Highlights
- To sell a gun to a private buyer, you must:
- Price your gun accordingly.
- Verify the buyer’s Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry (LTC).
- Close the sale with a bill of sale.
- Report the sale via the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.
- Aside from selling to a private buyer, you can also sell your gun to Massachusetts gun shops.
- If the process of selling a gun to a private buyer or Massachusetts gun shops seems like a task to you, sell your gun to Cash for Arms instead.
Step-by-Step Process of Selling a Gun Legally in Massachusetts
Here’s a succinct step-by-step guide to selling your gun legally in Massachusetts.
1. Get Familiarized With Massachusetts Gun Laws on Private Gun Sales
Being a private seller has many responsibilities, including knowing the applicable laws. Remember, ignorance of the law doesn’t excuse anyone.
Preemption Laws
Massachusetts has limited preemption laws. This means that some local governments can impose stricter gun laws. The laws you’ll read here might or might not apply or have some modifications to some counties or cities.
Private Sales
Private gun sales are legal in Massachusetts. However, you must ensure the buyer has a valid Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry (LTC).
Purchase Permits
In Massachusetts, one must have a Firearm Identification Card (FID) or a License to Carry (LTC) to buy guns. It’s also needed to possess a gun, so you need one as well as a seller.
Background Checks on Private Sales
Private sellers don’t need to formally do a background check on the buyer. Their purchase permit (FID or LTC) proves that they’ve undergone it.
Gun Registry
You don’t have to register the gun if it’s already in the system. Massachusetts’ gun registration only applies when:
- You're a Massachusetts resident who obtained a gun from out of state.
- You recently moved to MA and want to record gun ownership.
- You have a gun with no record on file with the Firearms Records Bureau.
Waiting Period
There’s no waiting period for buying guns in Massachusetts.
Transaction Limits
You can sell up to four guns per calendar year as an unlicensed seller. However, contact us if you ned to liquidate a large number of guns in Massachusetts.
Assault Weapons Ban
Massachusetts bans the sale of assault weapons and large-capacity feeding devices.
NFA Items
Regulations on destructive devices vary widely. State and local laws determine their legality, ranging from full bans to permitted ownership. Machine gun possession requires specific licensing.
Magazine Capacity Restriction
Massachusetts restricts magazine capacity to no more than ten rounds.
Required IDs From the Buyer
Buyers must be able to show at least a driver’s license or state ID. It must be accompanied by their Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry (LTC).
Safety Device Requirement
In Massachusetts, individuals with a Class "A" LTC can carry a handgun loaded or unloaded on their person or under direct control in a vehicle. However, if not under direct control, the handgun must be unloaded and secured in a locked container or with a trigger lock.
For large-capacity rifles and shotguns, transport must always be unloaded and in a locked case or secure container. Just putting a lock on the trigger isn't enough.
Reporting the Sale
The sale of a gun must be reported using the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal.
2. Research the Market Value of Your Gun
Determining a fair price for your gun is crucial for a successful sale. Begin by checking online marketplaces and gun valuation guides to understand what similar guns are selling for. Pay attention to factors such as your gun's make, model, and year.
The condition of your gun plays a significant role in its value. Be honest in your assessment, considering factors such as wear and tear, any modifications or upgrades, and whether all original parts are intact. If your gun is a rare or collectible model, it may command a premium price.
Don't forget to factor in any accessories you plan to include with the sale, such as cases, extra magazines, or specialized sights. These can add value to your offering and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
Pro Tip: If you sell to Cash for Arms, we can give you a free gun appraisal!
3. Prepare Your Gun for Selling
Start by thoroughly cleaning your gun and removing any dirt, oil, or residue. This not only improves its appearance but also allows for a better inspection of its condition.
Conduct a detailed inspection of your gun, checking for worn or damaged parts. If you notice any issues, consider whether it's worth repairing them before the sale. Sometimes, minor repairs can significantly increase the value of your gun.
Also, gather all relevant documentation for your gun. This may include:
- Original purchase receipt
- Maintenance records
- Warranty information
- Any certificates of authenticity for collectible guns
4. Choose a Method of Selling Your Gun
Selecting the right method to sell your gun is a crucial decision that can impact your sale's speed, ease, and profitability. Consider the following options:
Cash for Arms
At Cash for Arms, we specialize in buying used guns and offer a guaranteed best offer. Our process is designed to be quick, easy, and profitable for private sellers like you. We understand the value of guns and strive to provide competitive offers.
If you've received an offer from a local gun shop, send it our way—we'll beat it! This guarantee ensures you're getting the best possible price for your gun. Our team of experts can accurately assess your gun's value, considering its condition, rarity, and current market trends.
Selling to us only takes three easy steps:
- Send your gun’s details through our website.
- Accept our offer and ship your gun.
- Get paid after your gun passes our inspection.
Pro Tip: Be as detailed as possible with your gun to get the best offer!
Private Sales
This is where you are. You’re trying to find a private buyer for your gun. This is called private sales. You can sell your gun online through platforms like GunBroker or by word of mouth, especially if you know someone who is planning to buy a gun.
Private sales often yield the highest profit, but they come with downsides. These include heavy preparation, such as taking high-quality photos, writing detailed descriptions, and potentially meeting multiple buyers. You'll also need to handle all legal requirements yourself.
Pro Tip: Always choose a safe, public location when meeting a private buyer. Many police stations offer parking lots as "safe exchange zones" for private sales.
Massachusetts Gun Shops
Many employees at gun shops in Massachusetts can provide accurate evaluations of your gun. After all, they’re gun specialists. They have extensive knowledge of different models and current market values.
Selling to a gun shop can be quick and convenient, as they handle most paperwork (they’re FFL dealers).
However, it's important to note that not all gun shops buy used guns. Some may only deal in new guns or have specific criteria for the used guns they purchase.
Pro Tip: Call the shop beforehand to confirm that they buy used guns and inquire about their evaluation process. This can save you time and potentially a wasted trip.
5. Report the Sale
You must report the transaction through the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal. This is a crucial final step to ensure your sale complies with state laws.
The portal is designed to be user-friendly, allowing you to input the necessary information about the sale quickly and easily.
You must encode the following in the portal.
Seller’s Information
- FID/LTC License No.
- PIN
- *Last Name
- *Date of Birth
*Note: If you have a credit card-style license, only enter the license number. Skip the Last Name and Date of Birth fields.
Buyer Information
- FID/LTC License No.
- Last Name
- Date of Birth
If you’re selling to an FFL dealer, you’ll just need to input their license number instead. In most cases, FFL dealers will help you with this.
To stay in compliance with Massachusetts law, this step must be completed within seven days of the sale. It's also a good practice to keep a record of this report for your personal files.
Conclusion
As you can see, selling a gun in Massachusetts requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of state laws. Also, each selling method has its pros and cons, so you must choose wisely.
To help you decide, try answering these questions: Am I selling to earn quick cash? Do I want to just get rid of the gun for some cash? Or am I looking for the best offer for my gun?
Now, if you want quick cash and the best possible offer for your gun, sell it to us at Cash for Arms. You can always contact us at (904) 977-5477.