How to buy off Gun broker
- Thread starter KY DAN
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dogtown tom
Member
I highly recommend investigating the seller before buying. Be sure his feedback is as a seller of similar items. A+ feedback for buying/selling $50 items doesn't make them A+ for selling a MG worth several thousand $$$.
First you pay seller.
Then, find a dealer in your state that is also a Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT), often mistakenly called a "Class III dealer". He will charge you a transfer fee to do the transfer. Sometimes a flat rate, often on machine guns a percentage of the value.
If sellers is an SOT it requires a tax free ATF Form 3 to transfer to a dealer/SOT in your state. Your dealer will prepare a Form 4 to transfer to you. That F4 with fingerprints, passport photos and $200 is mailed to ATF. After approval ATF will mail your dealer the tax stamp affixed to the Form 4. You go to your dealer, complete a Form 4473 and can then take possession.
If the seller is not an SOT, it will be another Form 4 to be able to transfer to your dealer/SOT.
Out of state transfers of NFA firearms can take over a year if multiple Form 4's are involved. Remember, the seller will have your $$$$$$$ during the entire process and can cancel or renege on the deal at any point. Do your due diligence.
AlexanderA
Member
Because machine guns are so expensive, because of the long delay in getting ATF approval of the transaction, and because of the fraud that's been cropping up in this segment of the gun world, I would say that a personal inspection of the gun is almost mandatory. Even if you have to travel half the length of the country to see it. I suppose, in a pinch, if the seller is well known, you might be able to get by with really good pictures.
If the gun is at least 50 years old, it might be worth getting a C&R FFL so that it can be shipped directly to you from out of state. This could save you dealer transfer fees as well as time. (A Form 4 is still required.)
The larger question is whether this is a wise move financially. I personally would answer no, but then I'm jaded because I bought my MG's back when they could be had for hundreds instead of thousands of dollars.
If the gun is at least 50 years old, it might be worth getting a C&R FFL so that it can be shipped directly to you from out of state. This could save you dealer transfer fees as well as time. (A Form 4 is still required.)
The larger question is whether this is a wise move financially. I personally would answer no, but then I'm jaded because I bought my MG's back when they could be had for hundreds instead of thousands of dollars.
In addition to what was stated above, make sure when browsing full autos on Gunbroker that they say transferable machine guns. Post dealer samples or pre dealer samples do not apply to you. Most sellers will point this out in the description but just be aware. Pre 1986 transferable machine guns are what is available to individuals (assuming no conflicting State laws).
I would suggest finding your local dealer that has their Class 3 or Class 2 SOT and having a chat with them about their fees first. If you have multiple Class 3 dealers in your area there could be a wide swing in transfer fees. We have some in the area that charge $40 for an NFA transfer and some as high as $100.
If it is a reputable seller that took good pictures and had a good description I wouldn't personally feel the need to drive several States over to inspect something but everyone has their preferences/risk tolerances.
Happy hunting.
I would suggest finding your local dealer that has their Class 3 or Class 2 SOT and having a chat with them about their fees first. If you have multiple Class 3 dealers in your area there could be a wide swing in transfer fees. We have some in the area that charge $40 for an NFA transfer and some as high as $100.
If it is a reputable seller that took good pictures and had a good description I wouldn't personally feel the need to drive several States over to inspect something but everyone has their preferences/risk tolerances.
Happy hunting.
swagbrdr
Member
Does the OP have to have special licensing too? Curious with the discussion as I have no knowledge in this department.
243winxb
Member
I would shop here https://dealernfa.com
Go to the Gunbrokers Dealer List. Find an NFA dealer near you. Ask questions, like cost.
The ATF has dealers listed https://www.atf.gov/firearms/listing-federal-firearms-licensees
https://www.gunbroker.com/ffl/index There are not many NFA dealers around.
After you buy, takes 3 month or more to transfer.
Go to the Gunbrokers Dealer List. Find an NFA dealer near you. Ask questions, like cost.
The ATF has dealers listed https://www.atf.gov/firearms/listing-federal-firearms-licensees
https://www.gunbroker.com/ffl/index There are not many NFA dealers around.
After you buy, takes 3 month or more to transfer.
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No he doesn't unless there are any additional State level requirements in his State. Just need to be able to pass a background check and pay that $200 bribe to the government.
WestKentucky
Member
But is the background check any more extensive than the standard nics check? Are there additional disqualifying criteria?No he doesn't unless there are any additional State level requirements in his State. Just need to be able to pass a background check and pay that $200 bribe to the government.
How? Do you have proof? Please share.
243winxb
Member
Fingerprints need to be taken. https://www.atf.gov/explosives/qa/how-do-i-get-my-fingerprints-taken
https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/national-firearms-act-nfa
https://www.atf.gov/qa-category/national-firearms-act-nfa
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dogtown tom
Member
Your first link applies only to explosives licensing.
For NFA firearms you can "roll your own".
Just WTTW I spent an afternoon getting screwed. Don't believe me. Do what you want.
dogtown tom
Member
I too would like to know how sellers can hack the auto bid. What you describe is a felony.
Don't make such claims without backing them up.
Elkins45
Member
I would love for you to elaborate on this.
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