Private seller transactions

I’m looking to pickup a 12ga shotgun soon and doing some shopping around. I prefer brand new but will keep options open for used if it’s a nice piece. If used, it’ll be my first time doing a private transaction and trying to read up on all my state laws. For WA, it’s 10 day waiting period for background check but CCW holders are exempt from that for handguns. Not sure where shotguns fall in place. A few questions, is FFL transfer fee split between parties or picked up by the seller? Do FFL places charge an additional fee for the background check?

 

I live in Maryland, which is a pretty strict state. In some states, I believe the sale of long guns can be done face to face with no FFL. However, you do run the risk of receiving a stolen firearm which can't be a good thing......I would always be leery of face to face sales with someone I didn't know and trust - and even then would probably opt to pay a little more and do it through an FFL

 

I agree. I don’t mind the FFL regulation as I want to make sure I’m dealing with something legit but I don’t like the mandated wait period for my state. The way I’m reading it is that CCW permit holders are exempt from handgun purchases. Doesn’t say anything if they are for long guns which makes no sense if they aren’t.

 

Long guns shouldn't be a problem (shotguns and single-shot rifles)...just like going to a gun show...anything with a magazine though, you're in for a wait for verification...at least, that's how it was when I lived in WA, AK, and MT...

 

Can’t speak to the laws exactly because I’m in Florida and we like guns but a ccw permit allows us to skip wait times for whatever we buy. Also I have to agree that a FFL transfer is the way to go if you do not know the seller or a recommendation has not been provided. I usually pay for the transfer as the buyer either way you pay for it anyway

 

There is private sale transfer paperwork available that both parties can complete as a part of the sale. Telling a private party that you will want to complete the paperwork will usually runoff most people with a questionable gun. Long guns not sold across state lines is usually not a problem. I can't imagine any legit seller balking at wanting to complete the transfer at an FFL. If I were the buyer I would pay the transfer fee myself. Shop around because what people charge to do a transfer can vary a lot even locally.

 

Ive got a serious lead on a FN Police Tactical 12ga. Although I’ve shot many pump actions shotguns before, this will be my first personally owned one if I make a move on it. Anyone have any thoughts on the FN? It’s not the SLP newer model. Owner says he’s got approx 10rds of slugs on it at the range. Bigger question I have is there a serial check done during the FFL transfer? I’ve read it’s done on handguns but not rifles/shotguns. Wonder what happens if not and then somewhere down the line it somehow comes up as a stolen item from many years back.

 

There is no serial number check done during an FFL transfer. If you’re worried about it, buy a new one from an FFL and don’t mess with people you don’t know.

 

There is NO serial # check done on anything. You'd have to check your local laws for Wa. as they have changed in the last few years, they might require an FFL for person to person transfers.
I know in free states many people will not do a bill of sale and that should not prevent you from making a purchase if its something you want. In Louisiana for instance, its not required.

 

Thanks for the info. Yes, WA requires FFL for person to person and I believe is a mandatory 10 day hold....even for CCW permit holders.

 

Having a CPL in WA doesn't make a lick of difference anymore. IIRC a shotgun doesn't require the 10 day wait. Check around for an FFL with decent prices for transfers, in Spokane, we have a guy doing them for $20, and only $10 if you are a vet, emt, police, etc. Others are in the $40 ballpark. Most of the time I see the seller asking the buyer to cover the fee.