Selling a firearm is a process that needs attention to detail in order to ensure that you are conducting the sale legally.  There are certain differences to consider, such as whether your sale is private or if you are buying or selling to a federally licensed seller.  Knowing what is legal and what isn’t protects your second amendment rights by making sure that your sale, and the buyer’s subsequent purchase, are viewed as constitutional under United States law.

Private Sellers Vs. Federally Licensed Sellers

The biggest difference between a private seller and a federally licensed seller, is that a federally licensed on has to conduct a background check on the purchaser while a private seller does not.  The reality is, there are very little rules surrounding private firearm sales.  On the contrary, firearm sales from public places such as gun shops must conduct background checks from anyone buying a firearm and can deny the sale of a firearm to anyone with a criminal history or concerning mental illness in their past.  If you are simply wanting to gift a firearm, or make the occasional sale of a firearm you own to a neighbor, friend, or even family member you probably don’t need to do anything specific.  However, it is best to check the rules surrounding private firearm sales in your state to be sure your sale is legal. 

Know Your State Rules

Each state in the United States does have their own rules and laws when it comes to selling a firearm.  An example of the stark contrasts that occur across the country is the differences from California to Connecticut to Arizona with private firearm sales.   California requires private sales to be completed through licensed firearm dealers only, while their neighbor to the right, Arizona, doesn’t require virtually anything for firearm sale or possession.  Furthermore, Connecticut has an entirely separate set of rules where they require the person selling the firearm to get an authorization number before the sale can be completed and also forbids the transfer or sale of long guns unless certain conditions are met.  

As you can see, there are very different rules around the country for how to sell a firearm.  It is very important to review the rules of your specific state before engaging in any type of purchase or sale of any firearm for any reason.  If you have further questions we would recommend contacting your state or local gun shop.