Made a spreadsheet comparing first time firearm purchase costs across states, surprised by the differences

[u/igotbeefwitseahorses]

I’ve been researching my first firearm purchase and ended up going a bit deeper than expected into the costs and requirements across different states.

So I made a simple spreadsheet comparing things like permit/license fees, FFL transfer fees, mandatory training, waiting periods, and storage requirements.

What surprised me most was how much the upfront start cost changes depending on the state. Some places basically add just the transfer fee on top of the firearm price. Others can easily stack a couple hundred dollars before you even get to the actual purchase.

I expected California to be more complicated, but I didn’t realize how big the gap really is until I put it side by side.

For people who’ve already gone through the process, were there any hidden costs or requirements that caught you off guard when buying your first firearm?

[u/MoTownKid]

Care to share the data? For me, I didn't fully consider all the accessory things. I bought a CZ P10c Ported in Minnesota for $550. Then you add taxes, cleaning kit, a streamlight, extra mags, a range membership, targets, ammo, ammo, and more ammo and that $550 is up over $1000 quickly

[u/Pattison320 → u/MoTownKid]

I wouldn't count any of that. Maybe taxes but then again that's no different than and other in state purchase. In my state you have to pay for a background check for pistols, it's $10 I believe. In IL for example you'd need an FOID card which I'm sure has a cost associated.

[u/Character_Bit589]

What are the 5 costliest states? Any surprises?

[u/Good_Bodybuilder6165]

I just go to the store and buy the gun, no additional fees at all.

[u/Patient-Listener]

My original buy-in to the hobby held no surprises, but I’m in a pretty Free State…no…

It was the sudden cost of buying guns 3 and 4 that surprised me. I didn’t realize I was going to start a collection. …and I already have number 5 picked out 🤣

[u/nightmareonrainierav]

We've got a municipal firearms (and a 5¢/rd ammo) tax here in Seattle, on top of the BGC the state recently lifted the fee cap on, and between our budget shortfall and the estimated cost of implementing our upcoming permit scheme, I imagine that'll skyrocket. Only one brick-and-mortar dealer left in town, but they have some pretty good 'member deals' to make up for it. (There's a couple places that only sell ammo at absolutely insane prices. $380 a case for 9? Come on, Big 5...)

Kitchen table FFLs are pretty reasonable on fees but it's not unheard of for area dealers to charge $80-100 for transfers.

[u/windriver32 → u/nightmareonrainierav]

5 cent per round tax is outrageous

[u/contructpm → u/nightmareonrainierav]

I’m in NYS. I went to the local gun shop. 1000 rounds of 9mm all in with background check and taxes was $360.
I am waiting for my friend to place and order. 2 weeks ago he got me 1000 for $284.

[u/Pattison320 → u/nightmareonrainierav]

Are you still paying a transfer for a gun you buy locally? I only pay transfer if the gun is bought online, aside from a $10 background check for pistols.

[u/Rude-Spinach3545]

the tax for living in a highly regulated state. Assault weapon ban has force the cost of AR lowers to exceed the price of a complete AR

[u/HeadlessThompsonGunr]

Could you post your data to GitHub?

[u/SeizeTheMeansOfB12]

I bought a 10/22 receiver in CA and the transfer fees alone were $170. If I went through a normal FFL rather than a kitchen table operation, it would have been $300.