If you are like most Ohioans, then you have inherited possessions from a loved one. Whether it is your grandmother’s antique clock or your father’s beloved Ohio State Adirondack chair, you probably found a special place for your recently inherited items. But what happens when you inherit a mahogany gun cabinet that is stocked with your uncle’s favorite firearms? Figuring out what to do with firearms presents an entirely new set of challenges.

Why do you need to proceed with caution when selling a gun in Ohio?

If you fall into the 80% of Ohio residents who do not own a gun, then you may find yourself unsure of what to do with your newly acquired firearm collection. You may even feel uncomfortable about the idea of guns on your property and find yourself wondering about the best way to get rid of them. Before you try to sell your guns online or give them to a friend who collects guns, you need to make sure that you are choosing a safe and legal means of getting rid of your guns. Below are five things you need to know before selling a gun in Ohio.

1) Selling firearms on eBay and Craigslist is a bad idea

Your first instinct could be to turn to eBay and Craigslist if you are looking for an easy way to get rid of unwanted valuables. However, selling your guns on eBay or Craigslist could land you in hot water, as both sites strictly prohibit the sale of firearms. Here is a look at eBay’s Firearms and Accessories policy:

“Firearms can’t be listed on eBay due to strict federal, state, and international laws banning the sale of these items. Listings for some firearm parts and accessories are allowed as long as sellers follow our guidelines.” – eBay Firearms and Accessory Policy

2) You could end up in prison if you sell a gun to the wrong person

• “But he TOLD me that he was an official gun dealer…”
• “But my friend SAID that he was the best person in town to buy guns…”
• “But with that full-grown beard, I just ASSUMED he was over 18 years old…”

The excuses above may all be completely truthful. However, none of them will carry any weight if you end up selling your guns to a person under the age of 18. You are also committing a crime if you sell guns to an individual who is prohibited by Ohio law from purchasing guns.

3) Carrying a gun while using alcohol or drugs is a crime

If you have alcohol or drugs of abuse in your system, it is illegal to use a gun or even carry one. If you are found using or carrying a firearm while intoxicated, you could face up to 180 days in jail or a fine up to $1,000. So do not transport any guns if you recently enjoyed a glass of wine. Instead, consider having them picked up by a professional organization that will come to your home to evaluate and retrieve your guns.

4) Antique guns are not treated differently than other firearms

“Antique and antique replica rifles, shotguns, or handguns are treated like modern arms for possession, carrying and purchase purposes.” – NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA)

Contrary to urban legends in the Buckeye State, antique guns and replica guns are not treated any differently than a standard firearm. You cannot sell them on eBay, cannot carry them while drinking, and have to follow stringent rules when transporting them. If you have questions about the nature of the guns you have inherited, the best thing to do is contact an established gun procurement organization that can provide valuable guidance.

5) The way you transport a gun is critical – even if it is unloaded

You may think that as long as a gun is unloaded, you can just wrap the gun and place it in the front passenger seat of your car. This is not the case! Ohio has strict regulations governing the way you can transport a gun in your vehicle – even if it is not loaded. If you plan to transport an unloaded gun in your vehicle, you must make sure that you choose one of the following ways:

• Place the gun in a secure container
• Ensure that the gun is enclosed in a safe compartment that you cannot access while driving
• Make sure the gun is in plain sight and secured in a custom-designed apparatus 

Loaded firearms fall into a whole new category. If you plan to transport a loaded firearm, it must be inaccessible to all people in your vehicle until everyone exits your car. Only then can it be safely removed and carried to your destination.

If you are uncomfortable around guns or are not sure whether the guns you have are loaded or unloaded, the safest way to proceed is to avoid transporting them yourself. You can simply reach out to an experienced specialist who will handle all transportation of the guns you have.

What is a surefire way to avoid the pitfalls outlined above?

With so many gun laws and regulations to consider, you may find yourself hoping that you never inherit ANYTHING from your relatives again! But do not despair. The good news is that there is a surefire way to make sure that guns never fall into the hands of the wrong person or are incorrectly handled.

If you would like a safe, no-hassle way to get rid of your guns, contact the professionals with National Gun Buyer’s Association (NGBA). They will handle the gun removal process for you from start to finish. Best of all, you will receive cash for the guns you inherited. Working with NGBA is easy and you can be back to gun-free living after following just three simple steps. First, reach out to us by phone at 330-808-2981 or by completing this simple 30-second form. Second, one of our licensed firearms specialists will come to your home to evaluate your guns. Then, we will make a cash offer for your guns. Following your agreement, we will remove the guns from your home safely and legally. Call us today – we look forward to hearing from you!