Unfamiliarity, misinformation and politically motivated fake news deters many from shopping online for that special firearm. Shooting Illustrated asked three of the industry’s foremost retailers what the biggest myths are that prevent some enthusiasts from harnessing the advantages, and why they are wrong. A few of the responses were surprising.
“As a Federal Firearm Licensee, guns.com follows all BATFE regulations, including only shipping via common carrier to your chosen local Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) for transfer,” Will Altherr, guns.com senior marketing manager, explained in an e-mail. “No firearm purchased online may be mailed directly to your home address according to federal law GCA 1968.”
“All guns purchased online from a licensed dealer must still be physically transferred to the purchasing party at an FFL dealer premises,” Bryan Tucker, CEO of Davidsons—owner/operator of galleryofguns.com—confirmed. “Galleryofguns.com ships a purchaser’s firearm directly to a licensed dealer in the purchaser’s local area where the purchase is finalized ‘in person.’”
“Once the firearm hits your FFL, then all the usual paperwork, background checks and other legal requirements kick in,” explained Allen Forkner, vice president of Public Relations and Brand Management at gunbroker.com. “This makes sure all sales are done according to federal, state and local laws. This is as much to protect you the buyer as it is to stay in compliance. Your local FFL will know all the local laws and what items may or may not be allowed in your area.”
Altherr confirmed, explaining, “Adherence to all Federal, State, and local regulations, including a background check, is required for transfer at your chosen local FFL dealer.”
“I can’t speak for all online sales sites,” Forkner admitted, “but GunBroker is constantly monitoring sellers and buyers to make sure they are legitimate and selling valid goods. We have exceptionally robust and independently tested security protocols and systems in place to help ensure that you can safely and confidently buy and sell on GunBroker.”
“When buying a firearm online, it is very important to buy from a highly reputable source such as guns.com,” Altherr advised. “Guns.com has been buying and selling firearms online since 2018, and has implemented secure measures to make sure customers have the safest and most convenient way of shopping and purchasing the most sought-after firearms, with thousands to choose from.”
“At GalleryofGuns, and many other sites, you can obtain a specific purchase price for most new firearms,” Tucker explained. “Auction items many times are used on one-of-a-kinds, or custom/commemorative firearms that are limited in availability.”
“While many online sales are done in the auction style, on GunBroker we have a pretty balanced mix of auctions, buy-now listings and our ‘Take a Shot’ feature, where buyers can make on offer on a product and often get firearms at a better price,” Forkner noted. “In general, each format has its own benefits. For example, auctions can lead to some really outstanding values.”
“Probably the biggest misconception out there is that you have no recourse if you get a damaged item,” Forkner continued. “There are several ways you can address any issues you may have once you have product in hand. Many sellers offer returns, credit card companies provide buyer protections and shippers also have damaged-goods claims. If you think the seller may have misrepresented the product, you also may be eligible to file a claim under our Buyer’s Protection Program. You can also buy a warranty through GunBroker, which is an inexpensive way to make sure you’re protected.”
“At Davidson’s, when we sell firearms to dealers, the customer [who] purchases that firearm from the retailer is covered by our Lifetime Replacement Program, that not only covers any product issue that you may have when you receive the firearm, but as long as you own the gun,” Tucker wrote. “All new guns sold at our consumer website galleryofguns.com and shipped to a purchaser’s local dealer are covered. “
Shipping is rapid, according to Altherr. “[B]uying a firearm online from guns.com can get you your firearm in two to five business days. Then all you must do is pick it up at your local FFL.”
All the experts agree. It’s easier and safer than ever to find or compare prices for that special gun from the comfort of home. But, you still must go to your FFL to take possession of your firearm.
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