VWVortex


+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: First time gun buyer in Ca. What do I need to know or do?

  1. Member fixmy59bug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 9th, 2002
    Posts
    10,041
    Vehicles
    2013 Passat TDI, 1959 Vw Bug
    07-23-2012 09:37 PM #1
    So since this seems to be the unofficial gun forum, I figured I should ask here.

    I am looking at purchasing my first gun. I am familiar with and have fired many types of guns.

    But I have never owned one, so I do not know what is required of me.

    I know if I buy from a Firearms Dealer, I will have to go through a background check and a 10 day waiting period. But what about if I am buying a friends gun?

    Do I have to get a permit to own a gun? Once I purchase the gun, I am sure I have to register it. How do I do that?

    Also, Who can I call with the serial number to make sure it is clear? God knows I don't want to buy a gun that the police are looking for....

    Any advice is greatly appreciated.

    I think just for S&G I will also post this in the "Ask A Cop" forum on one of the law enforcement forums I visit...

  2. Member 1lojet1281's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 15th, 2003
    Location
    Huntsville, AL
    Posts
    1,196
    Vehicles
    03 Passat Wagon
    07-23-2012 10:33 PM #2
    Step 1. Move to another state
    Step 2. Acquire as many firearms as you can afford

    Haha, sorry I couldn't help it! . Seriously though I have no idea, hopefully someone else from that rediculous state can help you jump through all the crazy hoops. Good luck, and hope you enjoy your first purchase!

  3. Member UKGTI's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 12th, 2002
    Location
    Santa Barbara
    Posts
    5,371
    07-26-2012 12:55 PM #3
    If you are buying a friends gun it still needs to go through an FFL. Go into a store, run background and pay transfer fee. Not sure if there is a ten day waiting period on transfers. I would assume so given our laws.

    For handguns take handgun safety test which if you can't pass you have no right owning a gun in the first place.

    Ten day waiting period begins when the gun is in the possession of the FFL. So if he has to order a gun and it takes a week to get there, you will be waiting a week longer.

  4. Member fixmy59bug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 9th, 2002
    Posts
    10,041
    Vehicles
    2013 Passat TDI, 1959 Vw Bug
    07-26-2012 01:11 PM #4
    Thanks for the info.

    While I was waiting for a response, I also asked over on forums.officer.com where only registered license law enforcement officials are allowed to answer the questions asked and they pretty much told me the same thing.

    It has to be done through a FFL (Federal Firearms Licensed) gun shop. Failure to do so is a felony.

    The PPT (Person to Person Transfer) fee should be no more than 35 dollars (25 to the government for the transfer, $10 to the shop). There will be a 10 day waiting period during which time they will run my background. Once clear, I will be able to come pick it up.

    The officers did mention that there are no permits necessary for gun ownership unless I want a (notoriously hard to obtain in Ca) CCW. This handgun safety test you mention, Is it like a defensive driving course where it is not necessary but advised? I have found the paper test on the DOJ website and have printed it and studied it already. I think I should be Ok there.

    They also directed me to Calguns.net where I have found A LOT more information.

  5. Member dorifto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 22nd, 2003
    Location
    L.A.
    Posts
    2,194
    Vehicles
    91 nissan 240sx
    07-26-2012 06:55 PM #5
    yes, welcome to this state's retarded gun laws. for handguns, just know that whether you buy used or new, it has to be processed by an FFL (usually any gun shop), and there's always a mandatory 10-day waiting period.

    also, get familiar with the CA gun roster: http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

    the best thing to do is like you mentioned, just go on calguns.net. that site has everything youll ever need to know, and the members are usually always helpful. good luck!
    bazinga!

    psn: dorifto13

  6. Member
    Join Date
    Feb 11th, 2009
    Location
    Lewiston, Maine
    Posts
    4,022
    Vehicles
    2001 Wolfsburg Jetta
    07-26-2012 07:41 PM #6
    Holy crap! California is a retarded state I'm glad I live in Maine. They still celebrate Hiram Maxim day in Sangerville where people bring their machine guns to shoot.
    Quote Originally Posted by winstonsmith84 View Post
    Tax? I don't mind paying state sales tax. Every time a see a pothole, a school that is falling down or a canceled essential state program, I remind myself why.
    Quote Originally Posted by Tornado2dr View Post
    535 members of congress plus 1 pres screwing us all the time...that's dirty pirate hooker level gang rape.

  7. Member Power5's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 19th, 2001
    Location
    Cincy, Ohio
    Posts
    4,952
    Vehicles
    '99 XJ 6"-Aussied d44-35" TSL-XRC8 / '11 Sonata white yay
    07-26-2012 09:28 PM #7
    Wow, 10 day still? Is California the only state that does that? I just walk into my LGS and see a gun I like and pick it up. After the typical 30 minutes of paperwork I am shooting in their range.
    Aaron
    PSN: RealPower5

  8. Member fixmy59bug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 9th, 2002
    Posts
    10,041
    Vehicles
    2013 Passat TDI, 1959 Vw Bug
    07-26-2012 09:41 PM #8
    Quote Originally Posted by dorifto View Post
    also, get familiar with the CA gun roster: http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/
    That roster is for sales from a gun shop, correct? I checked the roster and the one I am looking at is not on there (Beretta PX4 Storm Type C), however it also says Private PartY Transfers are exempt from the roster requirement.

    Is this correct?
    Last edited by fixmy59bug; 07-26-2012 at 09:43 PM.

  9. Member dorifto's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 22nd, 2003
    Location
    L.A.
    Posts
    2,194
    Vehicles
    91 nissan 240sx
    07-27-2012 12:39 PM #9
    Quote Originally Posted by fixmy59bug View Post
    That roster is for sales from a gun shop, correct? I checked the roster and the one I am looking at is not on there (Beretta PX4 Storm Type C), however it also says Private PartY Transfers are exempt from the roster requirement.

    Is this correct?
    yup your best bet is getting it thru a PPT. if you MUST have it brand new, then youd have to find a shop that will do a Single-Shot Exemption (SSE) of the handgun for you.
    bazinga!

    psn: dorifto13

  10. Member fixmy59bug's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 9th, 2002
    Posts
    10,041
    Vehicles
    2013 Passat TDI, 1959 Vw Bug
    07-27-2012 02:11 PM #10
    OK.

    This is definitely a PPT, thus the whole reason for this thread. I am buying the gun from a friend.

    Thanks for all the help.

    I think I am set with what I need to know to legally purchase the gun.

    Next up, set up a target and backdrop in backyard and get lots of practice.















































    KIDDING!

  11. Administrator BHB's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 26th, 2004
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    28,733
    Vehicles
    '11 Grand Cherokee
    07-28-2012 01:50 AM #11
    Curious what you want the type c for? There are better guns out there if you want a gun without a strong safety.

    Not trying to talk you out of a PX4, i carry one daily, but seems like a lot of work for a civilian to get one off the roster, for a non mainstream pistol.
    Current: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi 4x4, 2013 BMW 650GS Sertao, BMW 1150RT
    Gone: 2010 Audi S4; 2008 GTI; 2007 Audi A6; 2004 Audi allroad 2.7T; 2001 Audi A6 2.7T; 1999.5 Mk4 Jetta VR6; 1991 Jeep Cherokee 4.0 4x4

+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts