Question about selling a Pistol?

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Dec 1, 2012
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Ok i have a pistol im selling, im in MI and the buyer is in Missouri, i know i can ship it to him through FFLs but how do i get the paperwork filled out, do i send him certain paperwork or what? thanks in advance guys
 
I'm kinda fuzzy on details, but I think the general path would be for you to find an FFL on your end to do the send and the buyer find an FFL on his end do the receive. The two FFL dealers would know exactly what needs to happen. Ages ago I sent a rifle directly to an FFL dealer in another state but handguns may be a different kettle of fish.
 
I think rifles can be sent from individual to FFL but pistols have to go from FFL to FFL. You are best just to go to an FFL holder or gun dealer and pay the fee to have them handle it and keep it clean and simple. Plus, he knows where to ship it back if he's not happy with the gun or he fails the NICS the receiving dealer can return it to your FFL.
 
The FFL's will know exactly what needs done. They will have all the paperwork. You can go to a UPS store and ship it OVERNIGHT to their FFL. ( pistols have to be shipped overnight. I don't know why. at least they did the last time I shipped one a 1 and a half or so ago.) Each of you will ship to the other's dealer, and your dealer will fill out all the required paperworkand complete backgraound checks etc. That's really all there is to it. Hope that helps.
 
Laws vary from state to state and unfortunately I'm far too lazy to look up your state laws but you should be able to find the info easily enough. In my state you can ship yourself, it has to go to an FFL of course. Other states require that firearms go from an FFL to an FFL, if that's the case in your state you will have to go to an FFL, pay a fee, and have them ship it. Your buyer's FFL may require that you send though an FFL on your end weather or not your state law requires it so check with the buyer first.

There is no real paperwork needed, you can include a bill of sale if you like. The FFL on the other side will enter the serial number into his log and, I believe, make sure it's not stolen.

UPS or FedEx has to go next day priority for a handgun which costs a but-load, if you ship through an FFL he can send it priority mail which may offset his fees. Long guns can go through USPS.
 
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The few dealers I have spoken to during a handgun purchase about the overnight only shipping stated that it is due to theft, the more hands that touch the firearm package the more losses they were having. I don't how true it is but more than one company who ships very large quantities told me that is why. I believe it is a UPS/Fedex rule not so much a law.

The FFL's will know exactly what needs done. They will have all the paperwork. You can go to a UPS store and ship it OVERNIGHT to their FFL. ( pistols have to be shipped overnight. I don't know why. at least they did the last time I shipped one a 1 and a half or so ago.) Each of you will ship to the other's dealer, and your dealer will fill out all the required paperworkand complete backgraound checks etc. That's really all there is to it. Hope that helps.
 
First, I do not speak for any local laws that may exist in your local jurisdiction. Secondly, go to www.gunbroker.com and read their advice for selling (or buying) a firearm on-line. It really is a good resource.

In summary, YOU can ship a firearm to a repair facility personally (no pistols in US Mail though) or to an FFL in another state. If shipped to an FFL in another state for a transfer (sale, gift, etc.), the person picking up the pistol pays the local FFL the customary transfer fee ($20~$50) and fills out the paperwork just like they made a normal retail purchase.

I actually did this for a friend who needed my rifle for an Elk hunt. Everything transpired very smoothly and was uneventful when it was all said and done.
 
you can ship yourself, it has to go to an FFL of course.
Here's the key: TO an OEM, such as for warranty/recall work, OR to an FFL for "custom work", such as sights, actions, re-finishing, etc.
Other states require that firearms go from an FFL to an FFL, if that's the case in your state you will have to go to an FFL, pay a fee, and have them ship it.
Yes, it's prudent to check YOUR state's laws, or regulations on that.
Your buyer's FFL may require that you send though an FFL on YOUR-end whether or not your state law requires it so check with the buyer first.
Also true. It's NOT necessary legally, but thats the only way the receiving FFL may be 'comfortable' in doing the transfer.
There is no real paperwork needed, you can include a bill of sale if you like. The FFL on the other side will enter the serial number into his log and, I believe, make sure it's not stolen.
That's also true....BUT, you darn well better have a great e-mail trail of WHAT you'rE SELLING, and to WHOM, and for HOW much, and verification of receipt of your buyer's funds, etc. Also, I can guarantee buyer's FFL will want a copy of YOUR driver's license to log WHO he received the gun FROM.

UPS or FedEx has to go next day priority for a handgun which costs a but-load, if you ship through an FFL he can send it priority mail which may offset his fees. Long guns can go through USPS.
Also true, the carriers have huge internal theft, so they decided years ago to make US PAY very highly for THEIR problem. With insurance, you should be prepared for around $100! Rifles and such (in a LONG, suitable box), CAN indeed be shipped through the Post Office very reasonably. However, your typical clerk will NOT know this, and will panic and call for a Supervisor. Remember, if you are asked by the carrier WHY you are shipping it, it's, ".. to an FFL for "custom work", such as sights, actions, re-finishing, etc.

In summary, YOU can ship a firearm to a repair facility personally (no pistols in US Mail though) or to an FFL in another state. If shipped to an FFL in another state for a transfer (sale, gift, etc.), the person picking up the pistol pays the local FFL the customary transfer fee ($20~$50) and fills out the paperwork just like they made a normal retail purchase.
Now then, rather than be raped at UPS/Fed Ex, you MAY consider going through your local FFL. He/She is legally able to use the US Mail for handuns. Typical insured US Mail runs more like $20-$25. If he charges that much for his 'transfer' (log entry, boxing it up, driving to the facility), you're still far ahead of the game vs. the private carries.

Hope that helps.
 
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