that transaction, or somewhat special transfers. Never thought it was that outrageous at xring. I know the owner professionally.

Just a guess, but I imagine the transfer required the membership/subscription fees on top of the FFL fees.  Last I checked, they were charging $50 for the first firearm, and $25 for each additional firearm from the same seller & in same transaction.  That's for Internet_seller-to-Hawaii_Private_Buyer and FFL-to-FFL transfers.

Yeah, I had a few transfers through one that charged $21, but he stopped due to covid when I checked early this year. Went through 808 Gun club for a transfer in Feb...$75

I'll have to check FFLs next go around...any recommendations?

Brent Hamasaki.  The cheapest ffl I know of and he's great also 👍

Brent Hamasaki.  The cheapest ffl I know of and he's great also 👍

 

Wow! I hope there were at least 10 firearms in that transaction, or somewhat special transfers. Never thought it was that outrageous at xring. I know the owner professionally.

nope, just one. was the middle of the night and a rifle i always wanted popped up in stock on palmetto state armory, so i bought it quick and sent it to xring because palmetto had them as a preferred FFL and ive done transfers with them before. when it got there they called me and said they dont do FFL transfers anymore. so i found someone else to send it to and told them to send it, they said 350 for the fee +shipping. or i can pick it up from them for 350. so i went there, paid, it was around 375ish and told them they will never see my face again.

nope, just one. was the middle of the night and a rifle i always wanted popped up in stock on palmetto state armory, so i bought it quick and sent it to xring because palmetto had them as a preferred FFL and ive done transfers with them before. when it got there they called me and said they dont do FFL transfers anymore. so i found someone else to send it to and told them to send it, they said 350 for the fee +shipping. or i can pick it up from them for 350. so i went there, paid, it was around 375ish and told them they will never see my face again.

I'd be curious when this happened.  They absolutely do transfers now, and the have AFAIK since 2013 at least.  When I was shopping around for an FFL near me, I drove there and talked to them about prices.  I wound up using OGC, even though X-Ring is much closer to my home.

https://www.xringsecurity.com/ccms/index.cfm/services/