Small rant.
Is there a reason you're required an appointment for PPT nowadays?
I live in the Bay Area and am trying to do a PPT with a buddy, almost every shop requires an appointment and the appointments are normally from 10am-2pm on only certain days of the week and no weekends.
Posted Jul 7, 2023, 3:31 PM UTC
Because it is unprofitable to do a PPT, but shops can't just outright not do them as its requiredby the licensing rules iirc, so they make it so onerous to do at their shop, the average customer will just go somewhere else.
29 Outdoor Gear in American Canyon is one of the few shops around here that take a different perspective. While they lose money on a PPT, it gets new customers into their awesome shop. No appointments, no specific times, no calling ahead. I drive past a few other LGS to go here now.
Sweeney's in Napa also seems to have a similar opinion they didn't give any grief for my PPT from a buddy. My buddy and I went to them in a pinch because they were open when 29 Outdoor was not. I picked up a couple mags when my 10 day was up as a way of saying thanks.
I went to 29 for two different off roster PPTs. Called in advance because I’m an hour away, they said they’d do it. Got there when they opened and the old man there was straight up pissed off at us for wanting to do a PPT…
Luckily enough one of the younger dudes stepped in and helped us out with a smile and a total of 10 minutes.
I don’t know why so many places think that it’s such a big deal. It’s really pretty straight forward…
have him buy a stripped lower and add on the PPT
It’s annoying, but imagine if the government went into your job and said “from now on you are also legally required to do this work for the public, and you’re mandated to charge less than what it costs you to perform it.”
You’d be annoyed too.
I dunno what part of the bay you stay in, but I’m pretty sure Bullseye Bishop in San José doesn’t require appointments. It’s been awhile since I’ve done a ppt with them, but just give em a call and ask.
Edit: Just checked the website, “NO APPOINTMENTS! WALK INS ONLY.”
Well if you find some time during the week, Rob at RMB Enterprises takes walk ins, might have to wait if he is busy, but he is the best in the biz in the bay area
My preferred shop in OC is first come, first served. The owner is a true 2A believer. PPT usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Ammo transfer is $5 flat (+ $1 background check).
Two others are also first come, first served. The staff are very courteous and professional.
Would you mind saying or PMing which shop?
OC Guns is my first choice; then Riflegear or Rifle Supply.
Where specifically in the Bay Area are you? J&R in Livermore takes walk ins and they are pretty quick with the process.
Edit: spelling
This. I live in San Jose but I drive out to J&R every time for a PPT. Sure the drive sucks since I have to do it twice (as a buyer), but they are awesome and PPTs have always been done quickly and hassle free... great bunch of guys there!
Residing in the lovely San mateo county /s
E2 Gun Vault in Mountain View does walk ins 10-4 I believe.
We don't require an appointment to conduct ppt unless it's a large number of firearms.
I don’t think they’re allowed to require appointments but I don’t blame them. Working at an LGS some of my most belligerent customers were doing PPTs and we only made like 10 bucks from the whole thing. Best case scenario they like our store and come back to buy something another time. With that being said it’s frustrating when an LGS makes you seem like a dick for wanting to do a PPT lol
I’ve done most of my PPT’s in Castro Valley. Solar Tactical does them from 10-11, and I’m out the door in 15 minutes. Elite Armory does theirs Tuesday-Friday, 12-5. There can be a line sometimes, and they aren’t as fast as Solar Tactical, but I still prefer them due to their large selection in stock.
29 Outdoors Gear in American Canyon is another Great FFL, but farther than Castro Valley.
I see problems like this often and never see many mentions of private FFLs. It’s easy to search the internet and find private FFLs doing it out of their house. Added bonus is you get a relationship and he becomes “my gun guy” instead of dealing with some young police academy dropout or old fudd at a gun store. I haven’t been in a gun store in many many years. I go to my private FFL and he has me in and out within minutes. Only thing is he doesn’t have an inventory, but I buy all my guns online now and any type of PPT is convenient.
To force you to go in during their slow time to do something they aren't making much money on.