Selling a revolver?

C

Crankgrinder

New member
Well folks it seems it may be time for me to sell one of my guns. Problem is I don't know how best to go about it. Gunbroker seems to be a good option, is it so? Sale to an individual would be nice but it comes with risks involved. What would be the best way to go about it with good returns and a clear conscience?
 
Unless you need a quick sale, I would first try word-of-mouth with family and friends. Next, I would inquire about a consignment agreement with a local gun store. At least those are the first things that come to mind for me.
 
I've used Armslist with great success. I have never had an odd feeling with anyone I've dealt with, but you can kind of get a feel for people through emails. I always have a bill of sale and I'll print copies of emails and keep with the bill of sale. I'll even write down what car they are in with a license number for some extra info.
 
Do they allow gun ads in the local papers in TX any more? Start there as well as WTS ads at your local gun clubs. If it doesn't move fast enough, then free WTS ads as on forums like this would be my next step.
 
Here are a couple of suggestions if you end up selling in a face-to-face private sale to someone you do not know. I have listed a few firearms on Armslist and used this method.

Provide a bill of sale. I modified a generic one that lets me list both seller's & buyer's address, description if the item (include the serial number), etc. Provide two copies, one for you & one for the buyer. I show and require that I see their drivers license - private sales must be between residents if the same state, and of course to check their age. Both of us sign and date the BOS. Finally at their signature, there's a statement that they are not prohibited from possessing a firearm.

If there is anything odd in talking with or emailing a prospective buyer, I just decline to arrange to meet them. The sales I have done have ended up being to old gun guys like myself, or young guys at the nearby military base.

Basically, know the legalities, use common sense, and document.
 
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I know in Alabama, the transfer of a handgun (other than C&R) requires an FFL on the part of the buyer. You mentioned it was a revolver.

I have heard some FFL Holders will accept the drivers license information from the seller and some are reluctant to do so. The buyer is required to pass the background check.

You had best check your local laws. I suspect the same holds true for your situation.
 
I know in Alabama, the transfer of a handgun (other than C&R) requires an FFL on the part of the buyer.
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Can you provide a cite for that? AFAIK, Alabama follow fed law which does NOT require an FFL for any transfer between two state residents.
 
I stand corrected. I was wrong. This is the case when it is a licensed dealer but is not applicable to private sales. Thanks for the correction and my further education. :o
 
Armslist, consignment, the papers and Bill of sale no matter what. All good suggestions I'd say. I'm not in a real big hurry to sell but will if I find a good buyer. How is the shipping through armslist? How does it work? Is it expensive?
 
How is the shipping through armslist? How does it work? Is it expensive?
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When selling a gun via armslist, Gunbroker, etc. they don't get involved in shipping. That's all on you. Since you are talking about a handgun, you have basically 2 choices.

1. Take your package to a FedEx or UPS hub (must be a hub - not a retail store). By their rules, you have to send it overnight express. I.E., big shipping bucks. I've "cheated" before and used their slower ground service to save money but they want to insist on the overnight to avoid theft by their employees.
2. Have your favorite FFL mail it at the Post Office. Only an FFL is allowed to mail a handgun through the Post Office. Sending it that way by Priority Mail with insurance is MUCH cheaper but your FFL will probably want to charge you for the service unless he owes you a favor.

Long guns are easier - just use the Post Office. No restriction against individuals sending long guns via the Post Office.
 
Provide a bill of sale. I modified a generic one that lets me list both seller's & buyer's address, description if the item (include the serial number), etc. Provide two copies, one for you & one for the buyer. I show and require that I see their drivers license - private sales must be between residents if the same state, and of course to check their age. Both of us sign and date the BOS. Finally at their signature, there's a statement that they are not prohibited from possessing a firearm.
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No thanks, you just lost a sale. NO WAY am I giving you my personal info, ESPECIALLY my address. I would have no idea where that might end up, possibly having an accomplice then break in to steal it back. You want to LOOK at my DL or CWL, fine - look only.
 
I don't need their address. Only a signature to say that they represent themselves as a legal buyer, which clears me under Texas law. I'd say the shipping involved is rather expensive. This makes talking to my lgs ffl more favorable. Thing is, I bought it from him in the first place a few years ago and I've traded 2 other guns at his shop previously and bought one outright through layaway late last year, and then I walk back into his shop to talk about selling one he sold me, and then probably wind up putting part of the proceeds to buy another.:D
 
I'd second "list it here". If you get no bites, then sell it on gunbroker. Unless it's a local sale, you are going to have to ship it to an FFL who must call in a background check anyway.
 
DaleA said:
Anybody want to state in general what to expect for consignment fees?
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I've had shops quote me 10%-30%, although I personally wouldn't agree to more than 20%.

Also, make sure that you ask the shop what fees you will be charged if you change your mind and withdraw the gun from consignment. A FFL must, under federal law, collect a Form 4473 and execute a NICS check before they can lawfully give the gun back to you. Most FFL's won't do this for free.
Marty8613 said:
I just paid to ship [a handgun] overnight. 2lbs was $66 UPS.... Use the FFL
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+1. A FFL can ship handguns via the US Postal Service. Most handguns will fit in the medium USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate Box and ship for between $25-$35 with insurance and the requisite Adult Signature Required fee. With a nominal $15-$25 transfer fee taken into account, you'll probably come out ahead vs. FedEx or UPS Next Day Air.
 
Don't sell any of your guns EVER! In later years you will be filled with regret when you see the gun you let go for a song, now costs an arm and a leg. I speak from experience. ;)
 
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