How to protect from getting shafted when trading firearms?

[pmg]

Hi guys,

Question for you all. I'm selling my Jeep and have put up an ad on Craigslist. I noted that I would be interested in trading for partial or full payment for the Jeep, and would consider firearms through an FFL PPT. A guy responded with a nice looking AR and a Glock 23. Let's say I take him up on his offer for partial payment, and we do the PPT at an FFL. Is there any way, once we initiate the transfer, that he could come back and cancel the transfer and take the firearm(s) without my consent and/or knowledge? How do the shops keep this sort of fraudulent activity from happening during private party transfers? Is there anything else I should be wary of when talking to strangers about firearms as trade, so I don't get bit in the butt?

[Ed_Hazard]

Once the DROS is done, the firearms are legally yours, unless your denied by the DOJ, or he can provide legitimate proof to the FFL to cancel the DROS your covered.

[Untamed1972]

No that could not happen. Once the transfer is started the only person who would be able to pick them up is the named as the buyer on the paperwork. The FFL will not release to them anyone but the listed buyer.

If you failed your background check they could be returned to him though.

I'd be more concerned about the guy trying to trade you stolen guns and disappearing with your jeep.

[67goat]

A couple of things you can do:

Get the serial numbers before signing over anything and use one or more of the various online services to check if they have been reported as stolen.

Do the PPT at a place that has a range that will allow you to fire both guns (just to ensure proper working order).

[voiceofreason]

just sell your Jeep normally and then buy firearms normally

skip the "barter" step

make life easy by being willing to walk a few extra steps

saves time, aggravation, and money in the long run

just my 2 cents

(yes, I am a grouchy old man)

[pmg]

Thanks for the replies, all.

voiceofreason, you make a good point to just sell and buy and not barter. It's something I thought would be interesting to look into, but your wisdom does not go unheard.

[edgerly779]

What online service can run serial numbers of firearms? I thought it had to be leo/doj/atf to get into database must enter leo or agency login or id.

[blazeaglory]

Or hold the Jeep until the PPT is done...

[67goat]

What online service can run serial numbers of firearms? I thought it had to be leo/doj/atf to get into database must enter leo or agency login or id.

There are a few, like hotgunz, that are user submitted databases of stolen guns. Google online stolen gun search and you'll come up with several options. This is not as effective as having a LEO running the search for you, but unless you can get the seller to give you the sn before the FTF meeting having a LEO run it is not an option.

On the other hand, if you can obtain the sn beforehand, most LEAs will run the search for you free of charge. This would be the most accurate search.