Getting rid of unwanted firearms is quite different from getting rid of cell phones, refrigerators, or other common household items. There are legal issues and safety considerations to keep in mind, and you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that your inherited guns do not fall into the wrong hands. Fortunately, there are several legal ways to remove guns from your possession. Below is a look at some options for legal gun removal and the single best way to get rid of inherited guns.
What are your options for getting rid of your unwanted guns?
If you have never owned a gun or are unfamiliar with the proper procedures for transferring firearms, you may not realize that there are specific laws and regulations you need to follow when getting rid of a gun. For example, federal laws strictly prohibit the sale of firearms on eBay and Craigslist, presenting a challenge to people who are interested in selling their guns. There are also age restrictions to consider. For example, under federal law, buyers must be at least 18 years of age to buy from a private, unlicensed seller (you).
Whether you inherited a stocked gun cabinet from a beloved family member or you are running out of space at home, you need to make sure that you get rid of your guns safely and legally. Here are three ways that you can safely and legally get rid of your guns:
1) Take your gun to the police
Most district laws allow citizens to voluntarily surrender their firearms to the police. You typically do not have to provide identification but it is a good idea to contact the police in advance of delivering your gun. Also, make sure that your gun is unloaded. While this option may sound fast and easy, it is important to consider some of the drawbacks of taking your guns to the police. Here are a few of the top reasons why most people do not choose this option:
- You would be responsible for handling the gun up until the time it is safely in the hands of the police
- You would need to carve out time in your schedule to travel to and from the police station
- You would have to call the police in advance to coordinate your arrival and delivery of the guns
- You would receive no compensation for guns that could be worth a considerable sum of money
If you are getting rid of guns that were purchased by a loved one, it is important to remember that the person worked hard to earn the money to purchase the guns. People who just drop inherited guns off at the police station receive nothing in exchange for the guns. If you are thinking about this option, you may also wish to consider selling the guns and donating the cash you receive to your loved one’s favorite charity.
2) Sell your guns to a licensed dealer
When you work with a licensed dealer, you receive payment in exchange for your firearms. However, it is up to you to confirm that the dealer is properly licensed and legally able to buy your gun. If you are not careful, your guns could end up in the hands of the wrong person. Also, most licensed dealers are gun shop owners. And a gun shop is the last place you would want to visit if you are fearful of guns or do not like to be around them.
3) Donate your gun to a training organization or museum
Some cities are home to gun museums or training organizations that may have a use for your unwanted guns. If you wish to explore this option, it is a good idea to contact the organization in advance to verify that they are interested in your firearms.
What can happen if your guns fall into the wrong hands?
Most people seeking to sell unwanted firearms have good intentions. They are busy, law-abiding citizens who simply no longer need or want their firearms. In an effort to get rid of their guns quickly, they may give their guns away or sell them to the first interested person who comes along. Unfortunately, these methods can put you at increased risk for a variety of penalties, including jail time. Here are some of the penalties you could face if you are charged with illegal sale of firearms:
- Prison Time: You could face a prison sentence of 3-10 years
- Financial Penalties: You may face fines of up to $150,000
- Probation and Court Fees: These costs can mount quickly and can drain your bank account
It is important to note that you cannot avoid responsibility by using a lack of awareness as an excuse for your transaction. Your actions will not simply be forgiven or erased because you are a first time offender. The surest path to ensuring that you proceed legally is to work with a licensed and experienced organization that will provide the guidance you need.
What is the single best way to legally get rid of your inherited guns?
As outlined above, there are many factors to consider when removing guns from your property. The single best way to avoid the pitfalls above is to work with the professionals at National Gun Buyer’s Association (NGBA). When you work with the professionals at NGBA, you will enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your guns are being removed safely and legally. And because we recognize that you lead a busy life, we make the gun removal process easy for you. Getting rid of your guns with NGBA is as easy as 1-2-3:
Step One: Contact National Gun Buyer’s Association
The path to safe gun removal begins with a quick phone call or electronic message to the NGBA team. You can contact us by phone at 330-808-2981 or electronically by completing this 30-second form.
Step Two: Schedule your gun evaluation
After confirming that we can assist you with your gun removal, we will work with you to set up an on-site evaluation of your guns. One of our licensed and trained firearms specialists will travel to your home to inspect your guns and verify their condition.
Step Three: Receive payment for your guns
Once we verify the condition of your guns, we will finalize our cash offer and provide payment. You can complete the entire transaction without ever needing to leave the comfort of your home.
National Gun Buyer’s Association: America’s most trusted firearm removal experts
Whether you are downsizing and seeking to legally remove some of your existing guns or an adult who has inherited guns that you do not want, the NGBA team is here to help you. Here are just a few reasons why people across the United States turn to us for legal gun removal:
- On-site visits: When you work with us, you never have to leave your home. We come to you!
- Cash payments: You receive nothing if you take a gun to the police. We pay cash for your unwanted guns.
- A fast and simple process: Our customers appreciate how convenient we make the process.
- Licensed and insured: The NGBA is licensed and insured for your protection.
- Experienced: Our firearms specialists are highly skilled and trained to safely evaluate firearms.
- We respect your privacy: Your privacy is important to us. We encourage you to view our privacy policy.
To discover why we are America’s most trusted firearm removal experts, we invite you to visit our website today. We look forward to helping you safely and legally remove your unwanted guns!
