Okay to sell handgun w/o FFL?

9

9guy

Moderator
I would like some advice on this.

Is it legal for an individual w/o an FFL to sell a handgun to someone else?

I've noticed several of the posts in the For Sale section mention shipping only to an FFL holder for transfer. What's that all about?

Is it illegal for me to sell a gun to by buddy?

Thanks for any info... ;)
 
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I believe only in California it would be illegal to not go through an FFL dealer. In Texas go ahead with the face to face transfer, it's perfectly legal and an easier way to sell.
 
As long as your buddy lives in the same state that you do, it is legal. Some states require registration and FFL transfers, but TX isn't one of them.
 
One other thing.

If you have any knowlege that your 'buddy' can not legally own a hangun in your state, then you can not sell it to him legally.
 
Hey, if you lived in the socialist republic of Illinois you'd be responsible for doing a NICS background check. Illinois does it's own background checks through the Illinois state police. Of course you have to set up and open an account with ISP. Then there's the waiting period.
 
I wasn't meaning a background check

just ask the person. " Can you legally purchase and own a gun in this state?" That's your check...... that's all you need to do in states that allow face to face sales. For the few guns I've bought recently from individuals I just told them I had a Concealed weapons permit... that tells the person I can own a gun...
 
Not in Illinois

Illinois allows ftf sales and you have to do a background check or go to jail. This includes private nondealer ftf sales.


.....at gunshows.
 
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Hags, the background check in Illinois is already done. The seller must see the buyers Firearm Owners ID card. This verifies the state police have previously done the check and you're good to go. At least in a private transaction.
 
Generally legal as long as the person isn't a felon, is age 21 for handguns, no mental judgements against him.

I just draft a bill of sale to document the transaction. I'm happy to provide it to you if you're interested.

Check your state laws however. A quick search on the state statutes for firearm transfers will let you know.

Also, if it makes you feel better, both of you go to the local dealer and pay a small fee for a transfer at the dealership.
 
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Last I knew there were no restricion of ftf stuff, although I had also heard you're supposed to see if they have a FOID.
 
Current Illinois gun law requires background checks on private sales at all gunshows via ISP. This is/was known as closing the gunshow loophole here in Illinois.
Also, you have to include a trigger lock with every gun sale, gunshow or not.

I'm a dealer here in Illinois so all this private sale stuff doesn't apply to me. I should've mentioned that.
 
Interesting. With the exception of the brand new remmington 597 I bought at wal-mart no gun I've ever purchased in this state has come with a trigger lock.

Are you sure this law applies to used gun sales?
 
Check local laws (like airforce says Packing.org is a good site to start). Usually the you and the guy need to be in the same state. Honestly if you don't know the guy well, I would go thru a FFL, especially if your buying. It covers you backside if the gun is stolen or was used in a crime. If your selling your old revolver to a good buddy for home defense, I don't see a problem skipping the ffl if it is legal. Regardless I would do some handwritten bill of sale and have both parties sign off on it. Better safe than sorry
 
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