ORIGINAL: eldeguello
"As far as I am aware anytime there is an interstate transfer of a firearm it has to be done FFL to FFL."
Interstate transfers do not have to involve two FFL holders, if the seller is a private person. He/she can send the gun to the receiving FFL holder, (AFTER receiving a signed copy of that dealer's FFL), in the purchaser's state. The purchaser must then do the paperwork and go through the NICS check with the dealer on his end, and then pay that dealer's service fee......
so the way i understand it is if i walk into kittery trading post in maine, i wouldn't be able to purchase/walk out with a hunting rifle??? (they would have to ship it to a local FFL dealer?? is this correct?
I think this depends on the laws of both states. As a resident of NY, I have been able to purchase rifles from FFL holders in PA, since doing so is permitted by the laws of both states and did not violate any PA or NY laws, and the NICS check is the same either place. But I could NOT purchase a handgun in PA, because NY has strict requirements you must comply with to purchase handguns, even in-state, from either dealers or private individuals.
* im asking for future reference
You are right on target eld. It all depends on the laws of both states. There are certain states that reciprocate with one another. Virginia (my state) for example will sell long guns to about 15 other state residents... I don't remember them all off the top of my head, but most of your "blue" states are not among them. Reason being (if I recall) is that our backround check system is state run (that I know it is). Our state likes to keep track of its own residents as their database is more complete and smaller, making it easier to keep track of everyone. In the event of a delay, they use the NICS system, just like most other states do. Until just a few years ago, VA residents could only buy long guns in VA. Long guns purchasing restrictions are left largely up to individual states themselves.
Handguns on the other hand may only be purchased in your state of residence. That is a
federal law. No exceptions. Only way to get around that is to have an FFL holder transfer to another FFL holder in your home state and take delivery there.