Author Topic: Best way to purchase a gun? (Read 627 times)

hardertr · « **on:** March 16, 2005, 03:04:49 AM »

I've had my eye on a Saiga for a few weeks now, and finally found the new importer (THANKS BigBill). I have a question on the best way to purchase it.

I can buy it direct from the importer, pay $15 shipping and another $25 for the FFL transfer on top of the listed price.

OR, I can try to talk my local dealer into getting it through his "buyer" and only pay tax plus his mark up (as I understand it).

Should the gun shop be able to purchase it below the importer's list price? Will he still probably end up tacking on an FFL fee and shipping?

When I asked around at the 2 shops in town a few weeks ago, the only answer I got was "we can't get anymore Saigas." That was when EAA dropped them, but before I knew about KyImports picking them up. Apparently, the shops only go through specific buyers...who only buy from specific importers (??)

The only reason I am asking HERE before I ask the dealer is....I trust these guys about as far as I can throw them. The 2 shops are the only retail gun stores within 2 hours of here, and they price accordingly.

Thanks in advance.

Bretzky308 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2005, 11:44:32 PM »

I say cut out the middle man if possible. Buy new and buy as direct as possible. Sell what you don't shoot and go out and get another new one.

jhm · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2005, 04:17:12 AM »

If their are only 2 dealers in the immediate area and you dont trust them, check the various pawn shops or your local shooting range I am sure their are more than 2 FFL licenses in that area.

JIM

Bretzky308 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2005, 12:25:35 PM »

Good call jhm!

Problem with dealers is that they can all too often be like car salesmen or surgeons. If you want car A and they have car B on the lot, you can be sure they will try to steer you away from car A and towards car B. Similar with a surgeon. You ask him what you should do, he's gonna say you should let him cut you, because that's what he's got to offer.

Point is, make sure, whatever you do, to get what you want. THEN find out how to get it. Like jhm said, there must be other FFL licensees in the area, one of them has to be willing to facilitate your transaction.

hardertr · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2005, 12:55:07 PM »

Well, I solved ALL of my problems yesteday! I stopped by one of the local pawn shops and asked about FFL transfers. The reply I got was "we don't charge our customers."

I didn't quite understand, so I straight out asked him how he makes money off of a transfer. All he asked was that I stop by occassionally and look at what he has, maybe buy something someday. SO I have a L1A1 on the way from gunsamerica with no FFL fee.

I did end up buying 10 boxes of Wolf 223 from him, but at $3.30 a box, he still hasn't made his $25 back. I almost feel obligated to buy a gun from him now...good thing he has a nice 10/22 in his rack that is priced right :grin: