Question 1

What is an FFL transfer?

Accepted Answer

An FFL Transfer is when an online firearm purchaser hires an in-state FFL to conduct the firearm sale according to their home state laws. These laws can include; waiting periods, background checks, and required documents. In Illinois these requirements are; a 72hr wait period for all firearms including frames and receivers, a Firearms Owner ID (FOID) Card, and a drivers license or state ID with their current address on it.

Question 2

Can FFL transfer agents buy, sell, and trade firearms?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, the online gun shop that you purchased your firearm from has the same FFL type (FFL 01) as your FFL transfer agent. There are many different types of FFLs but the main and most common one to buy, sell, trade, do gunsmith activities, and conduct FFL transfers is the FFL type 01.

Question 3

Why can't the online gun shop send my firearm to my house, I sent them all the required doc's that they asked?"

Accepted Answer

Federal law requires all firearms purchased out of state to be shipped to an in-state or local FFL in the state that the buyer resides. It is part of the Gun Control Act of 1968. With very few exceptions, all firearms will be shipped to your local FFL. The few most common exceptions are gunsmith work done by an out of state gunsmith and manufacturer warranty done by the firearm manufacturer.

Question 4

Does Ernie's Arms Accessories perform FFL Transfers?

Accepted Answer

NO, WE DO NOT. There are limited exceptions, EAA performs FFL Transfers for sworn officers on duty related firearms ONLY. A background check is required and must be APPROVED even on a duty related firearm with a certified letter. I might make an exception to a firearm that was received as an heir, will, left hand firearm for a youth, or something interesting. As far as a common FFL Transfer, unfortunately, NO. Updated: 05/20/2020

Question 5

I left my firearm as a consignment firearm for sale, I changed my mind and want it back. Can I come and pick it up now?"

Accepted Answer

Yes and no. It is your firearm and you definitely can come and pick it up after you schedule an apppointment. The no portion is that I just can't give it to you, you must go through the same process as if you purchased a new firearm. I understand your viewpoint, its your firearm, why should you have to fill out an ATF Firearm Transaction Record (4473), go through a background check, and wait the required 72 hour waiting period. In short, these are the laws/regulations and I must follow them.

Question 6

Do you have in stock firearms for sale? If so, where?"

Accepted Answer

YES, I have in stock firearms for sale at my business location and I sell in stock firearms through online gun sites (ie. GunBroker, Armslist, and advertise through social media like Facebook). I also have a website: https://ealcala6110.wixsite.com/erniesarmsacc/online-store

Question 7

Why are your firearm prices different online vs the quote you gave me?

Accepted Answer

Good question, there are a lot of variables that determine the price I sell a firearm for. The number 1 reason, TAXES. Most of my Out of State Sales from my website are non-taxable vs selling at my business location, where taxes and home-rule taxes are required (ie. Cook County $25 Violence Tax). Selling at gun shows, outside of Cook County, no Cook County Violence Tax ($25) is required. Shipping fees are part of my online sale prices while that fee does not apply to business location sales. There are a few more variables involved but these are the most significant. Updated: 05/04/2024

Question 8

Do I have to pay the Cook County Violence Tax of $25?

Accepted Answer

No, if its an FFL transfer that you purchased online from an out of state seller. Yes, if you purchased it from my business location. No, if you purchased it from me at a gun show outside of Cook County. If you disagree with this tax, please call your Cook County Commissioner. Updated: 05/04/2024

Question 9

I just purchased a firearm from your website or by text/email invoice you sent me. Can you run my background check NOW so that it will be approved before I make an appointment and come and pick up the firearm in 72hrs? I'll send you my FOID and DL via text or email."

Accepted Answer

ABSOLUTELY NOT. The BATFE made it very clear to me that the ATF Form 4473 (background check form) must be filled out at my business location CORRECTLY, before I am allowed to run a background check. NO EXCEPTIONS... Update: 05/04/2024

Question 10

What are your forms of payment?

Accepted Answer

Obviously cash is King $$$. I accept Visa/MasterCard for a $5 Processing Fee (subject to change), personal checks (must clear on my end before firearm is shipped or transferred), and money orders. If you are an out of state purchaser, a USPS Money Order is acceptable. No PayPal, No Venmo, No Square, No Zelle, or any other anti-gun payment method. I might be able to get away with a few transactions, but if I get caught, they will freeze my account. Not worth it. Updated: 05/04/2024

Question 11

I ordered a firearm from you but left on vacation, can you hold it for me until I come back?"

Accepted Answer

Not a problem. Just communicate with me when you will be coming back, so we can make an appointment for you and get all the necessary docs done and you can get your firearm. Updated: 05/04/2024

Question 12

Can you break down "ANY" cost that can be associated with my firearm/accessory purchase?

Accepted Answer

1. Background Check Fee: $5
2. Cook County Violence Tax: $25 (If purchased at my business location. CCVT NOT REQUIRED if you are an out of state purchaser purchasing online and having it shipped out of state or purchased from me outside of Cook County at a gun show).
3. $10 No Communication Fee: After 2 calendar weeks after I communicated with you about your purchase. There are few exceptions at MY discretion. 
4. $5 New Background Check Fee: If yours has expired. (Background checks are good for 30 calendar days. EAA will take additional precaution and allow 29 days ONLY).
5. $10/month Long Term Storage: Of your firearm for whatever reason that might be (ie; denied background check, on vacation, prohibited firearm, etc. That's if you have not communicated with me and we agreed to terms).
6. $10 Processing Fee: For any firearms that I do not perform the FFL Transfer for or complete the sale. Any reasonable reason can include; firearm returned to shipper because no authorization was given to ship firearm here, firearm returned to shipper because buyer came to business location under the influence of Marijuana or any other controlled substance including alcohol, firearm returned to shipper because it is prohibited in IL or your jurisdiction, firearm returned to shipper because of a reasonable belief it is a straw purchase, firearm transferred to another FFL whether through FFL pick-up or by shipping due to buyer/purchaser cannot come to terms with EAA rules or policies., etc...)
7. 25% Special Order Cancellation/Refused/Returned Fee: Anytime EAA orders anything for a customer, a 25% cancellation/refusal/returned fee will apply. Please make sure your SKU, UPC, picture of what you want, or any other method you use to describe to me what you want is 100% accurate. The product you don't want anymore, might not be easily sellable or unable to return to the manufacturer or distributor. This is why we add the fee. There may be other reasons, but these are the most common. 
7. There can be other situations where a fee might arise and I will deal with it as the time arises but there is NO circumstance where services are done FREE OF CHARGE.
Updated: 05/04/2024

Question 13

What accessories are you shipping to Chicago?

Accepted Answer

Ernie's Arms Accessories is now shipping firearm parts, magazines, and ammunition to Chicago. All deliveries will be in compliance with Chicago's Municipal Code and will adhere to all best practices that will not put EAA in legal jeopardy. This is not all inclusive but just giving an example of the types of accessories that EAA will be shipping:
1. All handgun magazines to FOID Card holders of 15rds or less.
2. Shotgun parts for all actions in accordance with PICA.
3. Rifle parts for all actions in accordance with PICA.
4. All ammunition for all calibers except 50BMG. Must submit a current and valid FOID Card/IL CCL or a DL/SI for all ammunition deliveries. 
Updated: 05/04/2024

Ernie's Arms Accessories

FAQ