So I’m planning on putting one of my guns up for sale. I’ve never done this before, only purchased. It’s a long gun, so as I understand it, if it sales, I can ship directly to the buyer’s FFL for transfer, if out a of state. Any experiences doing this or recommendations? Thanks!

Some dealers won’t accept guns directly from people, personally I’d go thru a local FFL. He can ship it cheaper then you can.

You'll likely be better having your preferred LGS send it for you.

Another option here:
https://www.shipmygun.com/go/

I would start by posting it here. The members here, the actual members, are a more close knit and trustworthy community. This is the only board I’ve ever sold stuff on where I will ship before I receive the money. Just make sure to read the rules. If you post it here you can’t post on other boards. I try here, and if after a certain amount of time or views it hasn’t sold, I will thank the board, take it down, and move on

The advice about letting an FFL ship it is a good one

You're better off shipping FFL to FFL.

Plenty of FFLs will accept from non-FFLs. I used shipmygun.com for the for the first time recently. It was clunky, but it worked and saved me some money. The last time I bought a gun online, out of state, and the seller's FFL shipped to my FFL, the gun arrived with a loaded mag in it, no signature required, and it was dropped off on my FFL's front porch and sat there until he got home from work.

The local FFLs I’ve dealt with for transfers have generally been less than friendly. There is a new shop that just opened near me that I will contact to discuss their transfer and shipping policy before I post the item. I had felt that posting it here would be best, as I’d prefer one of the members here have it than some “stranger”. I just want to have all my ducks in a row before posting it so that I can fulfill my end of the deal properly.

Shipping FFL to FFL is fine (translation, cheaper), if you ship a handgun, because your FFL can ship it using USPS Priority, whereas you, as a non-FFL, cannot.

But, since you're shipping a long gun, you are legally allowed to ship USPS yourself. So, do it yourself and save the FFL transfer fee. As mentioned above, plenty of FFLs will accept transfer from non-FFLs. Just be sure to enclose a copy of your state DL for the receiving FFL. SOP.

Yes, long-guns are doable, shipping yourself U.S. mail.

Where listed online matters, if Armslist, prepare to sift through debris to get to more serious buyers.

List the price in line with current market conditions, if you want to actually sell.

quote:

Originally posted by Rick Lee:
Plenty of FFLs will accept from non-FFLs. I used shipmygun.com for the for the first time recently. It was clunky, but it worked and saved me some money. The last time I bought a gun online, out of state, and the seller's FFL shipped to my FFL, the gun arrived with a loaded mag in it, no signature required, and it was dropped off on my FFL's front porch and sat there until he got home from work.

No carrier is getting signatures now even when it's paid for on the shipment. Not sure how long they'll keep doing it but covid stopped any carrier in my area getting signatures.

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
No carrier is getting signatures now even when it's paid for on the shipment. Not sure how long they'll keep doing it but covid stopped any carrier in my area getting signatures.

FedEx still does, around this part of H-town (Northwest). They would not leave the package at my door, because of the signature required.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
No carrier is getting signatures now even when it's paid for on the shipment. Not sure how long they'll keep doing it but covid stopped any carrier in my area getting signatures.

FedEx still does, around this part of H-town (Northwest). They would not leave the package at my door, because of the signature required.

I guess it depends on the driver, I'm in Friendswood and no carrier has asked for signatures since this started and I've received multiple firearms from all three carriers. I wonder if it's an excuse for them not to, instead of knocking and getting a sig they can drop it and be on their way.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Shipping FFL to FFL is fine (translation, cheaper), if you ship a handgun, because your FFL can ship it using USPS Priority, whereas you, as a non-FFL, cannot.

But, since you're shipping a long gun, you are legally allowed to ship USPS yourself. So, do it yourself and save the FFL transfer fee. As mentioned above, plenty of FFLs will accept transfer from non-FFLs. Just be sure to enclose a copy of your state DL for the receiving FFL. SOP.

this,

box up securely, as in a sturdy box, lots of foam or bubble wrap (foam peanuts suck),
basically if you can hear or feel it move when boxed you did not do it right,


usps.com, click n ship, and drop off, (you will need the weight, and round up to the nearest pound)

don't forget insurance, and the delivery confirmation number,

and as mentioned, include your info, and the dealers FFL (a copy) in the box,

if the label gets damaged or torn, USPS will open and contact the shipper or the destination or both,

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:

quote:

Originally posted by mrvmax:
No carrier is getting signatures now even when it's paid for on the shipment. Not sure how long they'll keep doing it but covid stopped any carrier in my area getting signatures.

FedEx still does, around this part of H-town (Northwest). They would not leave the package at my door, because of the signature required.

I guess it depends on the driver, I'm in Friendswood and no carrier has asked for signatures since this started and I've received multiple firearms from all three carriers. I wonder if it's an excuse for them not to, instead of knocking and getting a sig they can drop it and be on their way.

usps will not let me touch the machine, but if I am not there, they will not leave it,


UPS does the same

FedEx in this area just depends, Express (as separate company apparenly) does just like UPS/USPS , ground leaves stuff everywhere,

Include a note in the package that says "This gun [description and serial number] is for [name of buyer]" so the FFL knows what is going on. "Attention: [name of buyer]" on the outside can't hurt.

Don't mention any guns in the FFL's address; that would be an engraved invitation to a thief. If the FFL's name is, for example, Cheaper Charlie's Discount Gun Emporium, just address the package to "Cheaper Charlie."

Personally I would try Armslist and at first indicate no shipping. Here in Ohio there's no issues with a FTF transaction between two Ohio citizens. Show ID, have them sign a bill of sale if you prefer and take their money.

If you do decide to ship it to an FFL yourself, you will need to include a legible unredacted copy of your drivers license for the FFL holder to properly receive the shipment.

I have a local FFL that will ship and receive for me, so I have that covered.
My question is what is the safest form of payment to accept.
I don't do PayPal, so I usually ask for USPS money orders as the form of payment.
Any other forms of payment acceptable and safe?

mr. lyman & mr egregore nailed it.