Private gun purchases...
- Thread starter keko
- Start date
The Body Bagger
New member
Bring a guy friend as backup just incase the deal goes bad. Have him just sort of hang out in the car. No reason to be intimidating but no reason to show up with a bunch of cash and wind up being robbed at gun point by the very gun you were wanting to purchase. If possible do the deal away from swap lands and vacate lots. Go to a mall or grocery store parking lot and park towards the back.
Quickdraw Limpsalot
New member
Communication!
Talk with the other party in detail via email or (preferably) phone. A good telephone conversation can do wonders for easing your mind (or throwing up red flags) about a person. I ain't showing up with a posse to do a gun deal, to me that would tell the other person that I'm not completely trustworthy. Just my opinion.
Also, I always expect to pay cash when I'm meeting someone for a FTF deal. It's a courtesy thing for me. One more reason that they can believe that I can be trusted.
If it doesn't feel right, don't do the deal. Trust your instincts, give the person the benefit of the doubt, just don't be a bonehead and lose your arse because you weren't paying attention.
That's my take.
Talk with the other party in detail via email or (preferably) phone. A good telephone conversation can do wonders for easing your mind (or throwing up red flags) about a person. I ain't showing up with a posse to do a gun deal, to me that would tell the other person that I'm not completely trustworthy. Just my opinion.
Also, I always expect to pay cash when I'm meeting someone for a FTF deal. It's a courtesy thing for me. One more reason that they can believe that I can be trusted.
If it doesn't feel right, don't do the deal. Trust your instincts, give the person the benefit of the doubt, just don't be a bonehead and lose your arse because you weren't paying attention.
That's my take.
The Body Bagger
New member
Alright maybe it was a bit overboard, but I thought the main point to be made was as Quickdraw made; be safe and not sorry. Maybe I've seen too many dudes selling hot weapons or too many scams.....I try to deal strictly with FFL licensed shops.
Quickdraw Limpsalot
New member
Also, check with your local ATF about what's required to tranfer ownership (if applicable.)
guntotin_fool
New member
I do this a lot. In minnesota there are no restrictions for transfers as long as both people are legal to own firearms. IE not felons.
I have a standard form letter that I use. basically it says....
Date..........
Seller ........... who by signing below confirms that he has no legal restrictions to possess or sell the listed firearm.
sells to Buyer.......who by signing below confirms that he has no legal restrictions to possess or purchase the listed firearm.
the handgun/rifle/shotgun.... make.....model.... caliber..... serial number......
for the amount of ..........
seller signed..................
buyer signed ..................
witness................... (optional)
I have used this basic letter several (20 plus) times. I make two copies and have all the data filled out before I show up.... I sign both and he signs both and we each keep one. If I am at home when I do this or in the office I will make a photocopy of both of our DL's on the back of the form.
I just figure this will cover me as a legal document.
I have bought most of the private party firearms by either letting people/coworkers etc know I was a willing buyer, or by talking to garage sale people who had hunting vests, decoys etc on display. after talking to them If they feel like letting me know they have firearms for sale, I let them check me out with a call to a local police official who I know who basically says yeah, he will pay you and has no criminal record. I prefer private purchases. Buyer beware, Know what you are looking for and what are common failings for such guns. Sometimes you have to buy something you do not want to buy in order to get what you want. For example I once bought two POS Savage .22 autoloaders to get a Winchester 64 and a pair of model 99 Savages. But in doing so I was able to get three minty guns for under a grand, and two rifles that went to the pawn shop for 50 bucks each. I prefer to have the transactions done at my office (I own the company) or at their house if they are garage sale people or friends of friends. I will not go to bad neighborhoods...not going to do it...nor will I buy or sell to people who make me nervous...I will just say sorry, I had something come up.... and cancel.
I have bought a fairly good number of gun this way. hope this helps
I have a standard form letter that I use. basically it says....
Date..........
Seller ........... who by signing below confirms that he has no legal restrictions to possess or sell the listed firearm.
sells to Buyer.......who by signing below confirms that he has no legal restrictions to possess or purchase the listed firearm.
the handgun/rifle/shotgun.... make.....model.... caliber..... serial number......
for the amount of ..........
seller signed..................
buyer signed ..................
witness................... (optional)
I have used this basic letter several (20 plus) times. I make two copies and have all the data filled out before I show up.... I sign both and he signs both and we each keep one. If I am at home when I do this or in the office I will make a photocopy of both of our DL's on the back of the form.
I just figure this will cover me as a legal document.
I have bought most of the private party firearms by either letting people/coworkers etc know I was a willing buyer, or by talking to garage sale people who had hunting vests, decoys etc on display. after talking to them If they feel like letting me know they have firearms for sale, I let them check me out with a call to a local police official who I know who basically says yeah, he will pay you and has no criminal record. I prefer private purchases. Buyer beware, Know what you are looking for and what are common failings for such guns. Sometimes you have to buy something you do not want to buy in order to get what you want. For example I once bought two POS Savage .22 autoloaders to get a Winchester 64 and a pair of model 99 Savages. But in doing so I was able to get three minty guns for under a grand, and two rifles that went to the pawn shop for 50 bucks each. I prefer to have the transactions done at my office (I own the company) or at their house if they are garage sale people or friends of friends. I will not go to bad neighborhoods...not going to do it...nor will I buy or sell to people who make me nervous...I will just say sorry, I had something come up.... and cancel.
I have bought a fairly good number of gun this way. hope this helps
Generally, between hanging out with nothing but gun nuts, most of the private purchases I've seen happen right at home. 
OTOH: I've met an acquaintance at a McDonald's, I've hooked up with a gun show vendor at a K-Mart, and I've had my gunsmith deliver to my home.
Money; handshake; "Pleasure doing business with you."
(I understand, however, that in some states it is not legal to do that. Follow all applicable Federal, state, and local ordinances.)
OTOH: I've met an acquaintance at a McDonald's, I've hooked up with a gun show vendor at a K-Mart, and I've had my gunsmith deliver to my home.
Money; handshake; "Pleasure doing business with you."
(I understand, however, that in some states it is not legal to do that. Follow all applicable Federal, state, and local ordinances.)
1) make sure what your state laws are. Some, like in Florida, require no FLL if it is a private purchase between two individuals, both of the state of florida. The only caveat is that you can not knowingly sell to someone not eligable to own: convicted felon, etc.
2) A quick bill of sale like the above is advisable. Make sure you have the make/model/serial number.
This is to cover you should either he use the firearm in a crime, or if it gets stolen from him and used in a crime, etc.
It also proves that you sold the gun to a lawful individual ( to the best of your ability )
3) if it is a large sum of cash, you may want to have the money checked at a bank [ don't bring in the firearm or you could get in trouble! ] I've done that when I have sold an automobile for cash ~$7500 at my local credit union.
2) A quick bill of sale like the above is advisable. Make sure you have the make/model/serial number.
This is to cover you should either he use the firearm in a crime, or if it gets stolen from him and used in a crime, etc.
It also proves that you sold the gun to a lawful individual ( to the best of your ability )
3) if it is a large sum of cash, you may want to have the money checked at a bank [ don't bring in the firearm or you could get in trouble! ] I've done that when I have sold an automobile for cash ~$7500 at my local credit union.
You guys from the "free" states make me wanna cry! Sheesh! Private party transfers (PPT) in CA require the intermediary 01 FFL to do the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS) required by CA law. Gun goes to FFL or is brought to him by both the seller and buyer. DROS forms require documenting BOTH the buyer and seller as not "prohibited persons". In the case of a handgun transfer, the buyer must show his Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC). Federal Form 4473 is next for the buyer. Then his proof of residency (Utility Bill or car registration), CA Driver's License as well. Then comes the 10 day wait (calendar days). If the transfer took place before noon, it's 10 days from that date at the same hour or later but not before. If the transfer took place in the afternoon, the wait begins the following day. Consignment sales are treated like PPT's except the seller doesn't have to be present at the time of sale.
Lots of other rules regarding importing handguns from out of state. CA DOJ safe handgun list v. not listed handguns (there are exemptions for SA, single shot, and Olympic pistols). C&R v. not C&R. BATFE rules v. CA DOJ rules. Just one big nightmare scenario of Democrat social engineering bull sh*t at work.
Lots of other rules regarding importing handguns from out of state. CA DOJ safe handgun list v. not listed handguns (there are exemptions for SA, single shot, and Olympic pistols). C&R v. not C&R. BATFE rules v. CA DOJ rules. Just one big nightmare scenario of Democrat social engineering bull sh*t at work.