Picking up a gun ordered to my FFL... any advice?

[Scott in Houston]

So, the gun is paid for and I'm supposed to receive on Friday.

When I go to my dealer to pick it up, is there anything I need to know that's different than a normal purchase?
In other words, if there's an issue with the gun, do I still sign for it or can you refuse to accept?

Just want to know my 'rights' and if there's anything I need to be aware of before it comes.

[fishfree]

I would think issues with the gun would have to be resolved with the seller- the transfer agent's role is probably only the FFL paperwork... and maybe local sales tax???

[AEA]

You can refuse to accept if it was sold by an out of state FFL but you pay the shipping back (and whatever your FFL will charge you to pack it and ship it back to the FFL. It should not be too much as FFL's can ship by USPS for cheap.

If you bought it from an individual and the individual sent it to your FFL, he cannot send it back to a individual. He would have to send it to another FFL for delivery back to the individual (more costs). You and the individual would have to haggle over who pays for that.

[Scott in Houston]

That makes sense. There's no sales tax though.
There's an FFL fee, but no tax since it's from another state.

I think you're right that I wouldn't want to stick the FFL with the issue, but my question is if there's something wrong with it, and I accept it, then there's no 'returning it'.
If I was at the store and saw damage, I just wouldn't buy it. But since it's coming in the mail, I shouldn't *have* to take it just because I'm not at the counter. Does that make sense?

[AEA]

I would think issues with the gun would have to be resolved with the seller- the transfer agent's role is probably only the FFL paperwork... and maybe local sales tax???

Local Sales Tax is not collected by any local FFL that transfers an incoming gun.

Only if the FFL is actually selling it and transferring it, then he will collect Sales Tax.

[AEA]

That makes sense. There's no sales tax though.
There's an FFL fee, but no tax since it's from another state.

I think you're right that I wouldn't want to stick the FFL with the issue, but my question is if there's something wrong with it, and I accept it, then there's no 'returning it'.
If I was at the store and saw damage, I just wouldn't buy it. But since it's coming in the mail, I shouldn't *have* to take it just because I'm not at the counter. Does that make sense?

It makes common sense. But, you should have considered that before you ordered it. Most sellers offer a 3 day inspection, but,.......then you have the hassle I posted above. Best to check every seller's feedback before doing the deal. Otherwise buy at a reputable store (still out of State if you want). Like Buds Gunshop or other similar.

[gwtrikenut]

The gun is yours no matter what is wrong with it. The FFL is just a middle man. He has nothing to do with the condition of the gun. He does not warranty it. He is not selling it. You have to sign for it and fill out the paperwork. As soon as you paid for the gun and it left the seller, it was your baby. There is no refusing it.
You can look, but I bet the seller has stated somewhere that he too is not responsible for the condition of the gun. That is the only bad thing about a purchase on line of a weapon. If the gun has any problems, you must return it to the manufacturer yourself. It is your gun.
Now you can get the receiving FFL to ship it back, if the seller will take it. Most likely not. He is going to tell you it is your gun, send it to the manufacture.

[Pawpaw]

A lot depends on where you bought it.

For instance, if you bought it from Bud's Gun Shop, their instructions tell you NOT to accept it from your FFL if you find a problem. Bud's will work with your FFL to get it shipped back.

[Scott in Houston]

Great... thanks guys.

I bought it from Vance Outdoors in Ohio. They're a reputable place.

A lot depends on where you bought it.

For instance, if you bought it from Bud's Gun Shop, their instructions tell you NOT to accept it from your FFL if you find a problem. Bud's will work with your FFL to get it shipped back.

Great advice! I did a little looking at their site and it says this:

"Once the firearm is ready to be picked up at your FFL, Please inspect the firearm thoroughly to make sure it is exactly what you ordered and that there are no defects with the firearm. If there are any problems whatsoever, do not accept the transfer!! We will gladly have the firearm picked up and returned to us at our expense and provide you with your choice of a replacement or full refund.

Once you accept transfer, the gun is considered used and must be returned directly to the manufacturer for warranty repair or replacement. "

Thanks guys. Sorry for asking a question I could have answered had I searched more on the site of the shop where I purchased.

It's a new Ruger SR1911. My first 1911... I'm pretty fired up!

[Bulldog1911]

It's a new Ruger SR1911. My first 1911... I'm pretty fired up!

I wouldn't do this for just anyone, but I'll make an exception in your case. I'll go pick it up from your FFL and accept the transfer into my name...Problem solved.

[Scott in Houston]

It's a new Ruger SR1911. My first 1911... I'm pretty fired up!

I wouldn't do this for just anyone, but I'll make an exception in your case. I'll go pick it up from your FFL and accept the transfer into my name...Problem solved.

That is sooo kind of you!

It comes in on September 31st.

[Mike1951]

The obvious solution is to contact the seller before you take possession and you and the two FFLs discuss the best course of action.

[mrvmax]

I can tell you that my policy is the buyer would pay for shipping and handling to send it back (and then be reimbursed by the seller if applicable). You should have asked the FFL before getting a firearm transferred. It is not the receiving FFL's fault if you purchased a firearm that is not as it was advertised. The receiving FFL's service to you is to receive the gun you purchased. He should help you send it back but not for free, you should pay him shipping plus a fee for his time and trouble if it needs to be sent back. Time is money for everyone, including the FFL you are picking it up from.

[Scott in Houston]

See a few posts above. The seller covers it.

I would never make a transfer agent lose time or money on a deal. I just wanted to know if there was a way to not actually "buy" it if there's an issue with the gun.

If you see what I posted above about their policy, both issues are addressed.

Thanks for all the responses.

[C-dub]

Bring some ammo and go straight to the range.