Illini2A312 Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:10 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:10 PM Hi guys, Looking to buy my first handgun soon at a store in the Chicago area. I've done some general reading on the BG check/waiting periods but wanted to know exactly what I should expect when I go. Are there any important things/tips I should know about (besides making sure to bring my FOID/DL)? Also, what are the FTIP wait times like currently (I've heard a good amount of people have been delayed recently)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Fife Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:19 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:19 PM Bring some form of payment. Youll need a driver's license or State ID card.Probably better to purchase it alone so that you don't get accused of being a straw purchaser. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soundguy Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:24 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:24 PM Should be pretty easy. Select gun to buy.*I agree with Mr Fife on doing it alone*Pay for it.Fill out the form, be sure to read each question as you answer them. Return 3 days later to pick it up... unless there is a delay. My check has always gone thru instantly. This is not the case for all FOID holders. I hope yours is approved right away! Last step... practice safely at the range as often as possible and have fun! Caution... many find this leads to additional acquisitions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagoresident Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:40 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:40 PM Always ask if there's a cash discount Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikew Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:45 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 06:45 PM Resist the urge to buy two or more handguns at the same time, or within a 5 day period.Doing so makes you a "multiple purchaser" in the eyes of the feds, and requires some reporting by the FFL.it's not really a big deal except the previous Chicago mayor successfully sued for a list of multiple purchasers.Best to wait a week.However it's no big deal to add a rifle or two on to your purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini2A312 Posted August 17, 2018 at 07:23 PM Author Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 07:23 PM Thanks everyone, this was helpful. My check has always gone thru instantly. This is not the case for all FOID holders. I hope yours is approved right away! Is it true that common names often get delayed (have a Polish-sounding last name so don't know if this will help/hurt in this instance)? Always ask if there's a cash discountThe store does offer a 3% cash discount but unsure if I want to go this route. Resist the urge to buy two or more handguns at the same time, or within a 5 day period.Doing so makes you a "multiple purchaser" in the eyes of the feds, and requires some reporting by the FFL.it's not really a big deal except the previous Chicago mayor successfully sued for a list of multiple purchasers.Best to wait a week. However it's no big deal to add a rifle or two on to your purchase.Haha only planning on getting one for now, anything more than that would be a stretch budget-wise (esp. with our absurd state/county taxes). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagSlap Posted August 17, 2018 at 07:51 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 07:51 PM (Walks into Gun Shop....) :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chinto Posted August 17, 2018 at 10:17 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 10:17 PM One tip before you purchase, if possible test fire the guns you may be considering first. If you buy your gun at a dealer with a shooting range this is the best way to decide which gun to buy unless you have already fired your chosen gun. Shoot Point Blank will let you do this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiliconSorcerer Posted August 17, 2018 at 10:31 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 10:31 PM Before you buy a firearm in a brick and mortar make sure you price shop it on gunbroker.com , I'm sorry to be the poop for local stores, but depending on what you want the price difference could be quite substantial and worth finding a local FFL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpdesk9 Posted August 17, 2018 at 10:33 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 10:33 PM Honestly, if a dealer ever accused me of trying to make a straw purchase because I had another person with me, I would buy somewhere else, then bring the receipt in to show them the sale they lost. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiliconSorcerer Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:16 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:16 PM Honestly, if a dealer ever accused me of trying to make a straw purchase because I had another person with me, I would buy somewhere else, then bring the receipt in to show them the sale they lost. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk They won't accuse you unless your underwear is showing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Fife Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:38 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:38 PM https://youtu.be/ejmYK-7PGm4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:43 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:43 PM Honestly, if a dealer ever accused me of trying to make a straw purchase because I had another person with me, I would buy somewhere else, then bring the receipt in to show them the sale they lost. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk Ive not seen a dealer accuse but have seen them decline a sale. Usually when second person whispering into "purchasers" ear directing guns to pick up, look at etc, or second person giving money to "purchaser" or other similar activity when second person cant produce a FOID. One incident I recall, the "friend" was from out of state. These may have been legit and Ive certainly gone with a friend before but think dealer had reasonable doubts in those cases. Theres just something about the way they acted. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:56 PM Share Posted August 17, 2018 at 11:56 PM Think about accessories you may want/need...magazines/mag loader or speedloaders, cleaning kit, etc. While you may usually get cheaper online, some places may offer a discount at time of purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aka Posted August 18, 2018 at 01:14 PM Share Posted August 18, 2018 at 01:14 PM Make sure you spend sometime with the gun on a range before purchasing it. The best way is to go to a range and rent the gun. Shoot Point Blank will let you change guns as many times as you want in an hour. Try out a few of the guns in the same caliber. Once you have decided on the gun shoot at least 100 rounds so that you are sure it is for you. Good Luck and have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blck10th Posted August 18, 2018 at 10:35 PM Share Posted August 18, 2018 at 10:35 PM Make sure you spend sometime with the gun on a range before purchasing it. The best way is to go to a range and rent the gun. Shoot Point Blank will let you change guns as many times as you want in an hour. Try out a few of the guns in the same caliber. Once you have decided on the gun shoot at least 100 rounds so that you are sure it is for you. Good Luck and have fun. I agree with this 100%. You do not want buyers remorse because you just bought what everyone else says is what is best. I have had buyers remorse a time or two. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Euler Posted August 18, 2018 at 11:26 PM Share Posted August 18, 2018 at 11:26 PM ... You do not want buyers remorse because you just bought what everyone else says is what is best. ... Is it buyer's remorse if you think about getting a different gun about a year after you got the last one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DomG Posted August 18, 2018 at 11:48 PM Share Posted August 18, 2018 at 11:48 PM Before you buy a firearm in a brick and mortar make sure you price shop it on gunbroker.com , I'm sorry to be the poop for local stores, but depending on what you want the price difference could be quite substantial and worth finding a local FFL. This is great advice. I haven't bought a gun from a brick and mortar store in years. I find deals online, buy from them and ship to my buddy who has a FFL. The online retailer usually has a list of local FFL to use if you don't know one. Savings can be substantial if you don't mind waiting a few extra days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini2A312 Posted August 19, 2018 at 06:16 PM Author Share Posted August 19, 2018 at 06:16 PM Thanks guys, I do have one picked out (S&W M&P model) but I'll probably try it one more time while I'm there just to be sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DomG Posted August 19, 2018 at 08:16 PM Share Posted August 19, 2018 at 08:16 PM Thanks guys, I do have one picked out (S&W M&P model) but I'll probably try it one more time while I'm there just to be sure.Which one? I have a few. M&P Bodyguard 380, Shield 9 (I have two), Shield 45 and M&P 2.0 9mm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini2A312 Posted August 19, 2018 at 10:44 PM Author Share Posted August 19, 2018 at 10:44 PM Thanks guys, I do have one picked out (S&W M&P model) but I'll probably try it one more time while I'm there just to be sure.Which one? I have a few. M&P Bodyguard 380, Shield 9 (I have two), Shield 45 and M&P 2.0 9mm.2.0 9mm. Felt a lot more comfortable with that than the Glock models I tried. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spanishjames Posted August 19, 2018 at 10:59 PM Share Posted August 19, 2018 at 10:59 PM Make sure you spend sometime with the gun on a range before purchasing it. The best way is to go to a range and rent the gun. Shoot Point Blank will let you change guns as many times as you want in an hour. Try out a few of the guns in the same caliber. Once you have decided on the gun shoot at least 100 rounds so that you are sure it is for you. Good Luck and have fun. I agree with this 100%. You do not want buyers remorse because you just bought what everyone else says is what is best. I have had buyers remorse a time or two. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProOne guy's buyer's remorse is another guy's bargain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DomG Posted August 19, 2018 at 11:24 PM Share Posted August 19, 2018 at 11:24 PM Thanks guys, I do have one picked out (S&W M&P model) but I'll probably try it one more time while I'm there just to be sure.Which one? I have a few. M&P Bodyguard 380, Shield 9 (I have two), Shield 45 and M&P 2.0 9mm.2.0 9mm. Felt a lot more comfortable with that than the Glock models I tried.Great gun. FYI, I got mine for $400 online from Brownell's last year and shipped to my FFL buddy. $10 for transfer, which is his cost for background check. Most FFL will charge you around $30 and no more than $50. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blck10th Posted August 20, 2018 at 12:18 AM Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 12:18 AM ... You do not want buyers remorse because you just bought what everyone else says is what is best. ...Is it buyer's remorse if you think about getting a different gun about a year after you got the last one? No. I think about that a day after buying a new gun. What I mean is shoot as many different things as you can. Don’t just buy something because someone else says so or like I did because well I think I’ll like that one even though no one I knew had one and I never shot one. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted August 20, 2018 at 01:34 AM Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 01:34 AM Gun grip and how it feels/points in my hand is important. A Shield looked so good on paper and reviews were great. I was ready to buy until I picked one up and shot it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gangrel Posted August 20, 2018 at 04:54 PM Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 04:54 PM You said Chicago area. If you are buying from a brick and mortar, try to get out of Cook County, or you will get hit with the $25 "violence tax in addition to sales tax. Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmyers Posted August 20, 2018 at 05:16 PM Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 05:16 PM I've taken another person with almost every time I have bought a gun in the store. I have to, she has the checkbook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xwing Posted August 20, 2018 at 08:02 PM Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 08:02 PM I disagree with the "purchase your gun alone" device. Of course you can, as it's your purchase, but nothing at all wrong with bringing along a friend. My wife has been with me several times when I purchased a firearm (and I was with her when she purchased one). I've also gone "gun shopping" with my brother and with a friend; no issues any time. Unless you're doing something very sketchy, I doubt a gun shop will give you grief. I agree on the "try it out" if you can. But I usually just purchase what I'd like w/o trying it, and haven't been disappointed yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Illini2A312 Posted August 20, 2018 at 09:35 PM Author Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 09:35 PM You said Chicago area. If you are buying from a brick and mortar, try to get out of Cook County, or you will get hit with the $25 "violence tax in addition to sales tax. Sent from my SM-G935V using TapatalkIs it $25 per gun? I know ammo is $.05 a piece in Cook. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted August 20, 2018 at 09:53 PM Share Posted August 20, 2018 at 09:53 PM You said Chicago area. If you are buying from a brick and mortar, try to get out of Cook County, or you will get hit with the $25 "violence tax in addition to sales tax.Sent from my SM-G935V using TapatalkIs it $25 per gun? I know ammo is $.05 a piece in Cook.https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/firearm-and-firearm-ammunition-tax Effective April 1, 2013, as provided in Sections 74-665 thru 74-675, Firearm Tax Ordinance, a tax is imposed on the retail purchase of a firearm in the amount of $25.00 for each firearm purchased. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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