I, too, have a
Bill of Sale that I sometimes use when I do not know the seller. The only time I would buy from an unknown private seller without a Bill of Sale is at a gunshow, and then I trust my instincts.
Would you meet at your house? Not with an unknown seller.
Somewhere else? I have gone to the home of a friend of a friend. I do not consider them to be unknowns. (I have few friends, many acquaintances). I prefer to meet at a range. A range is good, because I usually want to shoot the gun first.
Would you carry to the sale? Open or concealed? I always carry. More importantly, I do not go alone.
Would you get any information about the seller? What's on the Bill of Sale.
Would you give any information to the seller about yourself? What's on the Bill of Sale.
When I first make contact I let the seller know we will be doing a Bill of Sale, and if they like, I will email or fax them a copy so they can see it before we meet. If they don't agree, no loss for me. If they agree, we deal. I check their ID just like I let them check mine. You will note that my Bill of Sale protects the seller as well as the buyer.
This is not too much different than making a deal on a car, livestock, a good dog, or other high dollar commodity.
Xavier's Bill of Sale/Transfer of Ownership