selling private party

[Just One Shot]

I prefer FTF but I try to deal with those that have a CC permit because I know that they had to go through a background check here in Ohio to get one.

If they're ok'd by the state to carry then they're ok to buy a gun FTF.

 

[Jumping Frog]

If I am selling there are two points that I cover.

First, I ask to see a driver's license from my state with their picture on it. They can cover their name and address with their thumb, I just want some reasonable due diligence that they are a state resident.

Second, I ask them if they are legally allowed to own a firearm or if they have any firearm disabilities. It is their job to know if they are disqualified, not my job to play 20 questions with them. If they tell my they are allowed to possess firearms, I'll take their statement at face value.

 

[AKElroy]

I have bought and sold several times FTF. Typically, the buyer here in Texas volunteers their CHL. I do take some precautions, such as meeting in a public place away from my home or theirs. I also ask for a description of their car. I get there early to see them drive up. If I get an uneasy feeling, I drive away.

I have sold a couple this way, and both times the buyer was cordial & clean cut. I have also sold at gunshows. A few months back, I was walking through the isle w/ a nagant carbine I paid $60 for 5 years ago. A guy at a table is waiving a $100 bill at me & pointing @ the nagant. Sold. I hand the rifle over the table, he hands me the $100. No papers, no permission from uncle sam required.

Freedom, dear friends, is a beautiful thing.

 

[Defense Minister]

I have sold many guns, always FTF with no FFL, and have never had a problem. I do, however, write a Bill of Sale in which I list the make, model, caliber, and serial # of the firearm, as well as the DL # and signature of both parties to the transfer. If the bill of sale is a problem for the buyer (and it never has been), then I will retain the firearm, and wait for another buyer. Consequently, most of the buyers have also desired the bill of sale because it protects them in the case that they buy a stolen gun from someone they don't know.

At the very least, when selling FTF, you have to verify that the person is a resident of your state. I have a rifle for sale locally right now, and the only two people who have shown an interest in it didn't want a paper trail, and live in California.

 

[chez323]

If I'm selling a handgun, I go thru the FFL or no deal. Long gun, I use the bill of sale on PAFOA with proper ID.

 

[merlinfire]

To all those who want to be "off the books"

I say buying recorded transactions makes you count. When the DoJ puts out statistics or the ATF puts out stats that lawmakers consider, why not stand up and be counted?

Not that I'd turn down a good deal in FTF, but I've no special desire to remain off the books.

If anything, letting the government know that there are TONS of guns in private hands would weigh heavily on lawmakers as they consider the electorate.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

why not stand up and be counted?

I do,every election at the polls.

 

[nalioth]

why not stand up and be counted?

Indeed

 

[merlinfire]

Quote:
Originally Posted by merlinfire
why not stand up and be counted?

Indeed

Fear sells, but I'm not buying.

Based on your link, you compare having your transaction trackable to the Holocaust? Godwin's Law in motion.

 

[nalioth]

Based on your link, you compare having your transaction trackable to the Holocaust? Godwin's Law in motion.

Ah yes, internet memes to derogate.

I'd prefer my collection to not be countable by the government.

With private transactions, there are no 4473s to gather, should the laws change (or a presidential executive order be made for the purpose).

 

[Erik M]

i only trade to family and work colleges that I trust. One of the local shops will 'mediate' between 2 people for $25 +%10. (run a bg check and log it as them selling a traded in gun) Never done that but I assume it would be an option for selling to a shady person.

 

[luigi]

If I am selling there are two points that I cover.

1. Do you have the money ?

2. Do you want the gun ?

If you can answer yes to both those questions we have a sale

 

[C96]

If I purchased the firearm on a 4473 or whatever they are now called, it's leaving on a 4473. I don't want to be the last one on the paper trail.

Years ago I had a close call, guy and his son worked with me, the son wanted to by a shotgun I had for sale, I wanted cash, kid would only pay with check so no deal. Kid later bought from a local dealer and found out the kid was a convicted felon recently out of prison. Sheriff went and retrieved the firearm.

I don't want to be a part of the paper trail, at least not the last one, of some crime scene firearm.

As far as keeping my name off of firearm transactions: I've been buying guns so long my name is in the big data base in the sky a ton of times, worrying about putting one more entry in the list is no real concern.

 

[Vector]

This is an interesting subject. I had a inexpensive .22 sitting around collecting dust and an acquittance asked if I had any guns I could sell him. The only one I was interested in getting rid of was the .22, so I offered it to him cheap. He had never owned a gun, did not know how to handle one, nor even held one before. So I offered to give a quick safety and break down lesson at the time of the sale.
When we got together with the gun he started to get very excited, well beyond what was normal for his personality. He also started to ask strange questions with a weird glint in his eye. He was all ready to hand over the cash when I started to ask more questions. Before I knew it he was ranting about "all the bad drivers and now that he owned a gun he was not going to take any more crap on the road".
I was taken aback and told him a gun is for defensive purposes only, not to go on some road rage spree. He gave me a dismissive "yeah sure", so I told him he was not the type of person who should really be a gun owner. Needless to say I still have that paperweight because there is no way I was going to read about someone who was killed because I armed this wacko.

So while I will sell FTF, I certainly try to guage if the person has a screw loose before potentially arming them.

 

[MrWesson]

The more people become accustomed to background checks and feeling uneasy about doing a perfectly legal FTF sales the freedom to do so will disappear.

Are you running a background check for piece of mind? Legally nothing can happen to you for doing a FTF sale with a felon unless you knew that person was a felon(in my state). Just remember Felons aren't the only people who could commit a crime with your gun and if you are that concerned about what someone might do with something you no longer own then don't sell.

I don't care for more intrusion in my life than is necessary. I have nothing to hide and don't particularly care about owning a gun off the grid but its one of the freedoms we enjoy in my state and I choose to practice/enjoy FTF sales.

I would require a bill of sale if I don't know you or if I feel uneasy about the deal but other than that I take the cash you take the gun.

 

[monet61]

Selling private

I usually only sell to someone known to me to be of reputable character.

Mr M2Carbine: Wanna sell it?

 

[pro2]

If the buyer gives me bad vibes, he is NOT going to receive a firearm from me. As a firearms owner, it is MY responsibility not to place a firearm into the hands of someone who may do something stupid and compromise OUR 2nd Amendment Rights.

That being said, I prefer FTF.

 

[yeti]

letting the government know that there are TONS of guns in private hands would weigh heavily on lawmakers

They already know there are 'TONS' of guns, loose in the wild, in private hands, there is just something comforting about keeping those lawmakers guessing which private hands hold those wild guns.

 

[MrWesson]

requiring a CWP for a FTF sale falls under this same category. First you are using a CWP as a registration for someone to buy a firearm from you. I assume immediately that anyone who would require a CWP agrees with firearm registrations/permitting and firmer regulations. There are many reasons someone may not have a CWP.

I have a friend who simply is interested in defending his home and shooting at targets. So next time you sell a firearm try to remember that not everyone shares your views on CCW.

 

[Gord]

Obviously, you're bound by due diligence (and the law) not to sell to anyone you have reason to believe is a felon or other restricted person - so selling to someone with track marks up and down their arm, for instance, would be a no-no. A lot of us simply go one step further and refuse to sell to anyone who seems suspicious or "off" - why risk it? People lie, and some are exceedingly good at it.

When I sell a firearm FTF, I make up two copies of a bill of sale. Each copy is signed by both me and by the buyer. I require that they show me their driver's license, and I ask that they record their DL # on my copy of the bill of sale. I do the same for their copy. No muss, no fuss, and neither party feels exposed to a potentially bad deal.

I don't deal with people who will only sell to CCW holders (and there seem to be a lot of them in Utah). Overly paranoid and overly restrictive - they can keep their guns and I'll give my money to someone else.

 

[psyopspec]

why would anyone ever object to go through a ffl if there is nothing to hide.

Why would anyone ever object to gun registration if there is nothing to hide?

Why would anyone ever object to full body cavity searches if there is nothing to hide?

Why would anyone ever object to a repeal of the right to be secure in our personal belongings and papers if there is nothing to hide?

What would our country be like if our founding fathers had supplied the postlude to each entry in the Bill Of Rights "if there be nothing to hide?"

 

[Bernie Lomax]

Contrary to popular belief, it is not illegal to sell a firearm to someone who is a prohibited possessor. It is illegal to sell a firearm to someone who you know or have reasonable cause to believe is a prohibited possessor.

 

[mcdonl]

I do not want to be counted. I have a CCW card, there... I am counted. As far as my guns, all FTF except for some long guns. Cabelas gets some sweet deals on hard to find rifles.

 

[RevDerb]

Since Michigan requires a Permit to Purchase or a CPL (concealed pistol license) to purchase a handgun, I have no qualms at all about doing FTF. Why go to the extra expense of an FFL? I check D/L and we both complete the proper paper work (which is minimal) and we're on our way. For long guns, I check D/L for age or residency.

 

[22-rimfire]

Sometimes having too much "knowledge" is a bad thing when selling to co-workers. I have often been present for their comments on guns and gun situations (real and made up) and as a result, sometimes I'm a little nervous about selling to coworkers and obeying the law regarding FTF firearm transfers. Real facts are important and trying to descriminate between fact and fiction is difficult if you know someone casually. But in general, I will sell either way. It just depends.