Etiquette For Local Private Used Firearm Purchase

Community & General Discussion Shoot the Breeze
1

Curious to hear people’s thoughts and experiences when purchasing a used firearm from another individual locally. Not talking about the used gun cabinet at the LGS, used purchase shipping to the FFL, or a buddy downsizing their collection…but think Tacswap or even NJGF with someone you don’t know.

  • Do you try to meet at a local range to test it out first?
  • Inspect and dry fire when meeting up at the FFL?
  • Buyer usually pay all transfer fees?
  • Cash in person VS PayPal friends and family/Venmo/Zelle?
  • Payment after NICS clears or after “shaking hands” and stated the NICS process at the FFL?

Thinking of purchasing a handgun from someone a few towns over. Any other tips to make sure they / their firearm is legit and transaction goes smoothly?

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I have sold several firearms, mostly to people from the old NJ Gun Forums. IIRC, they were all shotguns, for which I have an admitted weakness.

We have always met at the FFL of the buyer’s choice to facilitate the transfer, although I have occasionally offered to meet at a range for the buyer to try the firearm.

The buyer has always paid the transfer fee, but I suppose that is negotiable.

My transactions have always been cash on the spot.

I have delivered the firearm, allowed the buyer to inspect it, filled out my forms, collected my $, and left the buyer and FFL to conduct the NICS check.

All of the above has always gone smoothly, and there has never been an issue. In fact, it was fun meeting some of the people from the forum.

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I’ve been a buyer.

I inspect before paying, never asked to live fire it. It’s typically expected that the buyer pays the fees. Cash is king, before the gun is handed to the FFL for transfer. Once the FFL takes it and logs into his book, the sale is final. Seller should not be concerned or responsible for buyer passing NICS.

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My experience also

6

Feedback is important buying and selling feature that I use when doing transactions.
I had 28 positive transactions on the old forum and 114 positive transactions on AR15.com.
I believe your reputation makes a transaction a lot smoother, and trouble free.
I like to treat people the way I want to be treated, no scamming and be up front about any issues.
Everything else is common sense. JMHO