Face-To-Face Transfer?

[Babarsac]

I've been thinking about buying a gun or selling one of mine using the FTF method. I'm curious how to go about it and if there are any risks involved? For example how do I not know I'm selling something to a convicted felon?

Oh I'm located in Virginia if that makes any differences.

 

[geekWithA.45]

FTF sales are regulated by the state you're in, and there's a dozen different permutations of what you can/can't/must do that vary from one state to the other. I

'm not confident in my VA state law, so I'll remain mostly silent on the matter, except to say that the one thing you can't do in _any_ state is sell to a resident of _another_ state, and so it's fairly common for folks to show each other their DLs as a way of assuring each other that aspect is covered.

Beyond that, it varies by state. Some places prohibit private transfers alltogether, some require handgun xfers to go through nics, others require that the seller or buyer fill out and keep various bits of paper.

 

[Majic]

Make sure person is of age. Make sure person is a Va. resident. Then it's a cash and carry affair. There are risks involved with everything. If you want to eliminate most of the risks then have a dealer sell it on consignment.

 

[VHinch]

I have seen sellers who restrict their FTF sales to people in possession of a CCW. That is about all you can do beyond verifying their age and residency.

V

 

[Outlaws]

You just have to not know they are a felon. Like if you are talking to them and they say, "Ya I just got done doing a 10-15 stint in the joint," you can probably assume that completing the transaction at this point is a crime on your part. I am not aware of any state that allows FTF that requires you to ask/verify any information...you just can't knowingly sell it to someone not legal to possess..

 

[ChiefThunderstick]

Any VA lawyers out there, please respond. I also want to sell an unused .22 rifle and would like to know the proceedure. I've checked the VA State Police website but couldn't find any info on private firearms sales.

 

[Outlaws]

I am not a lawyer, but given the tone of this website, it sounds like there isn't much restriction.

http://www.csgv.org/issues/illegalmarkets/gunshowloop/virginiacamp/

Under Virginia law, Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs) are required to perform criminal background checks on individuals purchasing firearms at gun shows. However, this law does not apply to individuals who are not licensed dealers. These "unlicensed sellers" can sell a firearm to anyone - no questions asked.

I thought "gun violence" in Virginia is almost non-exsistant to start with?

 

[larry_minn]

I would suggest meeting in a public place, Copy the guys/gals lic number. There was a toll free number for a (non ffl) NICS type check. (ok couldn't find number I must not have transfered it to my cell)
I would say if your state still allows it go ahead. IF you get smallest bad feeling dump the deal.

 

[ZeSpectre]

I've been thinking about buying a gun or selling one of mine using the FTF method. I'm curious how to go about it and if there are any risks involved? For example how do I not know I'm selling something to a convicted felon?

Oh I'm located in Virginia if that makes any differences.

I've done exactly one FTF. A purchase in my case. I have a friend who does them all the time both buying and selling.

He types up a reciept that both persons sign, the language includes a statement that says the purchaser can legally own/purchase a firearm in Virginia. Also has serial number(s), date of sale, and price. Both of them get a copy of the reciept.

He also asks the purchaser to bring a photocopy of his/her drivers license (which he verifys) and then keeps it with his reciept. If the license doesn't say Virginia, the deal's off.

Not a bad idea to bring a third party as a witness and to do the sale at an appropriate location (range parking lot is pretty popular).

As others have said. You get the slightest feeling that something is wrong, the deal is OFF.

 

[Jim K]

When I did FTF sales, I carried a Form 4473 and asked the buyer to fill it out, provide ID and sign it. I told him it was solely for my records, was not required legally and involved no legal obligation. Several buyers had no problem, some balked. One guy flat told me that he didn't want any paperwork as he was an ex-con. Another said he was buying it for a kid. I was perfectly happy to pass on those sales.

Jim

 

[Manedwolf]

delete

 

[rbernie]

This is the synopsis of the Federal law, from da F Troop - http://www.atf.gov/firearms/faq/faq2.htm

(B1) To whom may an unlicensed person transfer firearms under the GCA? [Back]
A person may sell a firearm to an unlicensed resident of his State, if he does not know or have reasonable cause to believe the person is prohibited from receiving or possessing firearms under Federal law.......

[18 U.S.C. 922(a)(3) and (5), 922(d), 27 CFR 478.29 and 478.30]

Your state may impose additional restrictions (some states require transfers thru FFLs, etc.) but when last I lived in VA FTF transfers were still permissible. I just ask to see a DL and ask if they are legal to buy it. If they say they're legal and nothing smells fishy (follow your radar), then you do the deal.

 

[Amish_Bill]

I'm willing to show a DL and CCW as proof of residence and eligibility, but when someone wants copies of my paperwork or wants to write down lots of info, I start to loose interest.