Safety in private FTF gun purchases

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Vector

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I have never even had a hint of a problem regarding face to face deals, yet I have wondered what could potentially go wrong.

So tonight while watching a show called The First 48, which is about actual homicide investigations, it did not come as a big shock to see that a gun deal went bad.
One person suffered a gunshot to the leg, and the other received a trip to the morgue. So it got me thinking about all the things that one should do to try and insure their safety when meeting total strangers where cash and firearms are involved.

Any thoughts, opinions, and discussions are welcome.
 
I have sold a few guns in FTF and never had a problem. Actually, every person I have met has been extremely nice and not sketchy. Same can't be said for car audio.

Of course, I live in Idaho where everyone is incredibly friendly. Still, I prefer to CCW when doing FTF and if possible it's a good idea to have someone else with you.

Buying an AR lower FTF I actually got to meet a guy who worked at a Blackhawk factory nearby and showed me around a little bit. So, you can meet some really cool people in FTF transactions. Just make sure you meet somewhere in public. I like to meet at my nearby Pizza Hut parking lot, Costco, Walmart etc...

**Typically if it is a really large purchase I like to fly my personal cargo plane to some African badlands to meet up. :neener:
 
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Police department parking lot. As long as the transaction abides by the law neither party should have an issue. If one does then red flags should be going up.
 
I caught that episode. Strange as it was the seller who ended up dead. Anyway, the few times I have bought face to face through arms list or similar it has been in open populated areas. My brother laughs as in the Columbus, Ohio area sellers seem to like Kroger and Wal-Mart parking lots.

Ron
 
I have sold handguns in FTF transactions 4 times. Each time I listed the gun as For Sale on a message forum, another member and myself agreed upon a price, and we met at an agreed upon public location. The locations were: KFC parking lot, Publix parking lot, Walmart parking lot and another KFC parking lot.

They told me what they would be driving and I did the same. Sometimes I got there first, sometimes they got there first. We met, quick look at the gun, exchange money, off we go.
 
Always a positive experience for me.

I have multiple transactions under my belt, a few off of THR.

Like others have said, always meeting in a public space. Personally, I've always liked Target parking lots since I can hop inside afterwards and grab some of their trail mix which I really like. But, other locations have included: gas stations, Walmart parking lots, an amusement park lot once, and whatnot.

However, a gun either rides with me to any sort of public transaction with a person I don't personally know (and often with those I do). Nowadays something rides on my belt but before I was 21 it rode in the car within easy location(s) or I had a friend ride along as part of some day activity. I realize the latter may have made one or two people uncomfortable but I really don't like taking extra risks when it comes to my own personnel safety.
 
All of my FTF deals were conducted at my house. I've never had a problem because most of them were long time well known members of this forum or thefiringline forum. :)
 
email then talk on the phone...try to get a feel for the person and make your choice...I do my FTF in public places but sometimes those places are the seller's home (or someone's home if you're paranoid ;) )...

Something could happen near anywhere...someone could jump you in the parking lot of the gun shop if they see you carrying a bag or gun rug or case...

be aware of your surroundings and listen to what you observe...act accordingly...

Bill
 
Unless one of you holds an FFL, the transaction needs to take place at a gun store.
If i hold the FFL, it takes place at the table in my home.
If the buyer holds the FFL, it takes place at thier home at a table.
If no one holds an FFL then a handgun purchase/sale shouldn't be taking place anywhere.
Unless it's BP.
Think about our 'hobby'. Gun transactions just shouldn't be taking place in parking lots. In fact, i would venture to say that not only is it unethical, but if one were to dig deep enough one may discover that in some instances/states/cities/municipals it may even be illegal for an FFL holder to conduct business in such a manner.
Not to meantion that a passerby or 'lurker' would find such talk on THR improper.
As for making the transaction in the Police Dept. parking lot.
I would hope that they would forbid it.
 
Why FFL? The main reason for FTF is to have a 4473 free transaction. I sold a gun collection many years ago one by one in the LOBBY of the Miami Metro/Dade County LE AREA headquarters. They were glad to do it. Here in KY I use the local PD parking lot, but never my home when selling. Everyone here is used to seeing guns of all types, and no one is afraid. Just use a little common sense, and try to check out your buyer before the sale. The usual thing here is that a CCDWL carrier is a safe buyer and not legally prohibited.
 
Unless one of you holds an FFL, the transaction needs to take place at a gun store.
If i hold the FFL, it takes place at the table in my home.
If the buyer holds the FFL, it takes place at thier home at a table.
If no one holds an FFL then a handgun purchase/sale shouldn't be taking place anywhere.
Unless it's BP.
Think about our 'hobby'. Gun transactions just shouldn't be taking place in parking lots. In fact, i would venture to say that not only is it unethical, but if one were to dig deep enough one may discover that in some instances/states/cities/municipals it may even be illegal for an FFL holder to conduct business in such a manner.
Not to meantion that a passerby or 'lurker' would find such talk on THR improper.
As for making the transaction in the Police Dept. parking lot.
I would hope that they would forbid it.
Click to expand...



Um. A FTF transaction between two private individuals is perfectly legal in the vast majority of this country. Yes an FFL has to go through all the official processes when making a transaction, but a private individual does not (well they do here in NYC....I think)

A non FFL holder can make a FTF sale anywhere they want. Be it the local parking lot, local back-alley, or local crack-house for all it matters as long as you have no reason to believe the other person may be prohibited.

I'm sure some in our government would like to have every transaction got through an FFL and have a nice paper trail attached to it. They would also like you to think that it's "unethical" when you don't cut the government in on your deals.
I however prefer not to oblige them as much as possible.

EDIT:
( with the exception of BP )
Click to expand...

BTW, the distinction here is whether it uses a self contained cartridge, not whether it's black powder. Just because you load some 7.62x39 with black powder and stick it in your full auto AK doesn't make it exempt from the various firearm laws.
 
If no one holds an FFL then a handgun purchase/sale shouldn't be taking place anywhere.
Click to expand...

If i'm not mistaken Specs.Do not all firearm transactions,( with the exception of BP ), now require a 4473 ?
Click to expand...

WHERE does this BS come from????? - both statements are incorrect.

I have done garage sales, my garage, my house, McDonald's, gun clubs, and a host of other places. WHAT you are selling can dictate the where. Having a guy come to my house because he was buying a Ruger No.1 single shot was a no brainer.

A lot of folks get very scared or paranoid when doing this; if you are one of them, bring along a friend, do it in a public place where eyes and ears abound, and all should go just fine.

Contrary to a lot of internet hoopla, criminals prefer to get their guns by stealing them from empty houses
 
depends on the state does it not? FTF sales are essentially the same as the gunshow loophole.

Here in CO, anyone (who is not a FFL) can sell a gun to anyone, no paperwork or records required.
 
Do not all firearm transactions,( with the exception of BP ), now require a 4473 ?
Click to expand...

If purchasing from an FFL, 4473 is required, assuming the purchaser is not an FFL.

In State private purchases do not require an FFL, so no 4473 or NICS.
 
That wasn't a very THR response.
I just thot that i recalled hearing that all firearms transactions today required a 4473.
Any licensed dealers care to clarify ?
 
Not true about all firearms transactions requiring a 4473.
My last ftf was done in a parking lot of Home Depot within smelling distance of the drive thru line of a What-A-Burger.

Nice Winchester Defender.
 
No prob. Just keep in mind that I'm talking about Fed law; the States can make stricter laws.

Edit for Topic: If your local gun shop doesn't mind, meeting in his parking lot is a good place. If you get a bad feeling about the purchaser you can request the sale go through the LGS.
 
Hand guns also. But again, that's Federal law and States can make stricter laws.

Edit: I bet Sam could fill you in on any PA laws regarding private purchases.
 
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Jim,whenever you hear politicians spewing forth about closing the gun show loop hole this is what they are talking about,ftf transactions.
I and many others here who are legally able to own firearms want no part of this intrusion in our personal lives.
 
EDIT: Already been said but I'll leave my post anyway.

Jim with all due respect you're way off. It may not be legal in your State to conduct private sales of guns (or handguns) but in many States it is perfectly legal for two non-FFL persons to make a private transaction of a gun/handgun anywhere they please. Handgun private transfers can only occur if both parties are residents of the same State (I believe that part is a Federal regulation).

In my State, that is the only requirement other than the seller cannot have reason to believe the buyer is a felon or prohibited from owning a firearm. Now in other States, like New York or Kalifornistan I would think there are MANY more restrictions if it is all even legal to conduct private transactions.
 
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