Selling a rifle how to

[CTDolan]

I've decided to sell a couple of rifles to save up for a double rifle. The question is, how does one go about selling a rifle online (shipping, FFL transfer, etc.)?

 

[Hogpatrol]

Gunbroker.com will probably reach more prospective buyers for MOST firearms. Two ways to ship, FFL to FFL or if the receiving FFL will accept a photo ID or other positive ID from the seller, private buyer to FFL. I've used USPS and UPS. I prefer UPS and not a UPS "Store". I would NOT ship Fed Ex for reasons too many to mention. Let's just say they're a PITA to deal with.

 

[sestoppelman]

I only ship via USPS, its by far the least expensive, the big boys are morons and idiots and charge $100 to ship a gun. Yes to Gunbroker, you have to sign up and become a member basically, and it goes better if you buy a couple things there first so you get some positive feedback. Buyers are reluctant to send big dollars to a noob seller with no feedback. In fact the noob seller often gets flagged by GB if the item for sale is spendy or at all unusual. GB does a pretty good job of laying out the process, study it and start listing and buying. Most sales are trouble free, though I just had a moron back out of a sale because I wasn't set up for CC payment, even though my listings state acceptable methods. Idiot. So I relisted the gun. I can recover the listing fees from GB if I want to jump thru all the hoops and get the timing right, not worth it to me, so have to eat the fees. Fees you say? Yes, its a service and there are fees that will be paid by your on file CC when something sells. The higher the value of the sale the more the fees, but its well worth it as your stuff will be seen by thousands instead of a few tire kickers at a local gun show.

 

[gillettehunter]

You can also sell on this and other outdoor forums. My last couple of rifles have been from forums such as this one. Biggest need is to have a realistic price. Overpriced rifles seem to sit. Well priced ones move regularly. Good luck to you on your sale. Bruce

 

[Mekaniks]

1. List it here in the Free Clasifieds section.
2. Provide lots of pictures and details about the gun. Don't leave anything out and do not embellish.
3. Accept Paypal (almost instant payment)
4. Only ship to verified FFL(so no one goes to jail)
5. Only charge actual shipping costs and include an inexpensive hard case for protection.

 

[CTDolan]

Thank you all.

 

[Hogpatrol]

1. List it here in the Free Clasifieds section.
2. Provide lots of pictures and details about the gun. Don't leave anything out and do not embellish.
3. Accept Paypal (almost instant payment)
4. Only ship to verified FFL(so no one goes to jail)
5. Only charge actual shipping costs and include an inexpensive hard case for protection.

Don't know about paypal. They have strict "rules" on firearms and related materials.

 

[CAustin]

What do,you have for sale CT?

 

[Ray B]

I stopped using GunBroker a few years ago because they jumped to some wrong conclusions and then were not man/woman enough to admit their error. The last purchases that I have made have been a result of listings/contacts made via this site or the 16 gauge Society. I have an FFL C&R and most any gun that I am interested in qualifies, so that's not generally an issue and if it is, I have the seller send it to an FFL so they can process it to me. I do not use PayPal and except for extreme circumstances, I prefer to make payment via personal check, with the agreement that the seller holds the item until the check clears. Back in the day this amounted to a few days/week but with all the computer links the actual moving of funds over the wires occurs in seconds. I prefer personal checks for a few reasons: 1. the seller has to put his/her signature on the back of the check and give it to the bank, who returns it to me; 2. I have a copy for my records so that I can keep track of the purchase; & 3. If the seller backs out of the deal and doesn't return the check it is simple to stop payment on the check so no funds are transferred. This last one is a preference I got by making a purchase of some photographic equipment from a person in Australia (I'm in USA). After the certified check (insisted to by seller) was sent and received she decided not to sell the equipment. She never cashed the check but then she never returned it either, so I was reduced to accepting a 50% processing fee for the cancelation of a cashiers check.

As noted above, I'd list the guns on this and a couple that I'm familiar with that provide the service for free. If they don't sell for the price you think is fair, then list them on the pay-per-sell sites. But I think these "social" sites work very well - at least that's been my experience.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

This is a NRA summary:

Citizen's Guide To Federal Firearms Laws - Summary
https://www.nraila.org/articles/20040324/citizen-s-guide-to-federal-firearms-law

As I understand it, for selling long guns across state lines, you can send it to a FFL in the state where the buyer is located. It is then the FFL's responsibility to make the call for the FBI background check etc. If you are selling a handgun across state lines, it has to be FFL to FFL.

See attached PDF for more info.

 

[CTDolan]

Thanks again guys. I am thinking of selling (listing) here because I like the community.

@CAustin , I'm still undecided.

 

[CAustin]

Thanks again guys. I am thinking of selling (listing) here because I like the community.

@CAustin , I'm still undecided.

Understood

 

[Philip Glass]

Don't know about paypal. They have strict "rules" on firearms and related materials.

That's old news and has been over done on these forums. I use PayPal all the time to buy and sell guns.

 

[CTDolan]

What do,you have for sale CT?

I'm no longer undecided. The two rifles I've decided to part ways with are:

Mauser M98 in 30-06 (a nicely done conversion)
Ruger M77 RSM in .458 Lott (with gorgeous wood)

The reason for these two is that my father has another 30-caliber that I've used since my youth and that I will one day have as my own. Therefore, I can afford to sacrifice one. As for the Lott, to be honest, it's a bit much for my post-operative shoulder.

I've got ammo (lots of 30-06 and 40 rounds of the Lott), dies, cases, etc. I'll work on getting it all listed in the next day or two but here's a few images of the rifles, to start (as can be seen, the RSM was acquired from Guns International and while she's a beaut, my shoulder and it simply do not get along).

 

[lwaters]

That 458 Lott is one good looking rifle.

 

[CAustin]

That 458 Lott is one good looking rifle.

Now this will take down anything walking!! Heavy duty dangerous game rifle for sure!

 

[mdwest]

I certainly dont NEED another rifle...

But I do LIKE that mauser....

Hmmmmm........

 

[CTDolan]

The Lott is gorgeous but every time I shoot it I get a sharp pain in my shoulder, no doubt the remnant of some shoulder surgery I had a while back (my .416 Ruger is not an issue, but the Lott is).

The Mauser is lovely in its own right. Somebody put some effort into making a wonderful sporter; however, the rifle my father has is near identical (sans rosewood forend tip, barrel band sling swivel and barrel band front sight) and, as I've a far greater degree of sentimental attachment to my father's 30-caliber rifle, I am willing to let mine go.

The goal is to raise enough for a 450/400 double rifle. I'm not looking for anything fancy, just a serviceable boxlock.

 

[wislnwings]

That 458 is a beauty. If I hadn't just moved out of state and bought a new home, I'd be interested.

 

[CTDolan]

They've both been sold, locally. A couple of guys I know had their eyes on each and the moment I mentioned selling them, they jumped at the opportunity.

Thanks for all the help. It is much appreciated.