Selling a firearm...cya

[popgoestheweasel]

Sorry if this question has been answered somewhere on the forum but I've yet to see it. What 'paper trail' SHOULD a handgun owner (not a dealer) generate/obtain/save/etc. when selling a handgun to a non-dealer???

Are the rules different from state to state? As the seller, I just want to cover my arse and give the buyer what he needs to cover his.

[jeepster09]

A simple bill of sale signed by both with serial number and drivers license numbers and date of sale. Copy for each of you.

[Markis82]

Sorry if this question has been answered somewhere on the forum but I've yet to see it. What 'paper trail' SHOULD a handgun owner (not a dealer) generate/obtain/save/etc. when selling a handgun to a non-dealer???

Are the rules different from state to state? As the seller, I just want to cover my arse and give the buyer what he needs to cover his.
I don't know about anywhere other than Florida. I write up a bill of sale. You can find a firearms bill of sale form free to download. Click this the download link is at the bottom of the page (http://freebillofsaleform.org/gun.html) or just Google it. I make sure it includes both the seller and the buyer's name, address, phone, drivers licence #, CCW #, the gun's make, model, serial number, modifications (if any), and selling price. I get cash if it is someone I don't know. I try to photo copy the buyers drivers license, and CCW. Sometimes that is not possible. I check the written information against the credentials. I sign and date 2 copies and have him sign and date both copies. I give him one copy and call it a day.

Mark

[popgoestheweasel]

How long does one keep the paperwork of the transaction? I guess the bottom line is to cya in the event the gun is used in a crime.

[Bawanna]

A simple bill of sale signed by both with serial number and drivers license numbers and date of sale. Copy for each of you.

This is exactly what I do. Here there are no set requirements other than you can not knowingly sell to someone who isn't qualified. IE: Convicted Felon, DV Convictions etc, BUT you are not required to ask.

[Markis82]

How long does one keep the paperwork of the transaction? I guess the bottom line is to cya in the event the gun is used in a crime.
I keep it in a dead file forever. Who knows. If the gun is used in a crime and is traced back to you, you can always prove you sold it and don't own it and are not responsible for it.

[ltxi]

I've always just asked for ID and recorded the info along with the gun's data, the price, and the sale date in a notebook that goes back to the 1960s. But yes, it does matter state to state. California is obvious, but places like PA which is generally pretty gun friendly has unexpectedly tight transfer rules.

[Rainman48314]

Sorry if this question has been answered somewhere on the forum but I've yet to see it. What 'paper trail' SHOULD a handgun owner (not a dealer) generate/obtain/save/etc. when selling a handgun to a non-dealer???

Are the rules different from state to state? As the seller, I just want to cover my arse and give the buyer what he needs to cover his.
Very State dependent. In Michigan, I do the same paperwork a dealer would. A paperwork kit is usually online courtesy of the State or a CC forum. A receipt is optional but a good idea. Oh, and save everything for a few years.

[bonjorno2]

no bill of sale required in fl just that they buyer has to be a resident over 18 with a proof of id.

[CJB]

Twenty one, not eighteen - for handgun, but eighteen for long gun in Fl

[wyntrout]

Dang, buddy, you forgot your phone number, the alarm code and your safe combo!!

Wynn:D

[O'Dell]

Dang, buddy, you forgot your phone number, the alarm code and your safe combo!!

Wynn:D

I thought about removing the address, but it's nothing someone couldn't out of a phone book or quick internet search.

[jeepster09]

I thought about removing the address, but it's nothing someone couldn't out of a phone book or quick internet search.


Except from reading posts many know about your guns.......:eek:
They wouldn't know that from phone book.:eek:
You better keept the Pitbulls extra hungry for awhile :typing:
and add an extra alarm..:behindsofa:

[jeepster09]

Dang, buddy, you forgot your phone number, the alarm code and your safe combo!!

Wynn:D


Those are all on the back side of the document :D
Seriously I would delete that asap.;)

[wyntrout]

I thought about removing the address, but it's nothing someone couldn't out of a phone book or quick internet search.

I've noticed that most people don't go to that much trouble, but there are exceptions. Your "customers" may be taking notes and making up a shopping list.:eek:

Wynn

[O'Dell]

I've noticed that most people don't go to that much trouble, but there are exceptions. Your "customers" may be taking notes and making up a shopping list.:eek:

Wynn

It's deleted. Since my earlier 'incidents' anyone coming into my house w/o an invite will find some nasty surprises, all legal of course. ;)

[Bkahrfull]

Prior to buying my K-40 last month, I sold my Taurus 24/7 to a good friend. We still wrote up two copies of a Bill of Sale; listing the gun type, caliber, serial # and year of manufacture "as is". Didn't get ID as he's a personal friend. We both agreed it was for our own good to protect all involved.

[tv_racin_fan]

Twenty one, not eighteen - for handgun, but eighteen for long gun in Fl

Dunno about FL but in GA I can sell to anyone over 18.

I haven't sold any but IF I do I will ask for cash.

I purchased a shotgun and the guy wanted me to sign a bill o sale. I had no problem doing so.. he asked me if I wanted a copy, I told him I didn't need such a thing, I trusted him, if there was something wrong I knew I bought it as is and it was mine to fix.

[wyntrout]

On gun sales the receipt can protect both parties, documenting when custody ended for the seller and began for the buyer... something that could be very important if a weapon was stolen or used in a crime.

I've only had one incident with selling a gun... back in the late 70's, when I sold a Ruger Mark I(?) with bull-barrel at a gun show. I was in the USAF and in the squadron area doing mission planning when someone from the orderly room(?) said that I had a call from INTERPOL! Evidently the buyer, or someone else, had tried to take the pistol through Heathrow Airport in England. I told them that I had sold the gun at a gun show... that seemed enough for them. Your name is on the original sale and BATF form, and that's where searches start after it's determined where the gun left the first retail sale.
I've sold many guns at gun shows or my own garage sales or through newspaper ads. The buyers were always respectable-looking and showed ID... even used local checks as payment. I would make out a bill of sale and copy the check for my records.
I've never had any disreputable-looking people try to buy guns from me... under age or wannabe gang-banger-types. I don't want to arm the enemy or take a chance on being robbed during a sale, so I'm wary and armed when selling guns or having a garage sale.

Wynn:)

[Scoundrel]

No paperwork is required in Washington State. However, if you wish, you can submit a form to the DOL. http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/652004.pdf

Here’s some more information on the subject of requirements for selling firearms: http://www.lcav.org/states/washington.asp#SecondaryPrivateSales

(I looked this up a couple of months ago when I bought one from a private seller.)

[WMD]

You really need to check your state laws. Each state is different. In the Socialist Republic of Massachussetts, you are only allowed to transfer 4 firearms per year to private parties (non-dealers) in the state. There is special paperwork that must be filled out and submitted to the state. THat is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to state firearms laws. I could go on..... Mass is NOT gun friendly. :(