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AR15.COM
11/13/2004 10:11:51 PM EDT
What do I reason is there to buy in state anymore?

You save sales tax and you dont pay a store front mark up.

You simply pay a transfer fee.

If buying new I dont see how you can lose?
11/14/2004 1:42:12 PM EDT
[#1]
There isn't really any. It actual worked out to be about the same for me. But I next day aired the money order, FFl, and other extra expenses put me about the same cost. but if you calculate all the variables you could come out a little ahead or more.
11/14/2004 1:49:13 PM EDT
[#2]
I have bought quite a few pieces from out of state so far with great luck!

Just got a Glock 17 NIB 2 Hi Cap Glock Mags shipped to my FFL for 485 and my FFL is charging 25 for the transfer.

Can't even find a store asking under 500 (595 most places) with the old mags.

Just was wondering if there was something I was unaware of or missing here.

I really don't know how likely I would be to buy something used without being able to see it in person though (unless it was something I couldnt find local like the Derringer 357 Cop).
11/14/2004 4:38:03 PM EDT
[#3]
You could use a Escrow account then if you approve the buy the money is transfered to the seller. If I ever buy a NFA that is what I'm going to request or shipped to a neutral dealer for inspection.
11/18/2004 11:39:17 AM EDT
[#4]
But for the few dollars in savings...

Your money is being spent in another state and transfer fees alone aren't going to keep a gunshop in business.

Think about it that way.  I really like my gunshop and the owner has turned out to be a great guy to deal with.  
11/21/2004 7:58:29 PM EDT
[#5]
Umm, if you order something from out of state you are not CHARGED sales tax by the seller unless they have a MI tax license.  They are not responsible to collect the tax, but you are responsible to pay it at the end of year on your state return.  If you don't declare the tax-free out of state purchases and cough up the 6%, I believe you are committing tax fraud.

If buying new, you're unlikely to lose, because most guns work.  However, my gun shop, in exchange for the retail markup, does free smithing, if I have a problem with the gun they can't fix they box it up and send it to the manufacturer on my behalf, they do free sight adjustments and installs if I wish, they handled a recalled piece for me, just dropped it off at the shop, etc.  If you're gun shop doesn't treat you this way, I would understand why the mail-order price break would seem worthwhile.  But I've had defective Kahrs and S&W from the factory, and two used Smith's have experienced problems, and cost to me was $0, just hand it over the counter and wait for the phone call.  The local shop markup pays for itself in these cases.

Oh, and let's not forget the quick phone call I get before the coolest used pieces even hit the display cabinet.

-Dan