Questions about selling a firearm

Stevie_C

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Hi all, apologies if this is in the wrong room, (please move to correct room if need be) but I had some questions about selling a used firearm here. I was wondering, where do you guys normally do the transaction? Somewhere in public? A gun store? I went to one gun shop and they said that any transactions done there would occur a $50 transaction fee where they keep all info of buyers and sellers on file. Do people normally do this in NC? If not, then where, like a Starbucks? (that sounds a little weird to me). Safety is my number one concern here.
Thanks all.
 
NC to NC, Rifles and Shotguns can be done face to face or you can mail them.
NC to SC requires you both go thru a FFL (NC FFL can be used for rifles and shotguns) handguns require a SC FFL or you ship the gun (all types) to a FFL in SC.
 
Be smart but not obsessive about safety. If you’re selling to a member that posts here regularly you’ll be fine as long as you remember to spell out any conditions in your ad. If you’re one of “those” that wants a bill of sale then say that up front as it irritates a lot of folks, especially folks that didn’t know until they’ve taken time to meet. The flip side of this is if you’re selling an expensive gun you don’t want to be doing it by the Taco Bell dumpster at 3am. Common sense stuff.

Rather than go through hypothetical situations on what you need to do to follow the law, maybe tell us if it’s a handgun and the state of residence for each the buyer and seller.
 
Be smart but not obsessive about safety. If you’re selling to a member that posts here regularly you’ll be fine as long as you remember to spell out any conditions in your ad. If you’re one of “those” that wants a bill of sale then say that up front as it irritates a lot of folks, especially folks that didn’t know until they’ve taken time to meet. The flip side of this is if you’re selling an expensive gun you don’t want to be doing it by the Taco Bell dumpster at 3am. Common sense stuff.

Rather than go through hypothetical situations on what you need to do to follow the law, maybe tell us if it’s a handgun and the state of residence for each the buyer and seller.
Hey JimB, thanks for the response. There are no buyers yet. It's a handgun and I would be the seller and would insist on a FTF in NC.
I've sold a few guns in California, but there, you have to do it at a FFL. Just wanted to see how it's done here.
When you mention "bill of sale", is that something that I need to type up and bring to the transaction if need be? (just wondering why it would be irritating for the buyer).
Also, are there any templates for that kind of thing?
 
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I've done Sheetz, Family Dollar parking lot, etc. If everything about the deal seems normal, I don't worry about where to meet. If somebody said he was driving from the other side of the state and wanted to do a deal at 2am (something like that actually happened to a forum member), I'd want to meet at the local Sheriffs Department locker room, right about shift change.

By definition, we were talking about a meeting between two armed people.
 
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I've done Sheetz, Family Dollar parking lot, etc. If everything about the deal seems normal, I don't worry about where to meet. If somebody said he was driving from the other side of the state and wanted to do a deal at 2am (something like that actually happened to a forum member), I'd want to meet at the local Sheriffs Department lobby.

By definition, we were talking about a meeting between two armed people.
Makes sense. Thanks Jeppo
 
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Are you a part of Obama's DoJ? Fast & Furious? If so you may NOT do ANY of the following:

1. Sell to legal US Residents (illegals only)
2. It MUST be confirmed that the weapon WILL be used in a crime (or multiple).
3. Deal MUST NOT take place in state in which you reside, another country or international waters preferred.
4. Deal MUST NOT feature ANY English speaking. PERIOD.

GOOD LUCK WITH SALE COMRADE!
 
The flip side of this is if you’re selling an expensive gun you don’t want to be doing it by the Taco Bell dumpster at 3am. Common sense stuff.

I certainly don't want to contradict Jim's advice, just want to let you benefit from my experience. I've made some of my best expensive gun deals by my local Taco Bell's dumpster but normally closer to 3:30am. I try to get there around 3 to scope out the place and see if I can find anything still edible inside. :D
 
I like to use parking lots at big-box outdooor retailers - Gander, DSG, Academy, etc etc. There are people everywhere for your safety and nobody thinks twice about seeing a gun in places like that.
 
Hey JimB, thanks for the response. There are no buyers yet. It's a handgun and I would be the seller and would insist on a FTF in NC.
I've sold a few guns in California, but there, you have to do it at a FFL. Just wanted to see how it's done here.
When you mention "bill of sale", is that something that I need to type up and bring to the transaction if need be? (just wondering why it would be irritating for the buyer).
Also, are there any templates for that kind of thing?
Just to be perfectly clear:
North Carolina law requires that a buyer of a handgun possess either a concealed handgun permit or show a pistol purchase permit. There is no clear wording that one needs to keep the PPP, merely show.

For some people, like myself, we view undue burdens as an offense to freedom, and so make them as minimal as possible. I would meet someone in a parking lot, ask to see the CHP or PPP, not keep any documentation, and just exchange goods and shake hands. You are not required to go through an FFL, in fact, most people around here find when someone asks for this in a classified, it is a point of ridicule.

Some people want to write a Bill of Sale, with a simple Seller, Buyer, model, and date. Others still require a picture of a drivers licenses. I personally am not a fan.
 
I certainly don't want to contradict Jim's advice, just want to let you benefit from my experience. I've made some of my best expensive gun deals by my local Taco Bell's dumpster but normally closer to 3:30am. I try to get there around 3 to scope out the place and see if I can find anything still edible inside. :D
You can't do important deals like this on an empty stomach!
 
Just to be perfectly clear:
North Carolina law requires that a buyer of a handgun possess either a concealed handgun permit or show a pistol purchase permit. There is no clear wording that one needs to keep the PPP, merely show.

For some people, like myself, we view undue burdens as an offense to freedom, and so make them as minimal as possible. I would meet someone in a parking lot, ask to see the CHP or PPP, not keep any documentation, and just exchange goods and shake hands. You are not required to go through an FFL, in fact, most people around here find when someone asks for this in a classified, it is a point of ridicule.

Some people want to write a Bill of Sale, with a simple Seller, Buyer, model, and date. Others still require a picture of a drivers licenses. I personally am not a fan.
I completely agree. But for arguments sake, what if I sell a gun to a person and by some freak chance, after I sell it, it's used in a crime. Would a BOS or exchanging personal info help me from becoming liable of any wrongdoing?
 
All of mine went down in a parking lot of some sort. Bill of sale is not required by law so I don't do them and don't respond to adds that want them. For a handgun I want to see a NCDL, PPP or CHP, and cash.
 
I completely agree. But for arguments sake, what if I sell a gun to a person and by some freak chance, after I sell it, it's used in a crime. Would a BOS or exchanging personal info help me from becoming liable of any wrongdoing?

No. Being sure the sale was legal would end any liability. A piece of paper would not.
 
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And "being legal" means I visually see their NCDL, PPP or CHP, and thats all, correct?
Indeed. They have to go through a background check to get the PPP or CHP, so it's automatically known that they are not a prohibited person. A lot of people also ask to see these for long gun sales, for the same reason.
 
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Indeed. They have to go through a background check to get the PPP or CHP, so it's automatically known that they are not a prohibited person. A lot of people also ask to see these for long gun sales, for the same reason.
Got it. Thanks PB
 
What he said.^^^ I ask for DL and PPP or CHP to verify they are who the documents say they are.
 
Where from Ca are you?
Being from there myself, it was a little weird following NCs less restrictive gun selling/buying laws. After the first one and SWAT didn't roll me in my driveway after the sale. You'll feel what's called (almost ) Freedom.
 
I certainly don't want to contradict Jim's advice, just want to let you benefit from my experience. I've made some of my best expensive gun deals by my local Taco Bell's dumpster but normally closer to 3:30am. I try to get there around 3 to scope out the place and see if I can find anything still edible inside. :D
It's a taco Bell. There was never anything edible inside. :p
 
Where from Ca are you?
Being from there myself, it was a little weird following NCs less restrictive gun selling/buying laws. After the first one and SWAT didn't roll me in my driveway after the sale. You'll feel what's called (almost ) Freedom.
I lived in southern California for about 10 years. The lack of red tape involved in selling a gun is new to me.
 
Indeed. They have to go through a background check to get the PPP or CHP, so it's automatically known that they are not a prohibited person. A lot of people also ask to see these for long gun sales, for the same reason.

What he said ^^^.

I understand the sentiments regarding the bill of sale issue expressed by many here. It does add another layer of complexity/hassle for some folks but as previously mentioned, they are not required by state or federal law.
Personally, I don't have a problem giving or getting them in a transaction.

The most important take-away is do it in a public place, preferably in the broad-open daylight and make sure as best you can that they are not a "prohibited" individual.

Good luck with your sale!
 
I certainly don't want to contradict Jim's advice, just want to let you benefit from my experience. I've made some of my best expensive gun deals by my local Taco Bell's dumpster but normally closer to 3:30am. I try to get there around 3 to scope out the place and see if I can find anything still edible inside. :D

Are you using "expensive gun deals" as code for "butt sex"?
 
One funny story about FTF gun deal...

I arranged to sell a Model 28-2 to a forum member a few months ago. He lived about 30 minutes from Greensboro. I was going to be in Greensboro for a mediation later that week. So, we arranged to meet in the parking lot of the other attorney's office during the time I would be there for mediation.

It was a contentious case. My clients alleged that the other party had committed fraud. We had deployed private investigators, surveillance, and other investigation techniques with limited success. The buyer texted at the agreed upon time to say that he had parked next to my car in the parking lot. Finished my conversation with the mediator and, as he was about to head into the next conference room to resume discussion with the other party, I told him that I needed to meet the private investigator in the parking lot to get updated information and evidence....suggesting indirectly that he should mention this to the opposing party. I knew that the other party could see the parking lot from its conference room :)

So, I met the forum member in the parking lot. Shook hands, talked for a minute, then we sat in my car to exchange the gun and money. He drove away and I resumed the mediation. The mediator confirmed that the other party had seen the meeting with this person who appeared to be a private investigator. Can't say for sure how much this helped me out but it clearly caused the other side some discomfort. Ha.
 
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I personally like conducting deals in Walmart parking lots. I have a goal of buying or selling a gun in a Walmart lot in every county in NC. I'm about 10% there.
 
Hey JimB, thanks for the response. There are no buyers yet. It's a handgun and I would be the seller and would insist on a FTF in NC.
I've sold a few guns in California, but there, you have to do it at a FFL. Just wanted to see how it's done here.
When you mention "bill of sale", is that something that I need to type up and bring to the transaction if need be? (just wondering why it would be irritating for the buyer).
Also, are there any templates for that kind of thing?

Sorry for the slow response, been away for the day.

I would flat out ask the person if they are under 21, a convicted felon, or otherwise prohibited from owning or acquiring a handgun BEFORE I agreed to meet, it covers a part of your legal obligation and saves you time.

When you meet I would ask to see their drivers license to ensure that they are in fact a NC resident and over 21. I would also ask to see their Pistol Purchase Permit or Concealed Handgun Permit and confirm that the name and address on it agree to their drivers license. After inspecting the pistol and counting the cash the deal is done and you both walk away.

Should the police ever ask you about the gun you simply say that you sold it. If you remember who you sold it to you can share that if you wish. If they say something like “did you know that he moves more blow and young girls than anyone else on the east coast” you say well I asked and he said he wasn’t a felon and I looked at his drivers license and permit and everything looked kosher. Me, I can’t remember who I sold what to, or who I bought what from, it’s a problem with getting old, but I know that I use the same exact process every time I sell.

Last thing, the CHP or PPP do not guarantee that the person is not a convicted felon, so ask. If they lie, that’s not your fault, you can’t be expected to know everything but you want to be reasonable.

Really last thing, sometimes you get a bad vibe, and in that case it’s your prerogative to back out of the deal. I haven’t had it happen with any forum member, but if you sell on gunbroker or arms list you’ll eventually meet some crazy folks.

Most of my deals have been done in parking lots, Cabellas and Bass Pro, sometimes a restaurant where the other guy and I may have lunch and shoot the bull. I once bought a handgun a few feet away from the state police station at the state Capitol.
 
I always pick a large sporting goods store to meet at. Academy, cabellas, bass pro etc.....usually a good liberal/snowflake free zone. Less likely for anyone who notices to suffer ptsd from the sight of a firearm.
 
Sorry for the slow response, been away for the day.

I would flat out ask the person if they are under 21, a convicted felon, or otherwise prohibited from owning or acquiring a handgun BEFORE I agreed to meet, it covers a part of your legal obligation and saves you time.

When you meet I would ask to see their drivers license to ensure that they are in fact a NC resident and over 21.

21 is federal requirement for an FFL dealer selling a handgun. In a private party transaction, the minimum age is 18 for a handgun purchase and an 18 year old can get a pistol purchase permit.
 
21 is federal requirement for an FFL dealer selling a handgun. In a private party transaction, the minimum age is 18 for a handgun purchase and an 18 year old can get a pistol purchase permit.
Thanks for the correction, forgot about that.
 
21 is federal requirement for an FFL dealer selling a handgun. In a private party transaction, the minimum age is 18 for a handgun purchase and an 18 year old can get a pistol purchase permit.
Correct, my daughter got her 1st PPP at 18.
 
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