So how do you sell your guns now?

[crazyal]

Decades ago selling a gun was easy. You would just put a classified in a local paper and sell it. But those days are gone. I've never really sold guns but with any collection sooner or later I'm going to have to. I've looked at some of the on-line sites but I don't know if I would try one. The whole reason why I'm thinking about this now is I've added a black gun to the collection and now have too many guns for my safe. I use to duck hunt and had a back up Benelli that never got used, it's the most likeliest to go. I talked with one gun shop but they just wanted it for a song and dance. I understand that they need to make a profit too but there are limits. I think they know that selling a used gun isn't as easy so they lowball. Anyway that got me to thinking since I don't have anyone to hand my guns down to I might be selling them down the road when we decide to move to warmer weather. Personally I would just take them all with me but since we don't live in a free country some of them aren't legal in all 50 states. Didn't want to turn this into a political debate, just wondering what others do. For now I still have plenty of room for pistols and now that I got the wife to actually try shooting she's hooked.

 

[/pine]

Decades ago selling a gun was easy. You would just put a classified in a local paper and sell it. But those days are gone. I've never really sold guns but with any collection sooner or later I'm going to have to. I've looked at some of the on-line sites but I don't know if I would try one. The whole reason why I'm thinking about this now is I've added a black gun to the collection and now have too many guns for my safe. I use to duck hunt and had a back up Benelli that never got used, it's the most likeliest to go. I talked with one gun shop but they just wanted it for a song and dance. I understand that they need to make a profit too but there are limits. I think they know that selling a used gun isn't as easy so they lowball. Anyway that got me to thinking since I don't have anyone to hand my guns down to I might be selling them down the road when we decide to move to warmer weather. Personally I would just take them all with me but since we don't live in a free country some of them aren't legal in all 50 states. Didn't want to turn this into a political debate, just wondering what others do. For now I still have plenty of room for pistols and now that I got the wife to actually try shooting she's hooked.

I would find a local dealer that you trust...Not sure about all but in most states a dealer is required on one or both ends when firearm is shipped regardless...

These days you can usually get a fair price if you have the time...good luck.

 

[k0ua]

A couple of things I don't understand.. Move to warmer climes? What state? Most southern states are very gun friendly. Are you talking about moving out of the United States? It is only when you move to unfriendly Northern states that you will have a problem.

You can still sell guns from your own collection without a FFL. You can move and take your guns with you to friendly states.. We need to know what state you are referring to. Are some of the guns full auto? Do some of them have suppressors? If we knew the specifics, perhaps we could help.

 

[westcliffe01]

You can list them on gunbroker. If an out of state buyer wants them, then he needs to give you the contact info of his local FFL. You can verify the info on the ATF website. Then you call the FFL and arrange the logistics of the sale (for example, buyer pays FFL your asking price. When FFL has buyers money, you send him the weapon. They can inspect it together. Unless there is a major discrepancy, FFL deposits the money in your account, and seller pays transfer fees.)

I have bought most of my rifles used and a large number of them from out of state. The only time I have had a problem was in buying a Galil from a dealership and they sent me a defective rifle in terrible condition. They eventually refunded part of the purchase price to correct the situation. On private transfers I have never had an issue. So long as you work through an FFL on the receiving end (to comply with ATF laws) you will be fine. Long guns can be shipped from your local post office, the only issue is that the box is not permitted to have any identifying features that indicate that a firearm is in the package. That is frustrating, since FFL's are allowed to use factory packaging which clearly indicates the box has a firearm in it. Finally, there is shipping of handguns. You are not allowed to use the post office to ship handguns and UPS and Fedex are being more and more restrictive about it and at times claiming that only the most expensive mode of shipping may be used which can be really cost prohibitive. In such cases, working with a FFL local to you can be helpful, since they are allowed to do things that ordinary citizens may not and they are allowed to ship handguns through the postal service, for example.

By working with a FFL on the receiving end, he has to know state law and should not knowingly allow the shipment of any item which would be prohibited. Just be sure to fully disclose all details before shipping.

 

[LD1]

I don't sell.

But did buy a gun once off armslist.

Alot like Craigslist... Lots of overpriced stuff. Just have to find the right deal and if they are willing to negotiate. If you list stuff for a fair price I don't think you will have any issue selling

 

[the old grind]

I sold several of my 'collectibles' on GB. Read a few listings to get a feel for disclaimers and other preferences. Usual listing tricks apply: 'buy it now', reserve price, auto relist if not sold etc. (There are guides/tips on the GB site.) Verify FFL/shipping info and ask for postal MO payment (sellers & I love them & how I usually pay when buying.) Once you are paid and FFL vetted, take to PO in unmarked box. Easy peasy. (Tell your friends about your listings, too.) HGs don't need much more paperwork for the seller, just the buyer, and receiving FFL takes care of that.

I buy on GunsAmerica too, but usually sell on GB. Admit buying is sometimes easier than selling. Once you send PMO and FFL info you just wait for it to come in. When selling you have to vet the shipping address and wait for your $$. (I list firm price vs auctions, btw, and auto-relist) Never a bad experience buying or selling on GB or GA.

Google can help buyers find your piece(s) nearly anywhere but, like when starting a thread, it's nice to have concise info to aid search access. (ex: "Marlin 336, .35 Rem, peep sight" or "'60s Rem 700, 7mm Mag, Leupold VX-II" vs 'great deer rifle, .30 cal')

If your prices are on the low side it may be worth getting a table at a gun show, but that can be more about moving product than making big $$ to 'downsize'. Trust dealers there also to offer peanuts, esp for ammo, so turn on the charm when visitors check out your stuff. They often come back after shopping around. (if that happens you might not have to haggle ...)

 

[Kenneth in Texas]

i never sell my guns

 

[Fossil Farm]

There are many gun auctions around here. They normally go for a reasonable price. That is, decent for the seller and the buyer. Just depends on the condition and whether it is a common field gun or closer to being a collectable firearm and what is popular in your area. Sold a few to friends over the years and of course many deals are made outside of gun shows too. Just depends what you feel comfortable with. Also depends if you need to get top dollar for your collection because you are moving, or if a reasonable price is acceptable.

Not sure what you mean by not legal in all states. If you are just talking about the clip capacity, there are just a few states with restrictions. Sell locally for those so you don't have the hassle of knowing what states are restricted. If you are talking class 3 type, then that is a bit different. Good luck.

 

[crazyal]

Vermont has no laws for the most part so selling today in state is only an issue of finding a place to advertise it. The good old ways don't really exist now. I did sign up with gunbroker so I'll probably try that. But with each state having their own set of laws I figured I would have to contact the buyer's ffl to verify that it was OK to sell the gun legally to someone living in that state. I just was wondering if there was another way that people use.

 

[teejk]

Get brand specific and google that name. If the guns are worth anything you'll find a lot of people willing to buy them. E.g. I have a friend that pays BIG$$$ for older Winchesters. If they want them they'll take care of the FFL paperwork. Now the big problem is a lot of mass produced guns don't really appreciate. I stay away from the brokers if at all possible.