Without going into to much detail- I live a few miles from the state line. I'm 2&1/2 hours minimum and several mountain passes from any FFL's in my home state. For approximately 5 months, +/-, of the year the only way to those FFL's is an approximately 1&1/2 hour snowmobile ride and an hour car ride (if I can get a car-don't usually leave one over there). Or I can take a roughly 4&1/2 hour car ride around over multiple mountain passes.

Long guns I can get in the nearby state (both are firearms friendly). Handguns are the issue. I know for duty weapons, signed off by the chief, I can get in the neighboring state or have shipped directly to my agency. I'm not looking for duty handguns though. Are there any other exemptions that would allow getting non duty carry handguns/revolvers in the neighboring state? Or am I stuck with long drives or waiting for spring?

No exemptions really, unless you establish residency in that other state.

NICS check ended the exemption you seek.

As crazy as it sounds, there is a legal way to ship a machine gun to your home, but not a handgun.

Yeah I was shocked years ago when I found out duty guns could go straight from the mfg to my agency address. Then I was floored again a couple years ago when I found out cans could come straight to my house. I was hoping there was an exemption out there that allowed for special circumstances so I could pick up a couple revolvers I've been looking for. Guess I'll have to wait till spring. Hopefully I don't come across any good deals before then.

Maybe find some FFL willing to hold long term for you. Like a kitchen table guy who knows you'll need several months storage. Not sure if a bigger shop would deny such a request, but I could see a smaller FFL being more accommodating for a fee.

That would at least let you snag your wishlist items and hold them. Of course, he'd be irritated if you changed your mind before pickup ;)

Also, continue to search FFLs. Maybe someone more local will get one in the future. Maybe you can convince the local general store to get one.

Sounds like a business opportunity to flip transfers on the weekends.

Yeah, maybe. Unfortunately I have zero time or space. And I already interact with .gov enough. I don't want to interact with .gov/atf in my spare time too.

Poly 80 is your friend, from .22 to .45 ACP, & 10x25mm Norma.

No 80% revolvers yet that I'm aware of.

This, or see if any FFLs in your state will ship to you by utilizing the non-over-the-counter transfer procedure. This requires that you hold a concealed handgun permit to bypass NICS.

https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/docs/ruling/atf-proc-2020-1-–-recordkeeping-procedure-non-over-counter-firearm

This might be what I was looking for. Thank you. I'll have to dig into this.

I guess if they refuse, they refuse.