FTF Trade/Sale Etiquette?

[Javelin]

I have read quite a bit about people buying firearms from other individuals FTF (Face to Face). I personally have never done this before so for those of you who have please tell me what the norm is (meet at a gunstore to fill out forms or do you usually skip paperwork transfer and meet in a parking lot) Does the buyer or seller get to pick the location usually?

Please share your experience.

 

[bsf]

I have only done ammo transfers FTF. I like to do them in a high visibility, well used parking lot to discourage any evil thoughts by either party. Never had any problems, but no reason not to be careful. In fact, I am currently trying to set up a large FTF ammo purchase, and I might ask to meet outside a cop shop.

 

[highorder]

I did a FTF with a fellow THR'er. we agreed to meet at a travel plaza geographically central to our respective locations. He brought a friend; I traveled alone, but had other security in place. The deal was a trade for both guns and ammo going both ways, so we introduced ourselves and went to inspecting the trade items. everything was in order, so we exchanged goods, shook hands, and went out separate ways.

 

[2TransAms]

That's how I've always done it,Highorder. I've never had a problem doing any kind of ftf sale.

But if you ever get a bad vibe,you can always walk away. For example,if someone wanted me to meet them way out in the boonies in an old abandoned mineshaft I'd probably decline.

 

[Feud]

For example,if someone wanted me to meet them way out in the boonies in an old abandoned mineshaft I'd probably decline.

What about dark alleys behind burnt out factories?

 

[Win75]

I have done several FTF firearm transfers. All have been at halfway points in daylight at well used public places. I have never had a problem or felt ill at ease. All have been with well known board members of various forums though.

 

[db_tanker]

as Win75 said, it matters alot to me that they have a decently high post count as a Highroad member.

But seeing as I live in Texas I don't bother with any kind of forms to fill out, except for a small piece of paper for each person filled out with the transaction and both sigs on it.


necessary? Dunno...but it's mainly for piece of mind, I guess.


As others have said, trust your instincts. If you are in an area that is more conducive for meth manufacture or sales, then I would bug out and call him later saying you couldn't find it.


D B

 

[American_Pit_Bull]

Met in a parking lot, during the day. After inspection, he gave me the handgun and I gave him the cash.
The deal was sealed with a handshake.

 

[IronSightRot671]

FTF, I usually have them meet me at a Armory that is just about central for both of us. form there we do buisness. exchange phone numbers and make a new friend at the sametime. well, this is the way that I myself feel about doing a FTF.

I would not do it any other way.

 

[jlpskydive]

I do it fairly regularly as we have a pretty good trade forum in NC. Like others, it's usually a public place after getting a feel for the person over the phone. Most of the people that are on the forum are also CHL holders so that is usually part of the introduction. Handshake, pull CHL and/or ID out of wallet, small talk, inspection and done deal. Like what was said before, if you get a bad feeling just walk away.

 

[gggman]

I've done several face to face transfers, both as seller and buyer. Some at my home, some at their home, and some in a public place. I make a habit of writing down the license number of the vehicle they are driving, and get their name and number. Never had a problem, but if I ever got a bad vibe, I'd be gone in a hurry.

 

[Keegan]

I've bought two things FTF. Both times the seller chose the place, because I wasn't familiar with the areas they lived in. One of them was in a parking lot that was deserted, but I had taken the liberty of doing my own "background check" beforehand and, given who this person turned out to be, I wasn't worried about it. I had my wife armed and waiting in the car, just in case. The other was in a high-traffic truck stop parking lot, no problems there. Signed some bills of sale and went our separate ways.

 

[NGIB]

I've done a few as well with other forum folks and we met at a central location looked over the goods and made the exchange. I always do a little homework first like reading their posts and looking for feedback and I'm sure they did the same. If it didn't feel right, I'd just leave.

Have met some nice folks this way and it's cool to put a face to a name you see posted...

 

[jwxspoon]

I've done a few as well, not had any problem. Met in a public place and always made sure others knew where I was going and who I was meeting.

jw

 

[evan price]

The way I've done it is meet at a gun-safe location (such as a shooting range or gun shop) that was acceptable to both parties. Sometimes the parking lot of a Wal*Mart or something like that.
Ranges are nice because you can always test-fire prior to sale if seller says OK or you can always go shoot your new toy immediately.
Basically, tell each other what you are driving, bring ID and cash. Do a lot of trades with fellow Ohio CCW permit holders, we show each other our CCW permits and that's usually good enough for ID.
Of course we are probably both carrying a concealed pistol so that does a lot for safety.

 

[Monkeybear]

I always meet in different places.

I once met a guy in a gas station parking lot. We were trying to meet up at a Carter's Country and it turned out that we were both stuck in traffic pretty close to each other so we said what the heck lets just go to that shell station over there.

I mostly try to meet up infront of a gunstore. I bring a friend and have them wait in the gunstore. All they are there for is to know where I am, and I figure the safest place for them is in with all the armed gun nuts behind the counter. I have been to peoples places of employment and their homes several times though.

Basically when you see the person, provided they don't give you any bad vibes, just introduce yourself and treat them with the same respect you would treat anyone else with.

 

[kimbernut]

FTF

My policy-Always get a bill of sale with other party's ID info. Match BOS serial # against firearm. If refused it's no deal. Keep that bill of sale with all your firearm records.

 

[igpoobah]

I have gone to someone's home before to do a FTF, but never in my home. Usually a public & central meeting place. Always cautious.

 

[Hokkmike]

Pick a mutual location that makes both people feel comfortable. Maybe a local gun club. I am lucky, there is a friendly gun store about 1 1/2 miles from my gun club.

The interested party(s) should be able to examine and possibly fire the firearm(s).

If it is long guns you can exchange receipts (or not) and exchange money and/or trade and you are done. On the receipt have the gun serial number, model, caliber, price, date, and at least the name of buyer and seller if not their complete contact info., and a SIGNATURE.

For pistols I head to the nearest gun store so that in PA the FFL can transfer registration. Arrangements about who pays for the transfer should be made in advance.

I have done this many times and have always offered a hand-shake, 2 week, if you have a problem we'll work it out together promise. There has never been a problem. (The first step usually takes care of the last)

Have fun - good luck!

 

[BozemanMT]

my home, their home, sportsmen warehouse parking lot (halfway spot, figure people are used to seeing guns in that kind of parking lot)
Lately I've changed adn I meet them for lunch (or dinner, whatever)

Always interesting new people to meet and have a lunch with.
Esp after driving for so long.

Every gun person I've ever met has been a good person to deal with and it just doesn't concern me.

 

[lloydkristmas]

Both FTF's I've ever done were sales of AK rifles to Police Officers. Once I met in the parking lot of a Bass Pro Shop. The other time was actually kind of cool, I got to meet the officer at this warehouse that was sort of a "staging area" for SWAT operations/warrant work/etc. Naturally, both deals went down without a hitch.

 

[aerod1]

I have bought several guns FTF. Most have been at work or in parking lots or gun shows and even one at church.
I give them my money.
They give me their gun.
We shake hands.
It's a done deal.
This is Texas.

 

[Soybomb]

My only advice would be to work out the details of what the buyer/seller expects to exchange as far as paperwork past what is legally required before hand. Some gun owners like to play like they're handing in radioactive waste and your name, address, d/l number, signature, and a urine sample before selling/buying. If you're unwilling to provide those to a stranger like most you'll want to meet a dealer's and pay them to do the transfer or find a new buyer/seller.

 

[hexidismal]

You know.. I just honestly never worried about it much. I've gone to other peoples homes, and I've had them come to mine. I've met in public (although sometimes dark) parking lots. I have complete trust in my own instincts in regard to a person before any kind of meet happens. Here in NY, if it's a handgun it has to be registered on a permit before a physical transfer can be made, and un-registered from the sellers permit with paperwork acquired from the buyer. So with that process, you can be sure everything is on the level.. though it's a huge PITA. For a long gun , I always require to see a person's driver's license or some form of ID and have them sign paperwork go both ways. By "paperwork" basically I just mean a simple bill of sale with the guns serial on it, and signed by both parties.

 

[Larry Ashcraft]

I've done a couple of deals FTF with THR members. I met one in Denver to buy a Golden Boy and a bunch of ammo. We met in a parking lot on 120th Avenue on a Sunday. Gave him the cash, he gave me the rifle and ammo (I don't remember his username). The only problem was realizing I had to drive through Denver with 7000 rounds of ammo in the trunk.

The other one was a member from Denver. We met in a parking lot off Woodman Avenue in Colorado Springs and made the deal. No problems.