Registering a new gun

[BDB]

I could call around and find this out, but I figure somebody here can tell me pretty quick.

I am looking to pick up a used revolver very soon. If I buy it in a private sale (not from a registered gun dealer) do I have to use a registered dealer for the transaction? I assume I do. Do these agents have a standard price (percent of sale) or something else? If not what is a good price for this service? What other fees will I have on top of purchase price? Background check etc.

Oh yeah, I am in CA.

Thanks,

BDB

[bubba]

Most places will only charge a DROS fee if its transfer of ownership. If you are purchasing from another dealer(out of state or otherwise), some places will tack on a percentage. Yes, you must trnasfer and do the 10 day waiting period. There are some exceptions, but its best just to do it through ffl. Not sure if you need to have the new handgun certificate for private party transfers.

[DKScott]

The buyer must have a "safety" certificate and the gun will be registered. Not sure if you have a problem if you acquired the gun without paperwork after August 1992

[BDB]

I have had all of my guns for over 10 years now and brought them with me when I came to the US from Canada. The only thing I have is a firearm and bow safety training certificate from nova Scotia. Will that cover the req. for CA?

maybe I'll just buy from a dealer and save myself some hassles......

[Raully]

Its the same as buying a new one. I just went through it all about a month ago. You will need the safety cert. and ten day waiting period. Not to mention a California approved lock or safe. I even had to furnish a utility bill.

[Rick]

I think most of the dealers charge a fee on top of the DROS (background check and registration) for private party transfers. After all, they are not making anything on the sale. Some charge quite a bit since you are not buying a gun from them. In either case, if you go through a FFL dealer, you will need the new certificate.

[waksupi]

If the seller will do it, keep it private, buy it and keep your mouth shut. Do you REALLY want the government to know every firearm you own? Your state laws are already far past being unconstitutional on firearms.

[BDB]

waksupi,

Interseting suggestion but I have no plans on making illegal gun purchases. California is strange enough with it's rules, the last thing I need is to have some issue down the road and be in posession of an illegal handgun.

I have absolutely no issue with the gov knowing what guns I own. I come from Canada where gun control (handgun anyway) is much more strict so I don't have an issue with it.

[DKScott]

BDB,

One other thing. For a number of years (I don't know precisely when it started), California has required that new residents register their handguns within 60 days of arrival. It's one of those goofy laws that practically no one has heard of or pays any attention to and I've never heard of anyone coming to grief over it, but you might be careful not to say anything to the FFL that will make him reach for some other form or whatever.

Correction: Sorry, I just read your initial post. I forgot you're buying not selling.

FWIW, If the gun is not already registered, a paperless transaction between residents, though illegal, would not likely ever be detected and probably occurs frequently. Not advising anyone to break the law, just making an observation