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Can anyone recommend a good place to do an FTF sale on the south side of Houston, maybe around the Pearland area. I'm trying to arrange a meeting place to buy a handgun and have never done FTF before, so I'm looking for a place like a range/store where you can do that safely without scaring people ("2 guys with a gun, run!" ).

I'm not sure what the etiquette is for doing FTF in a store/range is, so any pointers there would be nice! I don't want to anger any business owners by using their property for a private sale, but I'm not sure if a big box store is appropriate either. I figure a range is probably a good place, but I don't really know.

Thanks!

I've wondered about this myself so I'll be following this discussion. As to your original question, if either of you are members of PSC, you do it there safely (assuming it doesn't break any rules I am unaware of). Best luck!

Bass Pro

You can come to my house, I'll protect you

bnc wrote:
I'm not sure what the etiquette is for doing FTF in a store/range is, so any pointers there would be nice! I don't want to anger any business owners by using their property for a private sale, but I'm not sure if a big box store is appropriate either. I figure a range is probably a good place, but I don't really know.

I've done a few FTF transactions (usually as a seller).
All have been done in the outer areas of a parking lot of a strip center or major store.
One of us will usually get in the others car/truck to avoid unwanted attention.

If you're buying a gun from a random stranger, I think a range would be ideal to check
the function of the gun while being in a public place and without raising any eyebrows.

ProDefense
20814 Gulf Freeway, #Q-80
Webster, TX 77598

Getting in a car with anybody raises eyebrows, unless you have a hard-hat, a lunch box and it is 5 in the morning.
I guess I have watched "COPS" too much and will go to my destination and then back home, I would go to a range if it was not busy like it often is on weekends, the cameras on malls and other stores can be quite good, not going there.
There are some parks where you should not even think about it, I am not paranoid but I do not want be a "suspicious person".

USA1 wrote:

bnc wrote:
I'm not sure what the etiquette is for doing FTF in a store/range is, so any pointers there would be nice! I don't want to anger any business owners by using their property for a private sale, but I'm not sure if a big box store is appropriate either. I figure a range is probably a good place, but I don't really know.

I've done a few FTF transactions (usually as a seller).
All have been done in the outer areas of a parking lot of a strip center or major store.
One of us will usually get in the others car/truck to avoid unwanted attention.

If you're buying a gun from a random stranger, I think a range would be ideal to check
the function of the gun while being in a public place and without raising any eyebrows.

I like to use a large parking lot that is visable from the main thoroughfare. Its easy to find and if it isn't too crowed and you have the description of the vehicle you are meeting, easy to find the other half of the transaction. About the "getting in someone else's car" part; nobady really notices any one anymore. People are too busy with cell phones, kids, grocery carts etc. to see how long one guy hops in another guy's car. People might notice you getting in or out of a vehicle but I doubt anyone will take notice or even be wise to the fact that you were only a parking lot passenger so to speak. Unless of course you meet at a truck stop and get mistaken for a lot lizard ...I kid, I kid. Bass Pro sounds like a winner.

Carry-a-Kimber wrote:

USA1 wrote:

bnc wrote:
I'm not sure what the etiquette is for doing FTF in a store/range is, so any pointers there would be nice! I don't want to anger any business owners by using their property for a private sale, but I'm not sure if a big box store is appropriate either. I figure a range is probably a good place, but I don't really know.

I've done a few FTF transactions (usually as a seller).
All have been done in the outer areas of a parking lot of a strip center or major store.
One of us will usually get in the others car/truck to avoid unwanted attention.

If you're buying a gun from a random stranger, I think a range would be ideal to check
the function of the gun while being in a public place and without raising any eyebrows.

I like to use a large parking lot that is visable from the main thoroughfare. Its easy to find and if it isn't too crowed and you have the description of the vehicle you are meeting, easy to find the other half of the transaction. About the "getting in someone else's car" part; nobady really notices any one anymore. People are too busy with cell phones, kids, grocery carts etc. to see how long one guy hops in another guy's car. People might notice you getting in or out of a vehicle but I doubt anyone will take notice or even be wise to the fact that you were only a parking lot passenger so to speak. Unless of course you meet at a truck stop and get mistaken for a lot lizard ...I kid, I kid. Bass Pro sounds like a winner.

I will also add that I feel better meeting someone who is a regular on this forum
as opposed to someone answering an ad from a gun trading/selling/buying website
that I have never met.

What is the name of the store on Beltway and 288, that is a great meeting place, is it Bass Pro?

Ldy AlliDu wrote:What is the name of the store on Beltway and 288, that is a great meeting place, is it Bass Pro?

Yep. I've used their parking lot as a meeting place myself.

I did one in the back part of the parking lot of barnes n noble off bay area. Neither of us got into the other car, we just opened doors to block some view and checked them out and traded. We were both CHL, but I did bring a friend. We had no probs. I think if you keep it somewhat discreet you won't have an issue.

Thanks for the replies, we ended up meeting at Top Gun, and I now have my first handgun.

Great, I am glad it went well.

I've done a couple of FTF's in the Bass Pros Shops parking lot. Smooth transactions each time.