Posted on 08/14/2013 11:33:53 AM PDT by US Navy Vet
...I will be getting my FFL soon.
I am disabled and unable to relocate and do not have many options as far as travel to a nearby "Gun Store", so getting them shipped directly here or even close to here is looking more and more like the best option. Of course, I have not and could not *cough* consider purchasing any previously-owned weapons, as there are a couple of small lakes nearby and the chances of losing any of the collectable weapons that might be offered due to an unfortunate boating accident is rather large.
Any suggestions? Is it really that difficult to become certified to have them shipped to you, or do the more experienced FReepers here think it not too good an idea? Hate to wind up on some fedgov database, but I'm just pulling up blanks at this point.
There are so many good ones that your main considerations will be:
1 - Budget
2 - Size
3 - Steel or polymer
If you can just go out and buy something like a Kimber that’s a nice way to go.
Otherwise most any of those mentioned here are worth a look.
FWIW, I bought a Sprinfield full size and am happy with it.
I feel I got a good value for the price.
For a realistic idea on actual current selling prices check out:
Gun Broker - http://www.gunbroker.com/Firearms/BI.aspx
Guns America - http://www.gunsamerica.com/
Gunshop guys love to show you their stock and it’s a good way to get a feel for what’s available. Most will also do their best to be competitive on price so it pays to know what a particular gun sells for before you start to negotiate.
As poster #7 pointed out, many ranges rent guns which is a good way to try before you buy.
And don’t overlook pawn shops as a place to look and buy. You never know what you will find at some of the better ones. There are a few near by to me that have more guns for sale than many of the local gun shops.
When you filled out the FFL application, you specified a Place of Business and Business Hours. Expect visitors.
If the 1911 is good enough for the Marines, it is good enough for me.
After all, the .45ACP was specifically designed to kill muzzlemen, especially Juramentados.
Sig Sauer .45 220 excellant right out of the box.Easy cleaning as well.Unlike some 1911 variants.
If you want them shipped directly to you then you must become an FFL. The ATF only issues FFL’s for honest to goodness firearms related business. It can be run out of your house with no retail store front but it must be a business. There are soem guys still out there with FFL’s with out an actual business but the ATF is cracking down on them and revoking licenses. There is a lot of paperwork that must be maintained and you are open to inspection by the ATF anytime sans warrant. There is a speciall FFL license called a Curio and Relic or C&R FFL. It is only $35 a year it typically obtained by collectors. However, all the weapons you purchase must be 25 years or older... Go to the ATF site and you can find more info.
Yep and I get the “special” ATF “approved” Log Book coming from Amazon too.
You also need to get a holster. This is almost as important as the pistol itself. The wrong holster will make the gun uncomfortable, difficult to draw, and with really cheap holsters, you could even have the gun fall out onto the ground. Ask your friends if you can try on their concealment holsters and that will give you an idea of the type of holster you want to buy. Spend the money to get a good quality holster. It is worth every penny.
So far as getting the best price, you might check with local dealers to find who will charge you the least to receive a handgun. There is a dealer in my area who does this for only $25. Then you can go online to sites like GunsAmerica and GunBroker, find a great deal, and have it shipped to the dealer. This should save you a lot of money.
Hope this helps.
But is was NOT designed to be concealed carried, nor as a primary weapon as is usually the point of these threads.
I love my old school Springfield 1911 GI. If it was good enough for my grandpappy, it’s good enough for me. Plus it goes beautifully with my M-1 Garand.
http://home.comcast.net/~jsavga//1911/Springfield_GI-1.jpg
That being said, you won't be able to trade in guns/accessories banned at the state level. If you already possess them you may be able to transport them outside the state to sell, but you will not be able to bring them into your state. Also, having an FFL *is* going to attract attention from the Feds. You will be required to specify a business address and hours of operation. You should expect government visitors from time to time at that place and during those hours. A FFL is not a golden ticket by any means.
BATFE used to send them out gratis. I got a big honkin’ logbook when I got my C&R license. I guess the sequester hit that, too. ;-)
Are you an FFL?
Thanks for the tip, really appreciate it. The nearest known “Gun Shop” to where I am currently located is about 75 miles away. I would have to take the local county transit bus and transfer to the neighboring county bus just to get into the city, then have to stay overnight before returning the next day. Add to that the inability to know beforehand what was available, let alone within the price range I can afford, and then the added burden of completing the regis-forms of which I am not certain of what would be required for completion and ten-day waiting period on top of that before possibly being able to return to pick up the purchase... just a great headache. Even considered riding with a friend to a neighboring state relatively close by and trying there, but I hear there are some rather large difficulties with purchases or attempts thereof from another state. All info is appreciated.
It is really easy to find a good .45 auto now. At one time that wasn’t true. I can remember when Colts and Star model Ps were the only common ones. I also once had a Llama copy of the M1911. It was cheap and not as finely finished as the Colt but something about it always appealed to me. The fact that is was accurate and totally reliable were part of it.
I can remember the two best .45s I ever owned. One was a Frankenstein series 70 and the other was an Argentine modelo 1927. That used Argentine military model was the most accurate .45 I have ever owned and close to the most accurate gun period.
Longtime C&R with a lot of FFL friends. I was thinking of upgrading to an FFL this year but decided that I didn’t want the extra fed “oversight.” C&Rs generally coast under the radar because there isn’t much potential for us to abuse the privilege.
A C&R dealer cannot receive a modern handgun. They can only receive qualifying ‘curios & relics’ firearms.
My FFL “fee” was $230.00
That’s FFA Class, not Type.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Firearms_License
Types are the first column on the page. There are 9 of them. Only three Classes, however.
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