FAQ Buying a used gun Questipn

[geomarr]

Hey guys,
New to this page and I'm super thankful for the information available for noobs like me. I'm 21 years old and I'm looking to buy my first gun, I have my FFL and have gone shooting pretty frequently with friends and family. I was just wondering when buying a used gun is there anything I have to bring or anything I should expect when making my first purchase? Do I still have to wait 10 days until I can go pick it up? Also looking for any first gun recommendations, I was shooting my girlfriend's dad's VP9 and I fell in love with it. I appreciate any info thanks guys!

 

[Appropriate_Sky_8043]

Hi - welcome! You have an FFL or you have your FSC? I think you mean the latter, in which case there’s some other docs you’ll need to bring for an FFL to facilitate the transfer between you and the seller. The FFl I typically use for PPT sales has a really good guide for first time buyers and firearm transfers in general: https://www.ugimports.com/blog/what-is-the-process-to-buy-a-gun/

Good luck and happy shopping!

 

[Erikilla408]

Birth certificate if not a real id, proof of residency like car registration I think, and if a gun is off roster u better have a 10 round mag because u need to perform the safe handling demonstration

 

[Frank Castle]

What you will need:
1. California ID or Drivers License
2. Firearms safety certificate
3. Proof of residency that matches the address on your CA ID or Drivers License.
-What works for proof of residency: rental agreement, government utility bill, car registration, and possibly more.
4. Cash to purchase firearm

What to expect:
1. Expect to fill out a Private Party Transfer form/DROS.
2. Expect to pay for a DROS (dealers record of sale) and possible store fee for a used gun (private party transfer).
-I would call stores to find out if they charge fees for private party transfers and choose the lowest costing store. A lot of small stores will try to rip you off with these fees, I'd say $10 is fair. Keep in mind most stores did not even charge fees up until couple years ago and some rare stores still do not. Here is a good thread that reviews PPT fees (not all up to date): https://caguns.net/threads/ffls-that-do-ppts-for-47-19.26096/
3. Expect to purchase a gun lock. I would call a store and ask how much they sell locks for, they will try to rip you off here too ($6-$9 is fair). Compare prices online at your local big chain stores. You can also purchase a lock yourself within 30 days of the private party transfer but you must bring your receipt proving the lock was purchased within the past 30 days. If you decide to purchase a lock yourself, bring the lock and receipt in during the day of private party transfer. Some stores do not require you to bring in a new lock but most do so definitely call and confirm. Also if you own a safe you can bring proof that you own a safe and you won't have to purchase a lock but you will still need to bring a lock to safely transport firearm back and forth.
4. Expect to wait 10 days.
5. Expect to demonstrate that you know the purchased firearms safety mechanisms/handling when you pick up the firearm.
6. Last but not least expect to wait inside the store for a while you do all of the above.

As for your first gun try some out at the firing range or try your friends/familys out then make your decision. Black friday is coming up in a couple months and you can find a killer deal during then too. If you purchase new you will have to still pay for a DROS but you won't have to pay a private party transfer fee or purchase a lock but expect to pay heavy sales tax.

Good luck!

 

[Gawernator]

Don't pay more than $47ish for a PPT on your first used gun. They are breaking the law if they charge more than that and some shady shops will do it

 

[echo1]

Ask the FFL you intend to use what the store policy is if there's a delay, then an undetermined. Will save you grief if there's some hitch in your processing. PAX

 

[EliteArmoryCV]

If you are buying a used gun from a store, double check the date that the store received the gun from the seller - used guns must sit for a 30-day period before being released for DROS. At our store, you are able to pay for the gun in full and then begin DROS once day 30 rolls around. Other stores may have different policies.

While used guns are a great way to go - a lot of owners treat their guns as talismans and never shoot them - be advised that used guns, while cheaper, are typically sold as-is. Having a manufacturer's warranty from a factory new gun is great to have, especially as a new owner, but if you find a gun you love at a great price, don't be afraid to buy used!