Firearm Purchase – Online

Are there any go-to sites for purchasing handguns online? I’ve never purchased online before, but am curious as to whether or not it’s a hassle. I’ve seen some good prices, but don’t know if some places are more reputable than others or not.

The wife is interested in getting into plinking and wants something that’s “hers.” I’m thinking a Walther P22 due to its simplicity, lack of kick, decent fit in small hands, and relatively cheap cost. It’s never going to be a carry gun or any source of protection. She just wants to be comfortable plinking on her own as a hobby and becoming more comfortable with a pistol (shooting grip, general handling, cleaning, breaking down, etc)

https://www.budsgunshop.com is the biggest or one of the biggest.

It’s pretty easy. You have to have it shipped to a FFL. Bud’s has a locator on their website. You don’t necessarily have to talk to the FFL before ordering but I would probably check with them first to ask what their price is, what their hours are, etc to find one you like.

When the FFL gets it in you will go there and show them your permit to purchase or carry permit and they will run the background check like if you were buying at a store. If it passes you take it home, if there is a wait you might have to go back later to get it.

You may want to check your local shop first.

Say Bud price is $179.99 on item X Free shipping but you local FFl wants $25 to transfer.
Their shelf price might be $199.99.

I have been burned before on FFL if I did not check them out first.

I thought about going the online route for my 1st handgun purchase as well. On new firearms I found out that after paying for the FFL transfer there wasn’t much if any savings over buying at a local shop. For only a few $ savings I decided to buy from a local shop. I like the idea of supporting a local shop. Used firearms is a totally different situation. often it is the only way to find a firearm you are looking for and often the savings may be well worth it.

I also think a .22 may be my next purchase. I’ve always wanted the Sig Sauer Mosquito. I just found out that Sig stopped making it in 2013. I do see there are still a fair amount of them available thru online sales locations. That may be the route I end up having to go to get one.

Been a big fan of this store. When I bought here since they are located in ohio there was no sales taxes. I am not sure if this has changed yet though.
https://www.sportsmansoutdoorsuperstore.com/

I’ve bought a lot online and the majority of the purchases have been great. Where I have gotten screwed is in the details. Just don’t make any assumptions. If the description doesn’t say enough info, ask and be prepared to walk away. I’ve passed on plenty because the answers to my questions were shady

fishthumper wrote:

I thought about going the online route for my 1st handgun purchase as well. On new firearms I found out that after paying for the FFL transfer there wasn’t much if any savings over buying at a local shop. For only a few $ savings I decided to buy from a local shop. I like the idea of supporting a local shop. Used firearms is a totally different situation. often it is the only way to find a firearm you are looking for and often the savings may be well worth it.

I also think a .22 may be my next purchase. I’ve always wanted the Sig Sauer Mosquito. I just found out that Sig stopped making it in 2013. I do see there are still a fair amount of them available thru online sales locations. That may be the route I end up having to go to get one.

I would not recommend a Sig Moquito… Pm if you want more details. they do not run great.

I’ve used Bud’s Gun Shop several times as well. No issues.

One thing to be aware of is that purchasing online does NOT negate any local restrictions you have to deal with. For example, here in Ramsey County (and most of the Twin Cities area’s counties), for handguns, and AR platforms we have to have a permit to purchase that is issued by the county Sherrif’s department.

So even though I’m buying online with Bud’s, it’s like the sale is still taking place here in the local area because I still have to provide my permit to purchase to the FFL. And the permit has to be filled out and submitted in hard copy, so that can add 1-2 weeks to the whole process.

Now that process would be part of the deal even if you walked in to Cabelas, but when buying online it’s up to you to figure out what hoops you have to jump through to avoid showing up at your FFL and then being told there are additional hoops to jump through.

Grouse

for handguns, and AR platforms we have to have a permit to purchase that is issued by the county Sherrif’s department.

So when did MN become part of Illinois??

I have purchased numerous guns from Buds and Reed’s. Both are great. I’m mean, if I owned any guns….
DT

… I knew there were hoops to jump through, but it sounds like I only anticipated one layer versus the 4 or 5.

How long are these “permit to purchase” things good for?

If there’s a time limit, I don’t see why purchasing multiple guns at a time wouldn’t be the best route to go. “Honey, think of it as one of your buy one, get one X% off deals at the local craft or clothing shops”

buckybadger wrote:

How long are these “permit to purchase” things good for?

A permit to purchase is good for one year I believe. But if you happen to have a permit to carry that will fill the requirement as well and is good for 5 years!

buckybadger wrote:

… I knew there were hoops to jump through, but it sounds like I only anticipated one layer versus the 4 or 5.
How long are these “permit to purchase” things good for?

If there’s a time limit, I don’t see why purchasing multiple guns at a time wouldn’t be the best route to go. “Honey, think of it as one of your buy one, get one X% off deals at the local craft or clothing shops”

I believe in Ramsey County the permit was good for 2 years.

What I recall is that the application had to be filed in-person, a driver’s license or other photo ID is required, and you don’t get the permit instantly. It took over a week to get the permit in the mail.

Others recently have told me this program is now statewide. I thought it was just the metro area counties, but that must have changed.

IMO based on the selection and savings I can get by buying guns online, getting a permit every couple of years is worth the hassle. While I would like to support brick and motar reatailers, the prices they are trying to charge especially for used guns are just silly stupid.

Grouse

Find an FFL first. Speak to them to make sure you are comfortable with them and their services. After that its easy.

I’ve bought and sold plenty of guns via online markets. The key is to find a good local FFL that won’t charge you $50 per transfer. The guy I use charges $10. If you purchase from a vendor that does not have your preferred FFL on file, you can request a copy from the FFL and send it to the vendor. It’s pretty simple. Many FFLs grumble about “all I ever do is internet transfers anymore” but the smart ones have cheap transfer prices and make way more money than the ones that think they will make more money by having a $50 transfer price hoping to drive the potential customer to buy from his display counter.