Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)
Q. If I see a gun I like on the website, how do I purchase it?
A. After verifying that you, and the gun, are legal to own in your jurisdiction (Click Here), add the item to your shopping cart, review the sales, shipping, and, terms and conditions, and follow the checkout procedures. You can also email us with requests for firearms not currently listed, or out of stock, on our site. Some guns get much attention when first posted online, so we cannot always guarantee availability.
Q. Do I have to pay sales tax if I buy a gun on the Internet?
A. Only if you LIVE in Virginia. Virginia residents must add 5% sales tax. If a non-Virginia dealer tries to charge you sales tax, verify this with another dealer or your State government. There are legislators out there who are anxious to tax out-of-state sales but so far it is not common. Check with your local gun dealer. Keep in mind, some States charge a “Use Tax” equivalent to their sales tax for internet purchases and such tax is typically due when filing State income taxes.
Q. What types of payment do you take?
A. We accept Visa, Mastercard and Discover Cards. Sorry, no checks will be accepted.
Q. How much do you charge for shipping?
A. All firearms are shipped via USPS, UPS or FedEx and in most cases the shipping fee is approximately $12-25.00* for handguns and approximately $30.00* for long guns. The exact shipping costs are calculated during check-out. Larger, heavier firearms may incur higher shipping rates. Shipping to Alaska and Hawaii in most cases will cost more. Tracking numbers will be available once shipped. * Some States have higher shipping rates, like Alaska and Hawaii. Another shipping factor is the carton needed to ensure the gun arrives safely. Some delicate antiques, and larger boxed items have special packaging needs.
Q. Once I decide you have the gun I want, what do I do?
A. Secure payment with us. Then, go to a local gun shop or a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) (We recommend NOVA Firearms www.NOVAfirearms.com- (the only Virginia gun shop inside the DC beltway) and tell them you are buying a gun online and you want them to receive the firearm. They will coordinate the acquisition and transfer of the firearm to the local DC transfer agent for final transfer to you.
Q. Are State and local laws very different from State to State?
A. Yes. Check with you local ATF office or State Police website to see if the gun you desire is legal in your State. (Click Here). In DC you are limited to handguns with magazine capacities of 10 rounds or less.
Q. Will my FFL Dealer charge me a transfer fee?
A. Yes. In DC, there are no retail guns shops and only one transfer agent. The transfer agent will charge you $150 to complete the transfer. He will handle the transfer of a firearm and some of the administrative requirements required to obtain a firearm in DC – however he does not sell firearms.
Q. What if the gun is damaged in shipping?
A. Every gun we ship is insured. We have yet to have a gun get damaged in transit. If it does, let the carrier know and let us know within 24 hours of receipt at the local FFL dealer.
Q. Can you ship my firearm direct to me at my home or office?
A. No, all firearms must be shipped to a verified FFL (Federal Firearm License) holder.
Q. Do you buy guns or accept gun as trade?
A. If you are looking to sell a single gun, or an entire collection, please call NOVA Firearms in Falls Church, VA at (877) 223-1429. They are a licensed FFL dealer and would be happy to discuss your options.
Q. My new gun looks used, like it has been fired, why is that?
A. Many new firearms are test fired at the factory. You may notice residual powder, rotation marks on revolver cylinders, residual cosmoline/grease which sometimes appears to look like rust, etc. All firearms sold as “new” are in fact new firearms in the manufacturers box as received from the manufacturer or distributor and include new manufacturer’s warranty….no exceptions.
Any used, factory recertified, certified pre-owned, show guns, or guns in any other condition than new in box will be clearly marked as such on the website.
Q. What is a FFL?
A. An “FFL” is a Federal Firearm License. There are currently over 58,000+ FFL holders nationwide. FFL holders are commonly gun stores, pawn shops, and retail sporting goods stores. However, there are also many individuals that hold a FFL. All firearms sold to individuals online must be shipped to a local FFL holder who will then transfer the firearm (via ATF form 4473 and associated background check) to the individual.
Q. Why are the firearms shipped “within 3 to 7 business days” of completing my order?
A. We must ensure accurate accounting of all firearms and ensure all paperwork is properly completed on our end before we can release the firearm. Depending on the payment method used, this can also add additional delay to the processing the sale of the firearm. We commit to ship all firearms as quickly as possible. We want you to be happy with your purchase.
Q. Why has my credit card been charged multiple times for only one order?
A. All orders paid via credit card are processed immediately by a secure third party when you hit “confirm”. Our credit card processing has the highest level of security options available. Our third party processor checks: complete credit card number, expiration date, CVV (3 or 4 digit security code), and the registered credit card billing address.
If any of these items are incorrect, your order will not process and you will not receive an order confirmation email. However, by attempting to enter the incorrect information multiple times, your credit card company will put a hold on those funds against your available credit limit. If you attempt to enter the incorrect info multiple times, your credit card company will place a hold for each of those attempts. The funds are eventually released, usually within 3-5 business days, without incurring any fees, by your credit card company. This is a fraud protection measure of your credit card company and has nothing to do with us. We are not holding your funds and do not have the ability to release them for you. If this occurs, we suggest you contact your credit card company directly to clear up these issues.
Q. Why is my credit charged card when I placed my order, but my order still has not been shipped?
A. All orders paid via credit card are processed immediately by a secure third party when you hit “confirm”. Our third party processor checks: complete credit card number, expiration date, CVV (3 or 4 digit security code), and the registered credit card billing address.
If any of these items are incorrect, your order will not process and you will not receive an order confirmation email. We must confirm your credit card information is correct before we can proceed to process your order, which is why your card is charged when you hit “confirm.”
Q. Do you take consignment sales?
A. No
Q. Do you pawn firearms?
A. No
