[GeneticsDave]

From what I understand, citizens are not supposed to sell their firearms to out-of-state residents. It's doubtful that many sellers know this, but I remember reading it somewhere.

You might be able to buy the firearm from an Oregon dealer and have them transfer it to a local FFL (just pay the transfer fee to the local FFL), but I can't be sure on that.

 

[GeneticsDave]

Ruger: Thanks for the links on the first point, the second one I was really iffy about, so again thanks for pointing me straight.

It seems he is fairly reluctant to change residency, I can see that, but it sure is difficult to get firearms when you are an out-of-state resident. I guess he could always take a trip back to OR to buy his gun :?

 

[GeneticsDave]

How much is the transfer fee usually? The other option is to 'purchase' the handgun from my father. Oregon law states a father can gift a son/daughter a handgun no questions asked. But then we run into the issue of shipping which will cost $100+

You'd have to call individual FFLs, transfer fees vary quite a bit. If you do get a gun from your father, you will have to very careful that it is not purchased as a 'straw purchase' or even possibly viewed as such - the BATF is cracking down on these a lot recently. This gets hairy; to be honest, it may just be a better idea to wait, go back to OR to get your firearm, or try to obtain Utah residency.