Firearms transfer question

January 24, 2026, 02:57 PM

A relative has left me several firearms. They are in Connecticut.

Easiest would be to drive down, pick them up and lug them home. If I understand correctly, that's perfectly legal on the Federal level.

However, transportation out of CT and through MA does NOT give me a warm, fuzzy feeling. So, questions:

1. Am I worrying over nothing and should just go get them, or;

2. Is there a way to do things via FFL.

2a. If via FFL is the smart move, will it require reporting a'la buying from a gun store?

2b. Would the procedure be to go down and deliver them to a CT FFL? (I don't want to burden his widow with that)

January 24, 2026, 03:30 PM

nhracecraft

The trip home wouldn't give me a 'warm, fuzzy feeling' either, but I'd drive down and pick them up rather than shipping them.

quote:
To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA?

A person may transfer a firearm to an unlicensed resident of their state, provided the transferor does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the transferee is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under federal law. There may be state laws that regulate intrastate firearm transactions. A person considering transferring a firearm should contact their State Attorney General’s Office to inquire about the laws and possible state or local restrictions.

Generally, for a person to lawfully transfer a firearm to an unlicensed person who resides out of state, the firearm must be shipped to a federal firearms licensee (FFL) within the transferee’s state of residence. The transferee may then receive the firearm from the FFL upon completion of an ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check.

A person may loan or rent a firearm to a resident of any state for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes, if they do not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under federal law. Another exception is provided for transfers of firearms to nonresidents to carry out a lawful bequest or acquisition by intestate succession. This exception would authorize the transfer of a firearm to a nonresident who inherits a firearm under the will of a decedent.

A person may transfer a firearm to a licensee in any state. However, a firearm other than a curio or relic may not be transferred interstate to a licensed collector.

[18 U.S.C 922(a)(5) and 922(d); 27 CFR 478.30, 478.32]

https://www.atf.gov/firearms/q...r-firearms-under-gca

How detailed was the Decenant's Will in this regard? I'd recommend to have a copy of the Will on your person, a copy of the pertinent Federal statute, and NOT speeding in CT & MA.

January 24, 2026, 03:33 PM

uvahawk

If a lawyer settled your relative's estate, first ask them what CT law requires of an out of state beneficiary. For example, suppose your relative did not comply with CT registration requirements, where does that leave you as a beneficiary?

January 24, 2026, 03:38 PM

PHPaul

Relative passed this morning. Widow contacted me this afternoon, wants firearms gone (never approved) as she intends to move ASAP.

Don't know if they're mentioned in the will, expect it'll be days/weeks before that is determined.

Do know for certain firearms are legally owned/registered in CT.

January 24, 2026, 04:19 PM

dking271

If it were me, I would drive down and pick them up to bring them home. Have the widows put in writing that these were in fact bequeathed to you for a little added insurance. Transport them in a locked case unloaded and don’t stop until back in Maine.

January 24, 2026, 04:22 PM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by dking271:
If it were me, I would drive down and pick them up to bring them home. Have the widows put in writing that these were in fact bequeathed to you for a little added insurance. Transport them in a locked case unloaded and don’t stop until back in Maine.

I think that's likely the plan. Also think any ammo will be left there or possibly shipped UPS.

January 24, 2026, 04:30 PM

nhracecraft

You're not gonna be able to legally take possession of those in CT until there's a Death Certificate, and a copy of the Decedent's Will that indicates you are the party to inherit them. IANAL but, I'm not even sure 'you' can take them to a CT FFL without the Widow unless you're actually mentioned in the Will either.

January 24, 2026, 09:27 PM

smlsig

Don’t ask don’t tell…

I’ve driven through NY, CT and Mass several times on my way to visit people in NH. Just don’t do anything to bring attention to yourself.

January 24, 2026, 09:35 PM

fischtown7

Check with PODS, get a 8ft one they are the smallest and have it shipped. I worked and transported PODS for 12 years, nobody knows what goes in them or comes out of them. Only time I ever heard of something getting stolen was when POD was left on the street. You can load it at the PODS location and watch them take it in the warehouse. Doors are facing other PODS in warehouse or on truck so inaccessible, they will deliver to your door.

January 25, 2026, 12:21 AM

nhracecraft

Here we go again...It is simply ASTOUNDING that members of this forum are suggesting/encouraging a violation of Federal Law here! 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' and 'handwritten notes' are NOT a Defense when it come to violations of Federal Gun Laws. If leaving the firearms to PHPaul is not mentioned in the Will, a transfer via FFL is required and I can assure you this is NOT a gray area! The law is Black and White, and when it comes to transfers between 'Unlicensed Persons' (Non-FFLs) that are NOT residents of the same state, the firearm must be transferred via a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) within the transferee’s state of residence. This has been Federal Law since the passage of the GCA (Gun Control Act) in 1968.

Why would anyone want to act outside of the law here, or suggest doing so? To comply with the law is not a significant burden, and to do otherwise is just not worth the risk, no matter how minimal one perceives it, or thinks it unnecessary. Violations of 18 USC §922 are a great way to become a 'Prohibited Person', and to suggest that a member commit a Federal Felony is irresponsible! This is SIGforum, NOT Reddit!

PHPaul - How many firearms are involved here, and are the handguns involved as well? Is there another relative that is a CT resident that can facilitate the shipment/transfer via FFL if you are NOT mentioned in the will? Also, I'm pretty sure UPS (and most other carriers) will not accept shipments of ammo from private parties, so that's the thing you will likely need to take with you on drive back home.

January 25, 2026, 01:20 AM

sigmonkey

quote:
Originally posted by nhracecraft:
Here we go again... ...

January 25, 2026, 04:47 AM

PHPaul

quote:
Originally posted by nhracecraft:

PHPaul - How many firearms are involved here, and are the handguns involved as well? Is there another relative that is a CT resident that can facilitate the shipment/transfer via FFL if you are NOT mentioned in the will? Also, I'm pretty sure UPS (and most other carriers) will not accept shipments of ammo from private parties, so that's the thing you will likely need to take with you on drive back home.

Unknown total, and yes there are handguns, as well as edged weapons. Also, the weapons are to be split 3 ways between me, my grandson and another long-time friend of the deceased.

I suspect the "correct" way to do this is to go down, assist the widow with the transfer paperwork and procedure, and have them shipped via FFL.

Another kink is that the third party lived in DC last I knew which I'm sure is a freakin' nightmare in itself.