Are You Comfortable With Face To Face Transactioins?

[Phydeaux642]

I've decided to sell some of my collection. I'm divorced and have no children, so, if something happened to me it would be left to my sister and mother to sell my guns as they have no interest in them at all. I don't shoot the majority of them anyway, I just bought them because I liked them. I thought that maybe if I sold some of them that I could use the money to buy a couple of really nice guns like a Les Baer 1911 and S&W PC wheelgun.

Anyway, shipping a handgun seems to be a real PITA if you don't have a nice FFL buddy to do it for a reasonable price. UPS and FedEx want an arm and a leg to ship a handgun which adds so much to the price of the gun that it turns a nice deal into a "I can get it cheaper at Bud's" kind of deal.

FTF is legal, so, why can't I get comfortable with the idea? I have no problem with it if I know the person, but for someone I don't know it leaves me feeling very uncomfortable. I know that there is really nothing I can do to find out if the party is legally able to purchase a firearm, and maybe I have no responsibility to do so, but I don't want to be the guy that puts a gun in the hand of someone that has less than honorable intentions with the purchase.

What are your feelings about FTF sales?

 

[dakotasin]

i do as much due diligence as a reasonable person can, then make the sale. you might restrict your ftf sales to ccw-holders only, if that helps you.

 

[kingpin008]

I've sold two guns FTF before, and each time was a pleasure. I made sure to meet in a public place each time, and I asked the buyers to sign a bill of sale each time (which both happily did) but even without a bill of sale, I would feel comfortable doing FTF sales in the future.

PM incoming, btw.

 

[smokin hot AR10]

I am not trying to be funny here but do you not like to be a sociable person with people?

Just follow your state laws and you should be fine. Personally, if I sell a firearm I prefer to sell them at the Gun Show and I always ask to see a Drivers License for proof of age. I show them mine too.

About four years ago, I had to sell off most of my firearms to pay for lawyer fees when I was battling my ex in court.

Here in Ohio, I got a table at the Gun Show and put signs on it that said, “These Firearms are from my private Collection”. I never had any problems. My friend did the same thing and he sold an HK to a LEO.

 

[wyocarp]

I know that a lot of people feel responsible for whatever happens with a gun that they have owned. Certainly most of us might feel bad about someone using a gun for an illegal activity after we have sold it, but a gun is only a piece of metal.

We haven't made anyone a criminal by selling them a gun no more than a car dealer is responsible after selling a car to someone who kills a family while driving while intoxicated. Even though there are a lot of people killed in car accidents.

I recently bought and sold a gun that had been stolen. I didn't know it was stolen. The guy that bought it from me found out because he tried to pawn it. I could worry myself to death over it, but I didn't do anything wrong.

I think you have to get to the same place. There are an awful lot of guns bought and sold and have been through the years, as in millions. VERY few are used improperly.

 

[senior]

FTF

I really prefer FTF if possible, so far I've had no problems, just check D.L., perhaps a phone number to reach the person and then after talking and meeting that person, just go by gut instinct. Your right about shipping, even my FFL IS $20.00 and thats reasonable, then add shipping and insurance and ur looking at another $20.00, or common carrier if u have no FFL and like u said, those guys will suck the money from u to the tune of $50.00 or so.

 

[Mags]

I prefer FTF. Never at my or the other parties' home though. I prefer public place like the parking lot of a dept. store or at my local indoor range.

 

[Coolbreeze8804]

I've been doing FTF sales for years. At home, thier house, public places, etc. I've never had a problem, BUT... now things aren't like they used to be. I think I will stick to selling to folks I know from the range or CCW holders for the most part. It just makes me feel better.

 

[General Geoff]

There's enough demand for guns in my group of good friends that I never need to worry about selling to a total stranger.

That said, I don't think I'd worry too much if I did. I default to the position that a person is good-intentioned until he/she gives me a reason to believe they are not.

 

[wishin]

What are your feelings about FTF sales?

I have no apprehension about FTF gun deals. I just do what little I can to make sure, in my mind, that it's a good, clean sale.

 

[Blackhawk30]

i've done ftf for 30 yrs.I've never had a bad one.if they have the money,they get the gun.

 

[MADDOG]

What do you have for sale? Post them here. We are all friends and neighbors. BTW do you live in Texas?

 

[Cap'n Jack Burntbeard]

Of course I am, if the person has the cash or something of equal value to trade, we have a deal.

 

[rbernie]

What are your feelings about FTF sales?

First rule of life is to trust your instinct. I can usually tell in the emails and phone dialog whether I want to meet FTF. I then conduct FTF sales like any other human encounter - either I get a good vibe and proceed with the deal (assuming that the legalities are observed) or i don't and I simply walk away. I've never had to walk away from a FTF, but there are several potential deals that never got that far simply because the prospective buyer set off alarm bells during the email/phone exchange.

Once we meet, I usually look the prospective buyer in the eye and simply ask them - are you a resident of this state and are you legally allowed to buy this gun? You can tell from their response how to go from there...

 

[Wolfebyte]

My choices are always FTF, if not, then I'll put it on consignment at a local shop.

I just check the DL, I get the name and address for my records, and a brief bill of sale for me and them with the weapon info and serial number.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I have no problem with ftf deals. In fact, I prefer them.

 

[Bones11b]

I usually require a look at the drivers license, and prefer if they bring a copy for me. I always make sure they sign a bill of sale, upon which I write down all the info from their drivers license. Other then that, common sense like doing transactions where I feel comfortable, is all I can recommend. Have never had a negative FTF transaction. Even met a few nice shooters over the years.

 

[Dnaltrop]

Do it at the local Range, preferably with witnesses. It goes without saying if You have the CCW, Use it.

Drivers license, and a "as is " bill of sale.

Personal experience leaves me unable to let strangers know where I live (craigslist Murder/robberies always stand out as the best reason) , It's just not the world many of us grew up in.

 

[eatont9999]

I would have no problem selling a firearm in a legitimate FTF sale. It is not in my control what people do with their firearms. Some one I sell to could massacre a group of people or save their lives with the gun I sold them. Be logical and use your reason with any sale. If they buyer wants to "get revenge" then don't sell. Otherwise, if the buyer is qualified by your applicable laws, you would be foolish to pass up a legitimate sale.

Buying is the questionable part of FTF sales. You never know if the weapon was used in a crime, so always get a bill of sale or some kind of confirmation or you could have a lot of 'splainin' to do.

 

[Phydeaux642]

I am not trying to be funny here but do you not like to be a sociable person with people?

I am really not quite sure what this has to do with my question.

Buying is the questionable part of FTF sales. You never know if the weapon was used in a crime, so always get a bill of sale or some kind of confirmation or you could have a lot of 'splainin' to do.

This is also something I get concerned about if I ever purchased a gun from someone I didn't know.

 

[orionengnr]

Not sure where you are, but here we have a Texas CHL forum. I generally buy and sell on this forum. Everyone there has a CHL, so they are "pre-screened" by the state.

I show him my CHL, he shows me his, we exchange money for merchandise and we go on our way.

I sleep well at night knowing I am dealing with a fellow TX CHL holder.

If you have an equivalent avenue, it is a pretty good option.

 

[Ian]

I'm quite comfortable with FTF sales. I've bought and sold guns at WalMarts, sporting goods stores, restaurants, apartments, private houses, and industrial warehouses. My favorite deal was buying a trunkload of AK parts kits at an abandoned gas station at 11pm (hey, the guy sounded ok...). I've never had any problems with a FTF. Quite the contrary - at one deal, I ended up with an unexpected Yugo M70 kit and receiver for $200 because the guy happened to have it with him, and $200 was all the extra cash I had on me. Another time I happened to overhear a guy getting offered next to nothing by a gun shop for some ed pieces, and got his KelTec P11 with ammo and a holster for $125 in the parking lot. Another guy I sold some AR mags to turned out to be a lonely old vet whose kids had no interest in guns. We ended up chatting for 20 or 30 minutes before I had to leave.

Yeah...I like FTF deals.

 

[leadcounsel]

I've done quite a few FTF transactions, mostly buying, and have had zero problems.

I prefer FTF - using FFLs adds generally 10-20% to the price of the gun on top of the bargain you usually get with an FTF.

Do your due diligence, get their contact information and name, ask the legally required questions, meet in a public place in broad daylight. Be aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to walk away if it feels dangerous. If you can CCW well then you should. Take a friend if you can. Always leave a note at home stating where you went and who you're meeting. Count your cash before you part ways.

Make sure you check their ID and ask if they are a felon and can legally own a handgun/rifle. Check their age. See if they are 'voter' on their ID. Felons can't vote.

Plan for the worst, of course, but I've rarely heard of a FTF going south, except FED stings. Oh- except MAKE SURE you see their ID. I once denied a sale of a handgun to a young guy, and he was underage. A short while afterward the FEDS were conducting stings and getting sellers selling to minors.

Again, other than STINGS (possibility) I've had zero issues, and most of the people I've met I end up chatting with for a short while before or after the transaction. Nice folks really.

 

[IdahoLT1]

Ive done a couplke FTF sells. Im always comfortable but my awareness level does increase 1 or 2 notches just im selling a merchandise they can easily steal. If youre really concered, you could only sell to CCW liscense holders so that way youre pretty sure they can legally possess a firearm. Or look for a way to check out their background. We have a site for Idaho that allows a person to quickly glance at tickets and/or arrest history of a person. https://www.idcourts.us/repository/partySearch.do

The 2 guns I sold face to face I asked for their first and last names before setting up a meeting date/time/place. Im going to see it anyway when I look at their ID so I could even access it on my phone.

 

[FTSESQ]

I have never had any problems, but I can see where it could get dicey.