Selling to a private party through FFL

[aag]

Can someone give me an idea of what is the correct procedure of selling a firearm through FFL?

So far, all of my private party transactions have been local; but I'm about to list my PM9 in the marketplace ... when and if it sells, how do I conduct the sale, to be sure it concludes legally?

Any pointers are greatly appreciated.

- Alex

[skyracer]

I think that it depends on the state. Call your state police. In my state you just fill out a transfer form, have it notarized, and then file it with the state police. But like I said, check with your local authorities.

[aag]

Sorry, I had to be more specific. I know how to sell locally/face-to-face. Question is, how to do it when I sell online (e.g. through the marketplace) and need to ship the firearm? What's the procedure of validating/contacting/shipping to a buyer's FFL?

[JFootin]

Just let your local FFL handle it. Pay him a fee, he can do the paperwork and he can send it cheaper using USPS.

[wisconman]

The law does not require you to ship a handgun through a local FLL, but it must go to an FFL in the purchasers home state (the receiving FFL will then do appropriate paperwork to transfer the firearm). You must have a copy of the receiving FFL license and ship to the address shown on the FFL. You can only ship through a common carrier (UPS or Fedex) and follow their rules for shipping a handgun. This is normally accepted only for overnite shipping, so it will be fairly expensive to ship. As suggested, if you have a willing local FFL, you can let him ship the firearm for you (again, you will have to provide a copy of the receiving FFL). A dealer does not have to use UPS or Fedex, and does not have to use overnite shipping, so the cost may well be a lot less than shipping directly to an FFL yourself. One other note, many FFLs will not accept a handgun direct from a non-licensed seller, so depending on the purchasers receiving FFL, you might have to go through your local FFL to complete the transaction.

Jim R

[johnh]

UPS and Fedex will second day handguns now, but getting the local UPS/Fedex drop to believe you on that may be another story. :(

[JFootin]

Well, my FFL just charges me $10 to do the transaction ($20 when I am receiving) and the insured shipping by USPS is around $17-24 or so, which all in all comes out to about half the cost of shipping it myself through Fedex or UPS. Plus, he knows how to make sure the receiving FFL is kosher and all laws are complied with. He is also a UPS drop-off point and helps people pack things correctly for shipment, so he will repackage my gun if he thinks it could be packaged better (no charge, he's a perfectionist! :))

Edit: And his store is just 1/4 mile from my home! :D