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What do I need to do to own a gun?

buck

buck

Lifer
OK, long story short, I just moved into a house with my wife. Talked her into buying a handgun. Found some online that I like, now what? I have used pistols, rifles, and shotguns when I lived in Ohio. However, I have never bought one.

I live in Washington state, I would like to buy one online, and only use it at a gun range or heaven forbid, in my house if some idiot decides to break in.

Thanks.
 
Depends on your state really. You would most likely have to have the weapon shipped to a dealer. For handguns a lot of states require you to be a resident of that state so make sure all your residency/drivers license reflects that.

Also just because it looks good and has the features you want from a website doesn't mean it will fit you well. Go to the range and try some different ones.
 
Buying online means they would have to ship it to a licenced gun dealer in your area I believe. Find your nearest gun dealer and ask them how it works as they should know.
 
Find gun online. Buy said gun.

Find a local FFL that will do the transfer for you. Have said FFL send a copy of his/her license to the person from whom you are buying the gun.

The seller will ship the handgun to the local FFL, who will then contact you to complete all the necessary paperwork and NICS check.

Pay your local FFL his/her fee (probably $30 or so) and go on your way.
 
Originally posted by: buck
OK, long story short, I just moved into a house with my wife. Talked her into buying a handgun. Found some online that I like, now what? I have used pistols, rifles, and shotguns when I lived in Ohio. However, I have never bought one.

I live in Washington state, I would like to buy one online, and only use it at a gun range or heaven forbid, in my house if some idiot decides to break in.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

best bet is to simply call a local gun shop and ask your state's requirements. Then shop online, once you find a deal find out what that online shop needs from you to get you the gun.

I'd hit up a gun show though...usually you can find online prices and you can save on the transfer fees. My dad picked up a marine edition Beretta 92 for $550 and a Inox for $780 (I think, it was $100 less than anywhere else)..both were new.
 
Originally posted by: spidey07
Depends on your state really. You would most likely have to have the weapon shipped to a dealer. For handguns a lot of states require you to be a resident of that state so make sure all your residency/drivers license reflects that.

Also just be cause it looks good and has the features you want from a website doesn't mean it will fit you well. Go to the range and try some different ones.
Click to expand...

That makes sense that they would ship it to a dealer. I have tried a few in Ohio and a glock would work for me. Now I need to find a dealer around here....
 
go to a shooting range, rent a couple guns and find one you like, go to local gun store and buy gun.

buying online means shipping the gun to someone with a FFL (licensed gun dealer) and having them transfer ownership to you.
 
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.

I am also in Washington State, here are the laws:

You will need to go, in person, to a firearms dealer to buy. If you find a firearm you like online, the dealer may (and I stress "may") allow you to have the firearm shipped to the dealer (for a fee that ranges from $30 to $50 depending on the dealer), who will then complete the transfer as required by law.

Since you presumably do not have a Washington state CPL, you will fill out all applicable paperwork, pay for the firearm, and then leave with a receipt (but not the firearm).

After the WA state background check comes through and the waiting period has passed, the dealer will call you and you can then return to pick up the firearm.

Be aware that many gun shops will refuse to transfer firearms that they can order themselves, so unless you're buying a used firearm online, you may have some difficulty finding a dealer who will transfer the firearm for you.

EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.



EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV
Click to expand...

Are you fing Crazy??? Wade's is the worst gun store in the state.

Go to West Coast Armory in Issaquah. They won't rip you off and they actually treat you with respect.

Wade's is charging WAY over MSRP on EVERYTHING.

Get your Carry Permit, then walk in and take your weapon home that day. Glocks can be hard to find, so decide early what you want.
 
I've shipped and have had guns shipped to me...although it was for repair.

I had to bring the gun to UPS and advise them a gun was in the package. Then I had to sign for the gun when it was delivered after repair.
 
Originally posted by: joutlaw
I've shipped and have had guns shipped to me...although it was for repair.

I had to bring the gun to UPS and advise them a gun was in the package. Then I had to sign for the gun when it was delivered after repair.
Click to expand...

Different situation (just to keep the OP from getting confused and thinking he can do the same thing when buying a gun).
 
Originally posted by: Mackie2k
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.



EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV
Click to expand...

Are you fing Crazy??? Wade's is the worst gun store in the state.

Go to West Coast Armory in Issaquah. They won't rip you off and they actually treat you with respect.

Wade's is charging WAY over MSRP on EVERYTHING.

Get your Carry Permit, then walk in and take your weapon home that day. Glocks can be hard to find, so decide early what you want.
Click to expand...

Wade's has been great to me. They've been under MSRP on everything I've bought from them. I've also had nothing but excellent service from them. I was in West Coast Armory once and got a very strong "buy something or get out" vibe that I don't get at Wade's. It may have been a bad day, but overall I was unimpressed.

Granted, Wade's is far from the cheapest place for ammo, but I buy that in bulk from Surplus Ammo down in Lakewood.

ZV
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.

I am also in Washington State, here are the laws:

You will need to go, in person, to a firearms dealer to buy. If you find a firearm you like online, the dealer may (and I stress "may") allow you to have the firearm shipped to the dealer (for a fee that ranges from $30 to $50 depending on the dealer), who will then complete the transfer as required by law.

Since you presumably do not have a Washington state CPL, you will fill out all applicable paperwork, pay for the firearm, and then leave with a receipt (but not the firearm).

After the WA state background check comes through and the waiting period has passed, the dealer will call you and you can then return to pick up the firearm.

Be aware that many gun shops will refuse to transfer firearms that they can order themselves, so unless you're buying a used firearm online, you may have some difficulty finding a dealer who will transfer the firearm for you.

EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV
Click to expand...

Great info! I plan on checking them out this weekend.
 
Definitely go to a range and rent some handguns. Try before you buy. Personally I am getting more partial to .45 Caliber then 9mm or .40. Try different calibers of the same gun also.
 
Originally posted by: buck
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.

I am also in Washington State, here are the laws:

You will need to go, in person, to a firearms dealer to buy. If you find a firearm you like online, the dealer may (and I stress "may") allow you to have the firearm shipped to the dealer (for a fee that ranges from $30 to $50 depending on the dealer), who will then complete the transfer as required by law.

Since you presumably do not have a Washington state CPL, you will fill out all applicable paperwork, pay for the firearm, and then leave with a receipt (but not the firearm).

After the WA state background check comes through and the waiting period has passed, the dealer will call you and you can then return to pick up the firearm.

Be aware that many gun shops will refuse to transfer firearms that they can order themselves, so unless you're buying a used firearm online, you may have some difficulty finding a dealer who will transfer the firearm for you.

EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV
Click to expand...

Great info! I plan on checking them out this weekend.
Click to expand...

If you go to Wade's, talk with Adrian (British guy). He has always been helpful to me and is willing to walk you through the options. Let him know that you're just looking for a basic home-defense firearm and he should be able to help you out.

ZV
 
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
Originally posted by: buck
Originally posted by: Zenmervolt
You cannot buy online and have a firearm shipped to you unless you hold an FFL from the BATFE. Since you're not a dealer and are not a collector, I'm going to assume that you do not have an FFL.

I am also in Washington State, here are the laws:

You will need to go, in person, to a firearms dealer to buy. If you find a firearm you like online, the dealer may (and I stress "may") allow you to have the firearm shipped to the dealer (for a fee that ranges from $30 to $50 depending on the dealer), who will then complete the transfer as required by law.

Since you presumably do not have a Washington state CPL, you will fill out all applicable paperwork, pay for the firearm, and then leave with a receipt (but not the firearm).

After the WA state background check comes through and the waiting period has passed, the dealer will call you and you can then return to pick up the firearm.

Be aware that many gun shops will refuse to transfer firearms that they can order themselves, so unless you're buying a used firearm online, you may have some difficulty finding a dealer who will transfer the firearm for you.

EDIT: Wade's in Bellevue is a good shop. Their prices are higher than some, but not bad and they have a very nice indoor range with numerous firearms available for range rental. It's a good setup to allow you to try out different options.

ZV
Click to expand...

Great info! I plan on checking them out this weekend.
Click to expand...

If you go to Wade's, talk with Adrian (British guy). He has always been helpful to me and is willing to walk you through the options. Let him know that you're just looking for a basic home-defense firearm and he should be able to help you out.

ZV
Click to expand...

Thats exactly what I want, i will ask for him.
 
Ohio requires no permits to buy and only a permit to carry. So go buy a gun. I typically wait until there is a gun show (lots of websites online to find ones nearby). It is typically cheaper to buy at a gun show. Then go get your carry permit and start wearing that bad boy everywhere.

I recomend the Walther PPS for everyday carry. It's small, easily concealed, and is a very nice high quality weapon for under 550.00.
 
Originally posted by: MedicBob
Definitely go to a range and rent some handguns. Try before you buy. Personally I am getting more partial to .45 Caliber then 9mm or .40. Try different calibers of the same gun also.
Click to expand...

I would be more partial to those calibers as well, but my wallet is partial to 9mm...box of 50 rounds is still about $5 or so cheaper than larger calibers...

granted, finding ammo instock anywhere nowadays is hit or miss...for large stores like Academy, your best bet is to find out what night the the trucks come in with ammo and then show first thing the next morning...
 
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