I'm interested in buying a handgun from someone who is located in PA. Is it required that this transfer go through an FFL on both ends? I know that for rifles I've just had it shipped to my FFL by a private individual, but was wondering if the rules are the same for a handgun.

Thanks.

Mech

Really depends on the Dealer: Some Dealers will only accept a handgun (or any other firearm) from another FFL holder.
Mine will accept a handgun from most verifiable sources, after all it's going to be logged on and the information (sn#, cal, where it came from, etc.) all goes on a form to the NYSP, it's really no different having a handgun shipped in to NY than a rifle just more B.S. & paperwork.
BEST BET: Check with whoever you want to receive it FIRST, understand and agree on what's to transpire, it'll make the whole process much easier and there'll be no surprises.  

not completely sure what the actual RULES are, but all the dealers I work with will only accept a pistol transferred to them by another dealer.

Thanks for the info. In this case, the seller turned out to be a flake anyway, so my search continues.

And don't forget about Cobis................

Only applies to New guns...