How to Buy a Gun Online: FFL Transfer Fees, Hidden Costs, and Smart Shopping Tips
- Durand
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
Affiliate Disclosure
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only share links I believe are useful to my audience.
If you read the first post, then you should be familiar with the theme of buying smart before you buy wrong.
If you have not read Part 1 yet, start there first. It covers discount programs, hidden costs, and how to avoid buying the wrong gun.
Now let’s talk about the online side of it.
Buying a gun online can seem like a straightforward way to save money and find exactly what you want. Generally, you will see a larger selection and multiple options. Yet many buyers get caught off guard by extra fees and unexpected steps that turn a good deal into a frustrating experience.
If you focus only on the listed price, you might miss important costs like shipping, transfer fees, taxes, and processing charges. This guide will walk you through how buying a gun online actually works, explain the fees involved, and share smart tips to avoid surprises.
Online vs Local Shop (Quick Reality Check)
Online can be a good deal if you:
Understand transfer fees
Use reputable sellers
Compare total cost, not just listed price
Local shop can still win if you value:
No shipping
No transfer fee (if buying in store)
Faster support
Hands on comparison before buying
Sometimes local is the better deal once everything is added up.
How Buying a Gun Online Actually Works
When you buy a firearm online, the process is different from ordering most other products. Federal law requires that guns do not ship directly to your home. Instead, the firearm must be sent to a licensed dealer, known as an FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee), where you complete the necessary paperwork and background check before taking possession.
Typical Process
Find the firearm you want on an online retailer’s website.
Choose a local FFL dealer to receive the firearm.
The seller ships the gun to the selected FFL.
You visit the FFL, complete the paperwork and background check.
If approved, you pick up your firearm from the FFL.
This process ensures compliance with federal and state laws but adds steps and costs that many buyers overlook.
Navigating FFL Transfer Fees
An FFL transfer fee is the charge your local dealer applies for handling the firearm once it arrives. This fee covers:
Receiving the firearm shipment
Logging the firearm into their inventory system
Storing the firearm until you pick it up
Processing the transfer paperwork
Note: Each FFL has different rules on how long they will store your firearm before you pick it up. Also, the background check may be a separate fee depending on your dealer and your state. This fee is separate from the price you pay online for the gun itself.
Let's now consider this
A gun might look cheaper online, but once you add:
Shipping fees from the seller to the FFL
The FFL transfer fee
State and local taxes
Possible extra processing fees
The total cost can be equal to or higher than buying from a local store.
That is why it is essential to calculate the total before making a purchase.
For example, if a firearm is $500 online and $550 in store, the online option may not be the better deal once you add a $60 transfer fee and shipping. That would put you at $560 before shipping, and possibly more after tax. Weigh your options.
Call the FFL Before You Order
One of the simplest ways to avoid headaches is to call the FFL dealer you plan to use before placing your order.
Ask them:
What is your transfer fee?
Do you charge any extra processing fees?
What forms of payment do you accept?
How long do you typically hold the firearm for pickup?
Getting this information upfront helps you avoid surprises and makes sure the FFL is willing to work with you. Some dealers have stricter policies or higher fees, so it pays to shop around locally too.
Shipping Fees and Timing Considerations
Shipping a firearm involves special handling and legal requirements. Firearms are generally shipped on 2-Day shipping.
Keep in mind:
Processing times can vary from a few days to several weeks.
Once processed, it will ship with the 2-Day option.
Delays may occur due to background check processing or FFL availability.
Plan your purchase timeline accordingly, especially if you need the firearm by a specific date.
Taxes and Legal Requirements Vary by State
When buying a gun online, you must pay attention to your state’s laws. Some states charge sales tax on firearms purchases, while others do not. Additionally, certain states have restrictions on specific types of firearms or magazines.
Before buying:
Check your state and local tax rates on firearms.
Verify if your state requires additional permits or waiting periods.
Confirm the FFL dealer is licensed to transfer firearms in your state.
Failing to comply with these rules can cause delays or legal issues.
How to Spot a Reliable Online Seller
Not all online gun sellers are created equal. To avoid scams or poor service, look for signs of a trustworthy retailer.
Quick Credibility Checklist
Look for websites that:
Clearly state firearms ship to an FFL
Have real contact information
Explain shipping and transfer steps
Show return or cancellation policies
Look professional and up to date
Also look for:
Positive customer reviews and ratings
Responsive customer service that answers your questions promptly
Clear information about shipping, transfer fees, and return policies
A reputable seller will be transparent about costs and procedures. If you come across "See Price in Cart" that indicates they are advertising the price lower than the manufacture allows and is a normal occurrence.
This is the time to trust your intuition.
Before you click Submit
Make sure you understand the hidden costs you may not have factored in yet. Skipping this step can hit your budget.
Check your local laws
Make sure you are using a reputable retailer
Confirm your FFL transfer fee
Check shipping cost
Read the return or cancellation policy
Confirm the exact model or variant
Compare your total price, not just the listed price
Examples of Online Sites I Trust and Others Commonly Use (Starting Point)
At this point, you know what costs to look for, what questions to ask your FFL, and how to spot red flags. Now let’s talk about where people commonly start shopping online.
I get asked this a lot, so here are a few places people commonly start when buying online.
This is a starting point and does not include every site I have purchased from. I am not saying these are the only places to buy, and I am not guaranteeing every transaction just because a site is popular. Still do your homework on the exact seller, listing, policies, and your total before you buy.
Large Online Retailers (Common Starting Points)
Established retailer with firearms, parts, accessories, and gear. Good place to compare options and supporting equipment.
Popular option for firearms, parts, and bundles. Always compare the full setup and not just the advertised base price.
Good place to compare models and read product details. They also explain the online gun buying process and FFL pickup steps.
Large retailer with online ordering and pickup or transfer options depending on your location.
Well known outdoor retailer and a common place people start when comparing inventory, pricing, and in store pickup options.
Commonly used site for new and used firearms. Read listing details carefully and compare total cost after fees and shipping.
Industry Discount / Pro Deals Platform (gear and eligible brand discounts)
Not a traditional gun retailer, but a discount platform that can give qualifying users access to pricing on gear and some firearm related brands. Great for accessories, equipment, and industry pricing opportunities if you qualify. It is worth checking before you buy full price.
Marketplace / auction option (extra caution, compare carefully)
Large marketplace for new and used listings. Useful, but read listings carefully and pay attention to seller ratings, condition details, shipping, and fees.
*Important* - Remember to avoid Straw Purchases. Check with your local FFL if you have questions.
Do Not Forget the Rest of the Setup
Keep in mind, that you still may need to purchase.
Ammo
Holster and belt
Optic or light (if needed)
Safe/Lockbox
Especially if you are using your tax refund, protect your investment.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Buying a Gun Online
Buying a gun online can save money, but only if you understand the process and the real cost. Do not get locked in on the lowest advertised price.
By taking these steps:
Compare total costs including price, shipping, transfer fees, and taxes.
Contact your local FFL before ordering to confirm fees and policies.
Research state laws to ensure compliance.
Look for promotions or discounts that include transfer fees or shipping.
Read reviews of both the firearm and the seller.
Being patient with shipping and transfer times to avoid frustration.
You can make a well-informed purchase that saves money and avoids surprises. That is how you avoid turning a deal into a headache.
-The Educator
If you want help pressure testing a purchase before you buy, reach out with your budget, what the gun is for, and the model you are considering.
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