By: Isaiah Miller

Sometimes people inherit firearms they’re not interested in, or accrue them over time before suddenly losing interest. Either way, there’s an option available for getting rid of these: you can consider selling them.

But selling a gun collection—whether you’ve inherited it or simply no longer want it—requires considerable attention to safety, organization, and awareness of the law.

When approached with care, you can check several important boxes. You can protect people, honor sentimental value, and potentially maximize the collection’s worth so you actually receive a fair return on it.

Here’s a clear plan from first look to final transfer.

1) Prioritize Safety and Certainty

Before you handle anything, review the basics of gun safety. Point every muzzle in a safe direction, remove magazines, lock actions open, and verify chambers are empty. Store ammunition separately, too.

If you’re unsure how to clear a particular model, consult a qualified gunsmith or licensed dealer. While you’re at it, secure the collection with cable locks or a safe to prevent unauthorized access—especially if minors or visitors are present.

2) Document and Evaluate the Collection

Create a simple inventory: make, model, caliber, serial number, visible condition, and any accessories. Photograph each firearm well from multiple angles and capture serials clearly.

If you can, collect provenance (original receipts, manuals, box labels, letters, or import/export marks). Provenance can potentially add meaningful value, particularly for rare, C&R, or historically significant pieces.

For a rough estimate of value, compare recent completed-sale prices for the same make, model, and condition. That’s completed-sale or hammer prices, rather than asking prices.

If you want a deeper walkthrough of steps, options, and pitfalls, this practical guide on how to sell a gun collection offers the process from inventory to transfer and is a helpful primer for first-timers.

3) Choose the Right Selling Path

You have several options available to you here:

• Immediate payout to a licensed dealer (FFL). Fast and simple. You’ll receive a single offer for the lot or for select pieces. Consider getting multiple offers if you want to compare prices.
• Consignment through an FFL. The dealer lists and sells items on your behalf for a commission. You may net more than a buyout but must factor in commission fees. The shop manages buyers and paperwork.
• Specialist auctions. This may be an option for rare, matched, or high-demand items. Fees vary, but competitive bidding can potentially lift prices. Auction houses also help with descriptions, photography, and shipping.
• Online marketplaces with FFL transfers. The widest reach, but you’ll do more work. In all cases, ship to the buyer’s FFL and complete the transfer there—no exceptions across state lines. Verify the receiving dealer’s license details using the ATF’s guidance on Federal Firearms Licenses.
• Private-party sales (where possible). State rules differ. Many sellers still choose to use a local FFL so the buyer completes a background check, which protects both parties.
• NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, machine guns). These require extra steps, tax stamps, and ATF approval. Seek assistance from an experienced FFL/SOT to avoid delays and mistakes. 

4) Prepare the Items to Sell

Wipe down metal parts with a light, non-abrasive protectant. Don’t aggressively polish, refinish, or replace original parts on collectibles—preserving originality often matters more than shine.

Include magazines, original boxes, slings, manuals, scopes, and spare parts in your listing or presentation. Good photos and honest condition notes can help reduce haggling and returns.

For shipping: follow carrier rules. Non-licensees generally must ship handguns via common carriers (not USPS), and packages should go adult-signature required.

Long guns have different rules; pack securely, use hard cases or double boxes, and never mark the exterior as containing firearms. An FFL can ship for you and may offer better rates.

5) Transfer and Close the Loop

If you’re doing an in-person sale, meet at an FFL to finalize buyer paperwork and background checks, or consign/auction through one so it’s handled for you.

Keep copies of bills of sale, consignment agreements, and shipment tracking. For estates, coordinate with the executor and your attorney. Among other things, you’ll need to consider probate timelines. Set expectations with heirs about which items (if any) will be retained and which will be sold.

Be thoughtful about taxes and records, by the way. Casual sellers aren’t running a business, but you may still have reporting obligations on gains or online platform payouts. A quick conversation with your tax professional could help avoid headaches later.

Bottom line: Treat the process like you would a classic car collection—make it safe, document it, choose the right venue, and use licensed professionals for transfers. With a calm, step-by-step approach and reliable references like the ATF’s FFL guidance and the in-depth collection-selling guide linked above, you can sell with confidence, safely, and for a fair return.

Disclaimer: Handling firearms requires the utmost care and responsibility. Always follow established safety protocols to ensure your personal safety and the safety of others. The advice provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only. Before handling or transferring firearms, ensure that you are in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. If you are uncertain about any aspect of firearm safety, storage, or legal requirements, consult a licensed firearms professional or legal expert. The author and publisher do not accept any responsibility for accidents or legal issues that may arise from improper handling, storage, or transfer of firearms.