But can’t you buy one from a private owner without the FFL requirement?
If so, where would be the best place to start looking?
I can’t speak for every state, but in Colorado even a private transaction requires a instacheck.
Buying from a private party is probably going to be more expensive than getting a gun through a store. People pay premium to not have such records existing. Also if there is a problem with it, no warranty, no help getting it fixed.
This varies from State to State.
Probably you're gonna get a better answer for that from an attorney in your state who knows the subject. Does your gun club have any attorneys who advertise in your club's monthly newsletter?
I say better safe than sorry, and better safe than in a gray area of the law, and advice is worth what you pay for it - at least legal advice, for sure.