Handgun Sale Question

[RatDrall]

I want to sell a Sig that I bought a while ago, and I have no clue where to start for information on how to do it legally. I apologize if this is stickied somewhere, I didn't notice it.

If I advertise it on this forum, and someone in another state buys it, do I just mail it to a local FFL after recieving payment?

If I sell it face to face, in state, does an FFL need to be involved? Should I get a reciept from the buyer, just to cover myself?

Any tips?

 

[kingpin008]

If you sell to a buyer out of state, it must be transferred to a FFL in their state. You can do this two ways, depending on the receiving FFL. If they allow it (many don't, but some do) it is legal for you to ship it (notice I said ship and not mail) to them. If they do not allow shipments from private citizens, you're going to have to find a FFL in your area to do the transfer for you.

The reason I specified shipment in the paragraph above, is because you cannot mail a handgun via the USPS. Only long guns may be mailed. Otherwise, you're going to have to use a common carrier.

Now, as far as FTF transfers - First, they must be legal in your state. Since you didn't say where you were from, we can't help you with that one. But, as long as they're legal where you are, there is generally no requirement to go through a FFL or draw up any bill of sale - if it makes you feel better to have one though, go for it. As long as both you and the seller are residents of the same state, and you do not reasonably believe the buyer to be a felon or otherwise prohibited from owning a firearm, you're good to go.

 

[Dokkalfar]

Hmm.. I would suggest a receipt of some kind. In the event that the firearm is eventually used in some form of crime and is traced to you, its good to have proof that you no longer have possession of it. Its also good business practice in general.

 

[RatDrall]

I checked, and in PA you cannot sell handguns face to face, legally.

Looks like recieving a money order in the mail from the purchaser, then shipping to their local FFL (after I recieve a copy of their license) is the way to go.

Thanks guys.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I checked, and in PA you cannot sell handguns face to face, legally.

Looks like recieving a money order in the mail from the purchaser, then shipping to their local FFL (after I recieve a copy of their license) is the way to go.

Thanks guys.

Actually, there are several good reasons to use an FFL on BOTH ends of the transaction.

1) YOU can not use the post office to ship. An FFL -can-, and hence can ship cheaper than you.

2) Many FFL's don't accept shipments from non FFL's (and for good reason, you see why below).

3) If, when the receiving FFL does the background check, and the prospective buyer fails: a) as the gun is on his "books", he can't get it back to you w/o doing a background check. b) if you are in another state, he can't do a background check, must be done by an FFL in your state. c) The FFL "stuck" with the gun likely can't ship it back to you directly, but has to go through an FFL local to you.