Private party sales, what's the best way to conduct it.

[mcb]

I am thinking about buying a handgun from someone else (that I do not know) here in Ohio. I know private party transaction from one Ohio resident to another is legal but what is the best and safest way to conduct such a transaction. I am the buyer in this case but either way what information should exchange hands (in addition to the exchange of money and firearm) so that both side of the transaction have enough information to assure them the other party member is on the up-and-up. I have never done a private party sale with someone I did not know. Any advice and experience would be greatly appriciated. Is there any issues or pitfalls I should watch for and avoid.

Thanks
mcb

[I made this a sticky in the For Sale / Trades / Wanted forum, and left a shadow topic in "Ohio Issues and Politics" - JK]

[P-chan]

Hopefully the seller has a CHL and won't mind showing it to you. If not, I'd maybe want to at least get a bill of sale with the seller's name and address, as well as your name and address. Make 2 copies, both of you sign and date both copies, and each take one. This is evidence that the gun has been sold if for some crazy reason it's ever recovered after being used in a crime. That's the only thing I can think of, hopefully someone with more experience will chime in.

[e3mrk]

Make sure You get a receipt from the Seller that has the Make and Model and serial Number of the Firearm.
Also You should get the Sellers Name,Address and see His Drivers License to be sure things are right.
If He balks at any of this I would pass on the Gun.

[BobK]

I've bought and sold firearms without receipts or any other paper trail, and prefer it that way. If I was selling a gun to you and you wanted all that information from me in writing, I would personally pass on the sale.

I have and will show someone my drivers license with my finger covering my name and address. They can see that my picture is on an Ohio license, which is all the proof they are going to get of residency.

When selling, I do verbally question them, "for the record, you aren't a convicted felon or otherwise disqualified from buying firearms?" That just served as my due diligence.

[ArcherAce]

As long as the gun isn't C&R and has to be entered in my bound book, I ask the questions that BobK has posted.

[DisgruntledCitizen]

For C&R don't you only have to enter it into your book if you acquired it via your C&R?

For instance, if I bought an SKS from a gun dealer and filled out a yellow form, do I still need to enter it into my bound book?



Anyway, for a private sale I prefer to hand them the money and receive my weapon.

I bought a gun from a guy at a flea market, I have no idea who he was, he had no idea who I was. He said a price, I gave him the money, he gave me my gun. He was selling guns and puppies. They sure looked cute (of course I am referring to the guns).

[jabeatty]

For C&R don't you only have to enter it into your book if you acquired it via your C&R?

For instance, if I bought an SKS from a gun dealer and filled out a yellow form, do I still need to enter it into my bound book?

The law references the actions that a licensee must take; it doesn't (ever) discuss "using your license" to acquire something.

If you're currently licensed, you must record the transaction, and with enough detail to satisfy the law's requirements. If you're not licensed, shred your old bound book and don't bother building a new one.

[true_pair]

I have bought few firearms from private owners (Ohio) one requested to see the driver's license others did not

[McM]

Buyer asks: Is this your gun to sell? Are you an Ohio resident, may I see you Ohio DL or ID? Optional: Do you have a Ohio CHL?

Seller asks: Are you an Ohio resident, may I see you Ohio DL or ID? How are you paying? Is there anything that legally bars you from buying or owning a firearm? Optional: Do you have a Ohio CHL?


The above is the minimum. You can ask or demand further documentation or exchange of info, but I no longer do.

My preference to actually conduct the transaction is a secluded spot in a public space (ex: away from other vehicles in a Wally World or shopping plaza parking lot, a large restaurant parking lot, Gander Mountain lot, or gun club). Or, @ a gun show. I also keep the firearm in the seller's vehicle away from the casual observer. When the exchange is made, try to keep the firearm covered or cased for transfer to your vehicle just to avoid unnecessary public observation/ 'man with a gun' call.

If the seller is a total stranger, I ask to do a quick inspection or function test. If you don't know a particular weapons break down or function test, ask the seller. Most will be happy to show you.

[charben]

I've bought and sold firearms without receipts or any other paper trail, and prefer it that way. If I was selling a gun to you and you wanted all that information from me in writing, I would personally pass on the sale.

Yup. If I wanted to provide a paper trail, I'd do business with my friendly local FFL.

Seriously, people freak out over this stuff.

[McM]

If something doesn't feel right about a buyer or seller, feel free to walk away. Better to not buy that gun, than to get ripped off or worse.

Another possible touchy subject is the presence of other persons at a sale. No one likes to feel outnumbered when guns and money are changing hands. I usually do not mind if the other party brings a wife/friend/etc. However, do remember that if you bring a 'guest' and the buyer/seller comes alone, it is probably best to have your friend wait some distance away. If I've met someone before I really don't care if they bring the President with them, but if I don't know the buyer/seller from Adam that gets my attention.

Always go armed, and assume the other party is armed also. An armed society is a polite society.

[charles1198]

When buying, I show my CHL, and ask some questions about the gun to satisfy myself that everything is on the up and up. I like to meet at a shooting range -- both a public spot and a place to try out the gun before the money changes hands. Shooting off a couple mags in Wal-Mart parking lots is frowned upon, except in Akron and Toledo.

[Grant26]

Charles, I don't know where your getting your idras about Toledo. I can tell you that poping off even one round in a parking lot will buy you a spot in the Gray bar motel.

[dfrea]

I've sold a gun and ammo to two different people on this board. With the gun, he offered to show me his CHL, I glanced at it, and that was it. Showed he was an Ohio resident, and (at some point) had passed a background check. Due dilligence done. Second time, with the ammo, just changed hands and chatted for a while. No ID.

Haven't yet had the opportunity to buy anything in a FTF transaction, so I can't comment on what a seller has had me do. I think just do what any prudent person would do to ensure that you aren't selling a felon a gun, and everyone is good. Seriously, you can't be expected to run a full background check somehow, right? Although then again, with Ohio's convoluted gun laws...

My head hurts now.

[AlanM]

When buying, I show my CHL, and ask some questions about the gun to satisfy myself that everything is on the up and up. I like to meet at a shooting range -- both a public spot and a place to try out the gun before the money changes hands. Shooting off a couple mags in Wal-Mart parking lots is frowned upon, except in Akron and Toledo.

Do you know something about Akron that those of us that live in Summit county don't know?