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Firearm transfer, two new members...

MaxHawaii
So, I bought a rifle auction, and we're trying to figure out how to get the transaction completed without either of us being subject risk. Out of state, two unlicensed individuals with zero feedback. I know it has to be shipped to a FFL if it gets shipped. We're 300 miles apart.

Me put the money in excrow, him ship it, then get the money? Am just wondering what the best way to handle it is, from you ex-pert folks.

Thanks.

Craig.

Oh yeah, I'm new here. Hi! Southern Georgia now.
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Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • tsr1965
    The best way to do this, is for both of you to join Gun-Pal or G-pal. They are like Pay-Pal, but not as Hitleristic. Then you choose a FFL for them to send it to, near you. You make sure the rifle is as described, then all is good. Other than that, the fastest way is USPS Money order, to known individuals. I never ship a gun, until the method of payment clears, and I only take G-pal, USPS money order, or a certified check. And, yes...It does take a few days usually for a certified check to clear the sellers bank.

    Best

    I stand corrected...do not use Gun Pal
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  • countryfarmer
    The first thing is NOT to use G-Pal or GunPal, if in doubt read the following post...
    http://forums.gunbroker.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=467486

    I doubt if your seller is set up for credit cards so the next best thing would be USPS money order, I think it offers a little protection from any type of fraud, if there was any.
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  • MaxHawaii
    Thanks for the replies, but I'm not using GunPal. What I'd thought was, give the local FFL the USPS money order and an addressed envelope, and he could post it when the rifle arrived. I'd thought about PayPal and just doing it as a payment for service rather than mentioning firearms. Trying to figure a way where neither of us has $1800 swinging in the breeze while we wait for our faith in mankind to be justified.
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  • perry shooter
    DO NOT try to buy a gun using PAY PAL they will FREEZE your account and also not do a gun transaction. It may take 6 months before you can use your pay pal account credit card for any purpose. Use USPS MONEY ORDERS send BEFORE the seller ships gun keep all records and all emails between you and seller and get phone number and call seller before sending money . If this is a seller trying to scam you he will most likely Not give you his phone number. Put yourself in his shoes . I would never send a firearm to any one at any address until their payment to me has cleared . The seller has more to lose then the buyer . There has to be trust at both ends.
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  • MaxHawaii
    Seems to me that both have the exact same amount to lose (agreed-upon value of the transaction). That's why I was leaning toward a neutral party (the FFL).
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  • pahunter54
    Max, I am a new seller and so far things have gone well doing what others have said. Get yourself a FFL to work with, send a USPS money order and when the seller is comfortable he will ship to your FFL.

    PayPal...why does Gun Broker list this as a payment option if it is not allowed? I listed it as an option before knowing this but luckily no one has wanted to use it. When someone sends money to an email address couldn't they list the reason as something else? I understand not having the PayPal logo displayed in the auction.

    Thanks
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  • Mossbergboogie
    Seller always recieves money before shipping atleast that's my understanding. It's a wee bit of a risk but you just have to do buisness with good people.
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  • Spider7115
    quote:Originally posted by pahunter54
    Max, I am a new seller and so far things have gone well doing what others have said. Get yourself a FFL to work with, send a USPS money order and when the seller is comfortable he will ship to your FFL.

    PayPal...why does Gun Broker list this as a payment option if it is not allowed?



    You can't use PayPal for firearms & certain related parts (cylinders, magazines, receivers, etc.) but it's OK for non-prohibited items. For example, I use it for all of my knife sales.
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  • ruger41
    The simplest way is just send the seller a USPS Money order with delivery/signature confirmation. You have protections when using a USPS money order and the Post Office does prosecute fraud. Your seller can simply send the rifle via the USPS as well with signature confirmation TO YOUR FFL. He doesn't even need to use a FFL to ship a rifle to you(he just needs a copy of YOUR FFL's License to show the Post Office or UPS if he goes that route if they even ask--this only applies to long guns). He can use HIS FFL to ship-sometimes it's cheaper if his FFL is willing to do it but it's not required. Verify the guy with a phone call if you are worried-make sure he has a valid real address and not just a PO Box if that helps you too. Risk? Well there is always a risk of things going wrong--thats part & parcel with buying things from an auction site and buying from NR sellers/buyers. USPS Money order and make sure to keep the top half of it & your receipt til you receive the firearm[;)]
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  • Nwcid
    If you are are only 300 miles apart take a trip and meet in the middle. This assumes you are in the SAME state.
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  • Don McManus
    I once worked a deal where a seller with zero feedback agreed to ship through his local FFL. The FFL would receive the weapon from the seller, and upon receipt of my payment, would ship the weapon. It allowed me to pay the FFL directly with a credit card for the weapon, and I obviously agreed to pay the FFL a fee to cover his costs. If memory serves, the FFL only charged 6% plus the cost of shipment.

    Kind of like using an FFL as an escrow agent. Worked very well, and all involved were protected every step of the way.
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