How to sell a handgun...?

[cmaher55]

Folks, how do I sell a handgun..? I do have my 03 FFL which I know does not apply in this case. If I advertise it in the for sale section and someone wants to buy it I know I have to ship it to an 01 FFL but do I also have to send it through an 01 FFL where I live or can I ship it myself...? I'm in CA and the weapon is on the "list", an S&W MP45 with safety that I bought a couple of years ago so I could sell it to someone in CA. I'd keep it but I have a "handgun limit" and I just bought a Sig P220 so I have to let one go... Regards

[kemasa]

You can ship it directly, if the FFL receiving it agrees. There is no law against it, but some FFLs refuse. You also have to ship it FedEx or UPS, which is more expensive. You might check to see if there is a local FFL who will ship it for you as the FFL can ship it USPS, which is much cheaper and so it can be cheaper, even with the FFL's fee (assuming it is reasonable).

The list does not matter in terms of shipping it out of state. If it is no longer on the list, then it can be more valuable to sell it in the state.

[cmaher55]

Thanks...! Looks like all I need is a signed copy of the 01 FFL, ship is UPS or Fedex. I'll make sure to check the FFL number in the ATF checking system to make sure it is legit. I've bought and sold some C&R rifles using my 03 FFL on Gunbroker so looks like I'll put an add in there. Regards

[kemasa]

Actually, the BATF says for a FFL to not give a copy of their license to a non-licensee, so just checking on the BATF web page is enough. The FFL might send you a copy, but they shouldn't.

[ugimports]

You can ship it directly, if the FFL receiving it agrees. There is no law against it, but some FFLs refuse. You also have to ship it FedEx or UPS, which is more expensive. You might check to see if there is a local FFL who will ship it for you as the FFL can ship it USPS, which is much cheaper and so it can be cheaper, even with the FFL's fee (assuming it is reasonable).

The list does not matter in terms of shipping it out of state. If it is no longer on the list, then it can be more valuable to sell it in the state.

Interestingly enough, I've had several private parties ship me firearms USPS. I'm not saying the OP should do that, only that it has been done successfully by others not knowing they are supposed to be using FedEx / UPS. I've also received handguns via UPS ground from other FFLs, which is supposed to come 2nd day air at the slowest.

I'm also guessing that both the private party and the FFL that shipped the handgun UPS ground did not declare the items as firearms as they were supposed to either.

[kemasa]

It is easy for a private party to ship a firearm USPS without anyone noticing, but if the firearm is lost or stolen, then there will be more problems and I don't think that the small savings would be worth the risk.

I have also seen FFLs ship firearms in a manner which is unacceptable. I have also had UPS deliver a firearm, which was marked adult signature required, but left it by the door without any signature or anything.

I think that often the people do not declare the firearm, as you guessed.

Personally, I would not take a chance.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

Interestingly enough, I've had several private parties ship me firearms USPS.

It's perfectly legal for private parties to ship long guns through the USPS. It's handguns that are restricted. The USPS only accepts handgun shipments between Licensed Dealers and/or Licensed Manufacturers.

[cmaher55]

I agree, thank you. As an 03 FFL holder I've shipped out long arms through USPS (always takes an hour as the clerk freaks out, the manager says "no way".... and then I show them in their own book where it is all ok for me to do so as on 03 FFL holder....). I just want to be extra safe and make sure I comply with all CA and Federal law if I sell my handgun via gunbroker or whatever to someone in state or out of state..... Regards

[ugimports]

It's perfectly legal for private parties to ship long guns through the USPS. It's handguns that are restricted. The USPS only accepts handgun shipments between Licensed Dealers and/or Licensed Manufacturers.

Understood, I was referring to handguns since that was the topic of this thread.

[cmaher55]

Thanks for the added info Folks, much appreciated. So it looks like an 01 FFL holder might be hesitant to send me signed copy of their FFL but may send me a picture of it attached to an email....? I assume that this is legal and that if I only ship to the address on the 01 FFL I will be within the law. I will be sure to check their number out in the ATF FFL online checking system. Regards

[cmaher55]

Folks, the DOJ actually called me today on the telephone as I had emailed a question to them about this subject. The guy was very nice and informative....! He essentially said it's ok as long as it goes to the FFL (01 or better) and that I enter their name and address in my 03 FFL book. He said also to fill out the form "no longer in possession". He said it's not required to do so but is a good idea. He also said the handgun, if sold to a CA resident, needs to be on the "list" since it is not a face to face transaction (if sold on gunbroker or the for sale page here). I was very impressed by this guy at the DOJ and him returning a call in regards to my inquiry within one week....! Thanks for all of your input. Regards