Question on classifieds section

[Mackerel-Snapper]

This may belong over on classifieds, but since I'm asking about procedure and so forth, I'll put it here. If the moderators feel it's in the wrong place, feel free to move it.

I'm considering selling/trading one of my pistols - a SIG P220 in stainless. We've never really bonded, so I'd like another CZ, maybe another 1911 or ??

How will this work on the classifieds? I arrange for an FFL to ship to buyers FFL, right? What kind of fee should I expect from my FFL? What are the customary terms and conditions of this type of sale?

Any info and advice is appreciated.

[Walt-Sherrill]

Unless its sold to a resident of your state, a handgun can only be shipped to an FFL.  No exceptions.  (FFLs can shipt to other FFLs using the US Postal Service, non-licensee can't.)

You can have an FFL/dealer ship it for you, or you can ship it to an FFL, yourself.  

Either way, ask the seller to send you an ink-signed copy of his license along with payment.  The ATF now says that faxed copies of the FFL are acceptable, so he could technically send you a copy by email.  (Then, if its not an ink-signed copy,  you can go to the ATF website and verifiy that its a valid license.)

Once you've received the FFL and cash/payment, you package the gun up and go to FedEx or UPS and ship it.  

The ATF regs say you must use a common carrier. The only two common carriers who will do it are FedEx and UPS.  Both charge a premium for shipping handguns.  A big premium (as much as $50+).  

The ATF regulations say you MUST tell the carrier are shipping a weapon (in writing, but few do that.)  

Others here have advocated calling the gun machine parts and just shipping it to the FFL.  I won't do that.  As far as I can tell that's not right, not ethical, but probably not illegal (except you haven't declared the weapon to the carrier, as required by the regs.)

The receiving FFL will take care of the transfer details for the state in which its received and see that the buyer gets the gun legally.  The buyer will pay the FFL for his work.

Let us know what you'll take in trade (in the General Firearms-Classified area.)   I may have something you'll like.

[rodnocker1]

FFL fees can range anywhere from free to whatever the dealer wants, there are no restrictions that I know of.  There are some dealers here in Texas that will do a transfer for free if you have a CHL.  I have been told that in Ca., there is also what is called a DROS fee on top of the FFL fee.  DROS stands for Dealers Report of Sale and it is $25.00 +/-.  The best way is if you find someone close by in your state to make the sale or trade with and do a Face to Face (FTF) sale.  This way, you are out nothing but your gas and time.

[Thren68]

What they said mostly.

You can ship the handgun yourself to a FFL holder in the state specified by the buyer.  Have that ink signed or faxed license in hand before you do.

You can have your favorite local FFL holder ship it to their FFL holder.  This adds a layer of protection for you (they're more used to checking for valid licenses), although many charge for this service.

Handguns must be shipped overnight, so you're looking at around $30-50 in shipping charges.

The buyer should expect to pick up the FFL transfer fee at his dealer.  His costs will range from free to $60ish depending on what the dealers in his area charge.

Face to Face transactions with another resident of your state are the easiest, even if you're doing an equal value trade.  If you're worried about the deal at all, do it at the counter of your favorite FFL and have them do the checks (usually charging you/buyer the standard transfer fee).  The Face to Face MUST be with another state resident.  Adjacent state resident driving across the border doesn't count.