A local shop sells the gun for you and takes a fee [1].
Often yields the highest return. Meet in a well-lit, public place like a police department safe-exchange zone or a local shooting range [6, 23].
For all retail purchases, you must fill out ATF Form 4473 [27]. In some states, this is also required for private transfers [1, 34]. Inspect the Firearm:
Clean and oil the gun; firearms in original packaging with all accessories fetch higher prices [2, 11].
Sites like Guns.com or GunBroker offer wider selections [10, 25].
Inspect the barrel for excessive wear, rust, or corrosion [16, 21].
The process for buying or selling a firearm is strictly governed by federal and state laws to ensure safety and legality. This guide outlines the essential steps for both buyers and sellers, primarily focusing on transactions within the United States as of April 2026.