I'm in CA, so people in other states probably have different experiences:
First thing is when you walk in the store you will probably see bad right wing memes posted on the walls. Generally really lame "let's go Brandon"-tier stuff, and possibly an attack helicopter joke. Just stick to the topic at hand, the people who work at the store probably know a lot about firearms but you don't want to get caught in a conversation about anything else.
Once you've picked your gun and checked to see that it's in good condition, you'll have to fill out some forms and do a background check, then wait for ten days to pick it up. You'll need two proofs of your address for the check, I've used my car registration and my renter's agreement. Don't lie during the process, that's a huge red flag for the seller - you can always go get some missing documentation and come back, no pressure. CA also requires that ammo purchases be subjected to the same wait period as guns, so if you want some buy it along with the gun so you can pick them up together.
If you're ordering a gun online you'll put your local gun shop in the shipping address field of the order form. You will probably need to get in contact with the store owner via email to get them to send a copy of their FFL to the online seller - call and ask the store how they prefer to do this. When your package arrives they should show it to you when you come to pick it up, but this is actually the start of the ten day wait and the background check, so expect to have to go to the store in person a couple times even for an online purchase.
Another thing if you're ordering a gun online from CA - MAKE SURE IT'S ON THE APPROVED GUNS LIST! I've seen people drop a grand or more for really nice pistols only to be told at the gun shop that they have to send it back, and there's no guarantee you'll get your money back if this happens. I don't know if any other state has something similar but I'll say as a catch-all that you should be very familiar with your state's gun laws before you spend any money.
Anyway once you've waited the ten days you go in and pick up your thing. Make sure you're ready to transport it legally - CA requires it to either be in a locked case or your trunk, other states maybe something similar.
By law, if you want to transport an out of state gun to CA, you have to send it to an FFL by mail. There's an exception if you're licensed in another state, but you won't be that unless you're a resident of that state and actually moving to or visiting CA. There's also an exemption if you inherit or are given the gun by a direct family member, but I think that only applies if you both are CA residents.
I've also been told that gun shows and stores in neighboring states will deny you a sale if they see that you have CA plates or DL.
Im under the impression that transporting across state lines is a nono. You would need to purchase the gun and have it sent to a licensed gun shop in Ca to do the same wait period.
I'm in CA, so people in other states probably have different experiences:
First thing is when you walk in the store you will probably see bad right wing memes posted on the walls. Generally really lame "let's go Brandon"-tier stuff, and possibly an attack helicopter joke. Just stick to the topic at hand, the people who work at the store probably know a lot about firearms but you don't want to get caught in a conversation about anything else.
Once you've picked your gun and checked to see that it's in good condition, you'll have to fill out some forms and do a background check, then wait for ten days to pick it up. You'll need two proofs of your address for the check, I've used my car registration and my renter's agreement. Don't lie during the process, that's a huge red flag for the seller - you can always go get some missing documentation and come back, no pressure. CA also requires that ammo purchases be subjected to the same wait period as guns, so if you want some buy it along with the gun so you can pick them up together.
If you're ordering a gun online you'll put your local gun shop in the shipping address field of the order form. You will probably need to get in contact with the store owner via email to get them to send a copy of their FFL to the online seller - call and ask the store how they prefer to do this. When your package arrives they should show it to you when you come to pick it up, but this is actually the start of the ten day wait and the background check, so expect to have to go to the store in person a couple times even for an online purchase.
Another thing if you're ordering a gun online from CA - MAKE SURE IT'S ON THE APPROVED GUNS LIST! I've seen people drop a grand or more for really nice pistols only to be told at the gun shop that they have to send it back, and there's no guarantee you'll get your money back if this happens. I don't know if any other state has something similar but I'll say as a catch-all that you should be very familiar with your state's gun laws before you spend any money.
Anyway once you've waited the ten days you go in and pick up your thing. Make sure you're ready to transport it legally - CA requires it to either be in a locked case or your trunk, other states maybe something similar.
can't you just drive to Arizona and Utah and buy a CA safe gun, and then drive back?
By law, if you want to transport an out of state gun to CA, you have to send it to an FFL by mail. There's an exception if you're licensed in another state, but you won't be that unless you're a resident of that state and actually moving to or visiting CA. There's also an exemption if you inherit or are given the gun by a direct family member, but I think that only applies if you both are CA residents.
I've also been told that gun shows and stores in neighboring states will deny you a sale if they see that you have CA plates or DL.
That would be a felony.
Im under the impression that transporting across state lines is a nono. You would need to purchase the gun and have it sent to a licensed gun shop in Ca to do the same wait period.
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You forgot to mention they need an FSC in CA before they even start the gun buying process.
Ah you're right, but that process is so easy that it's pretty forgettable.