Help a Newbie make a safe purchase

[Ruger451]

Alright, so I've found the gun I want to purchase, and I got lucky on gunsamerica and found a fresh listing with a good price. You guys are some of the most experienced gun owners around. If someone could walk me through the process, step by step, I'd be forever grateful.
Some info: I live in California and so does the seller, therefore I will most likely just drive the hour and a half or so to meet him. The seller is an FFL holder, but not an actual gun shop, per se. I don't want to get ripped off here, but I definitely want to go forward with this transaction. I just need the right info on how to go about doing this the right way, so that I am informed if the dealer tries to make a fast move. Thanks guys,
Chris

 

[Steve F]

Well,FOR SURE,the transaction MUST take place in a gun shop as a Face to Face deal.They will walk you through all the paper work there,and 10 days later,you have a rifle

 

[PinnedAndRecessed]

You didn't say what kind of gun.........but:

Memorize this, if it's a revolver:

http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57816