I'm purchasing a long-gun from a priate party seller in FL (I'm in PA).  I went to a local gunshop, because as I understand it, I need an FFL on the receiving end to do the transfer.  The FFL gave me the first 3 and last 5 of his FFL number, and told me I could give that, along with his shipping/contact info to the guy in FL to send the gun to him.  Once it arrived in PA, I'd do the NICS check, and take my rifle home.  I verified with the ATF EZ-check that his FFL is valid using the first 3 and last 5 digits, and all is cool.  

What I need to know is, does the sender actually need a signed copy of the FFL?  This shop owner said he never sends a copy to a private seller, because he's worried about forgeries, and that he doesn't even need a copy of the FFL (only FFL to FFL transfers require an actual inked FFL he said).

Are we doing this correctly?  We're both pretty new at this..

take care,
mike

Essentially, he's correct.  Licensed dealers must have a signed copy of the receiver's FFL in hand to do the transfer, but unlicensed persons just need to satisfy themselves that the recipient is a licensee.

The EZ-check webpage at the ATF will do just that, given the first 3 and last 5 digits, so the sender can be assured your dealer is a licensee and it's legal for him to ship the rifle.