I think the least I can do is make a bill of sale...
including the serial number and make of the gun...
check the other guys ID...
then make him sign it...
but i still need to know where to meet up with a stranger to sell them a handgun.
Between my dad and I, we have probably bought/sold 100 guns over the years F2F. Both of us always do a bill of sale, if for no other reason than just to prove we sold it. I have never checked a guys ID, nor have I ever had anyone ask to check mine. Frankly, whats the point? Unless you're an expert at examining ID's or something, it accomplishes zero. Moreover, if your going to do that, then you better reciprocate and show him your ID and sign his receipt! I always want a receipt when I buy a gun F2F.
As far as where to meet up, I have met at peoples houses, had them come to mine, and all points in between. When my buddy bought his Red Label, the guy lived clear in Castle Rock and we lived an equal distance north, so we just met at a Cracker Barrel that was in the middle of Denver! Basically, where ever you feel comfortable will work. I recently went with my Dad to buy a Garand from this old boy, and he invited us in, gave us coffee and once he learned that I am interested in WWII military rifles, showed my Dad and I his whole collection of Garands and Springfields and etc. I think we ended up spending two hours at his house, and it ended up being a fairly enjoyable afternoon (plus, I gave him a card with my number should he ever decide to sell anymore of his rifle collection!!!). Thats probably not the norm, and probably goes beyond what I would be willing to do if I were selling a gun, but obviously he made the right read since neither my Dad or I are shady characters. In the end, just do it where ever you feel comfortable.
On a related note, my Dad, who is a garage sale fanatic, asks at every sale he stops at if the people are selling guns or ammo, and I am consistently surprised how often the answer is yes. I have a new Swedish Mauser carbine sitting about 5 feet from me right now that is a result of him asking that question just a couple of weeks ago! Aside from guns, He has found tons of good factory (not reloaded) ammo at garage sales, he has found reloading supplies to include entire kits (one of which got passed to a fellow THR friend of mine), and enough miscellaneous gear to start his own sporting goods store.
