Why do FFL's around Middle TN charge so much to do private transfers?

[TMMT]

Why do FFL's around Middle TN charge so much to do private transfers?

I've only had the chance to shop around the Middle Tn area, so this could be a Metro Area Anomaly but why are so many FFl's here charging 35$, $45 and even $55 for a basic transfer?

I'm from Georgia and $35 was considered high, a couple of FFL's I used charged $10 and $15 respectfully.

Man...

[56FordGuy]

$10.00 goes to the state of TN for the background check. Some places price them at XX amount plus TICS ($10.00 background check), others include it in the transfer price.

[Westwindmike]

They just don't want to do them. That's what Specialty Arms told me.

[SavageSig]

Bellshire Hardware....

[TGO David]

Outpost Armory, Hero Gear, Guns & Leather all charge fair prices for their transfers and are actual gun shops. Belshire Hardware is... well... a hardware store. Fine for hammers and nails.

I prefer to help support the shops that support the TGO community.

[Guest Bronker]

Outpost Armory, Hero Gear, Guns & Leather...

I prefer to help support the shops that support the TGO community.

Roger that. I've spent ridiculous money at each of those. I too try to buy from inside the 'loop' of support. Plus, they have the best deals going anyway. I'll also say that I have saved lots of money and headaches by being able to obtain information and knowledge from the participation of representatives of those respective companies, prior to the sale.

Win-win-win.

[bukowski548]

They just don't want to do them. That's what Specialty Arms told me.

From my last visit I don't think Specialty Arms wants to sell their own guns either.

[TGO David]

From my last visit I don't think Specialty Arms wants to sell their own guns either.

Pricing-wise?

[Guest HexHead]

Outpost Armory, Hero Gear, Guns & Leather all charge fair prices for their transfers and are actual gun shops. Belshire Hardware is... well... a hardware store. Fine for hammers and nails.

I prefer to help support the shops that support the TGO community.

Well, that's a different issue entirely.

But it wasn't that long ago (at least to us old guys) that hardware stores sold guns on a pretty regular basis. After all, many consider them "tools".

Phi's a good guy and has the cheapest price in town on transfers and doesn't mind doing them. He can also pretty much get you whatever you want, again at some of the lowest prices around since he typically doesn't stock stuff. You just can't go in and fondle the merchandise and compare like you can at the store's you mentioned, and that's an important aspect as well.

[bukowski548]

Pricing-wise?

Pricing, service (or the lack thereof). They basically seem bothered by customers.

Sorry for the hijack, I'll second the local vendors. $25 seems to be the norm around here.

buk

[raydog1]

From my last visit I don't think Specialty Arms wants to sell their own guns either.

It depends on who you talk to there & when. I've had a mixed bag of experiences. Mostly good, but on a couple of occasions around lunch time, it seemed like I had to really pry to get any info out of a guy at the counter. I felt like he thought I was an undercover cop trying to get him to sell me some weed or something. And this was when I was the only soul in the store.

I've only used Tennessee Police Supply for transfers. He was great to do business with and I'd use him again in a heartbeat.

[Guest JHatmaker]

I guess for me it all evens out. I'd rather buy my stuff from said stores on here and also use them for transfers. They may be higher than other places, but the amount I save over the long haul giving them my business on other things kinda evens it out.

And like someone else said, I value the extra knowledge/experience they offer when buying something, and don't mind paying a little more for that. Some folks just want the lowest price, period, and that's fine; but I like shootin' the and learning new stuff.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Unfortunately, TN sales tax hurts local gunstores.

Here in Rutherford Co. it's 9.75%. Tithing to the government for every purchase is crap.

I feel sorry for local gunshops who have to deal with this.

[Guest ScottD]

Never had a problem with Specialty.

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Never had a problem with Specialty.

Last I checked they charged $65 for a transfer...has this changed?

[E4 No More]

Unfortunately, TN sales tax hurts local gunstores.

Here in Rutherford Co. it's 9.75%. Tithing to the government for every purchase is crap.

I feel sorry for local gunshops who have to deal with this.

Would you prefer a state income tax?

[Guest ScottD]

Last I checked they charged $65 for a transfer...has this changed?

Couldn't tell you on that, but I was referring more to the level of service and help they offer.

[E4 No More]

Couldn't tell you on that, but I was referring more to the level of service and help they offer.

Like he said, it seems hit or miss: however, that's the same everywhere I guess. I've had different experiences with Outpost, and that's why I look for Sherman when I go down there. The same with On Target too.

Edited October 2, 2009 by SWJewellTN

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Would you prefer a state income tax?

Obviously, of course not.

There are other states without an income tax that don't have TN's level of sales tax. I don't think it's an "either / or" proposition.

Not to "thread drift" too much, but I'd like to see tax reform get the attention that health care is getting.

[robin48]

Brighton Arms used to charge 35 and that included background. I had a gunshop in Millington Tennessee on Navy Road which will remain nameless ( Top Brass ) charged me 40 for the transfer, 10 for background and 3.90 tax.

[Guest GunTroll]

Herd a place up in Clarksville (think old family member;)) charges $150 to deter people from bothering them. I haven't see it for myself but thats what a guy told me when I transferred his gun for him. When I say I, I mean the shop I work at.

[GLOCKMEISTER]

Actually I think were right in line with everyone else at $30 plus TICS, if not I'll sure match the price. That price was the total. It included transfer fee and the tics/tbi check, and we offer a stolen check prior to getting the gun if the seller will give us the serial number. No one else offers that as far as I know. Its kinda like insurance. We also supply you with our FFL or fax/email it at no charge to the shipper. We have 18 years experience with these sorts of things, none of our competition can say that. Im actually known to have the best prices in this industry, actually we guarantee it. There is something you can say for customer service, and handleing transactions in a fast and timely manner... thats something you cant put a price on.

Sometimes cheaper isn't better...

We'd be glad to earn any of your business if given the chance.

[Semiauto]

Obviously, of course not.

There are other states without an income tax that don't have TN's level of sales tax. I don't think it's an "either / or" proposition.

Not to "thread drift" too much, but I'd like to see tax reform get the attention that health care is getting.

Unfortunately, any talk of "tax-reform" will only lead to more tax dollars being demanded by either government or the non-contributors. The non-contributors are closing in on 50% of the working class and they will not vote for a reform plan that causes them to pay taxes. Once they hit 51%, look out . . .

[Guest Todd@CIS]

Yeah, makes me think of the famous JFK quote.

Unfortunately, too many people are asking what their government can do for them.

I also see it in my job...we actually had a person call the Police Dept (on 911) because they had a hornet's nest in their garage! Seriously, I see this kind of stuff ALL the time. I think most people would be shocked at the stupid s&^t we deal with.

Sad.

[Guest Gun Geek]

Hey at least some of them only charge for guns you purchased somewhere else. At least in my experience. I was shocked to see that one gun shop (to remain nameless) charges $50.00 + $10 TICS on in stock firearms. I can completely understand charging a fee for a gun that someone is having sent through the shop and you didnt make anything on it. You have to log it through your books etc etc. But on in stock guns, you already had to log it through your books so why are you charging. Reminds me of the "Dock fee" for cars, why pay that fee if the car is already sitting on the lot. Needless to say I wont be purchasing any more firearms there.