A comprehensive guide
How to sell a gun in Massachusetts
To legally sell a firearm in Massachusetts, it's essential to be well-versed in both state and federal laws to guarantee a lawful and seamless sale. This knowledge is vital whether you've been a firearm owner for years or have newly acquired a gun through inheritance. Understanding your legal responsibilities and available options is key to ensuring a compliant transaction.
Options for selling a gun in Massachusetts
There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of Massachusetts.
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- Role
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Sell to WeBuyGuns.com
- Description
- WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward, secure and legally compliant way to sell your gun in Massachusetts. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
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- Read our reviews
- Our Process
- Our process
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Sell to a local dealer
- Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.
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Sell through a private transaction
- Direct sales to individuals are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of Massachusetts and federally.
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State laws for selling a gun in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is known for having some of the most stringent gun laws in the U.S. The state legislature has established specific conditions for the ownership, sale, and transfer of firearms within the state. Navigating these requirements can be complex and rigorous. Under M.G.L. c. 140, §128A, a properly licensed resident who is not a dealer may sell up to four firearms in any one calendar year through a private transfer of ownership. All residents must report any private sale or transfer of a firearm via the Massachusetts Gun Transaction Portal either prior to, or at the time of the sale/transfer.
General resources:
Identification requirements
In Massachusetts, a Firearm Identification Card (FID) is mandated for legal firearm purchase and ownership. Both buyers and sellers need to obtain a valid FID to ensure a lawful transaction, ensuring adherence to the state's stringent firearm regulations.
Waiting periods
Massachusetts imposes no waiting period between the time of purchase and the actual physical transfer of a firearm.
Age requirements
In Massachusetts, generally no one under 18 years of age may purchase a firearm or ammunition, and no one under 21 years of age may purchase a handgun, large capacity weapon or large capacity feeding device.
Background checks in private sales
In Massachusetts, selling more than four guns per year generally necessitates a firearm dealer's license. While the state doesn't explicitly mandate background checks by private sellers, a 2014 law (Mass. Acts 2014, ch. 284, H.4376) obliges them to verify the validity of a buyer's Firearm Identification Card and other required licenses via a web portal developed by the Department of Criminal Justice Information Services.
Ineligible persons
In Massachusetts, eligibility for a Firearm Identification Card (FID) or License to Carry is subject to several restrictions. Individuals are generally disqualified if they have a criminal history that includes a conviction or adjudication as a youthful offender or delinquent child for specific offenses. These offenses include felonies, misdemeanors punishable by more than two years in prison, misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence as defined under federal law (18 U.S.C. 921(a)(33)), any violent crime as defined by Massachusetts law, and any violation of laws regulating weapons, ammunition, or controlled substances where imprisonment may be imposed. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that firearms are only accessible to individuals who meet strict legal standards.
Massachusetts residents must follow federal laws for private transactions
Federal law requires that the buyer of a firearm must be legally eligible to own a gun.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) provides guidelines for these transactions.
Trusted by firearm sellers nationwide
Sell with confidence — We have purchased firearms from users in all 50 states, including Massachusetts, paying out over 2.9 million to customers on our platform.
- Sellers on our platform
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- Paid out to sellers
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Selling your gun - our process
The first step is to start an offer.
Once your email is validated, you can submit a firearm or multiple firearms in your collection by answering a few brief questions and uploading photos. Within 24-36 business hours, we’ll send you an official offer for each item. You’ll have two weeks to decide if you’d like to move forward. If you accept, WeBuyGuns.com will provide pre-paid shipping labels so you can safely send us your collection. Once received, we’ll confirm delivery and issue payment via paper check or ACH—your choice. The entire process typically takes about a week, from submission to payment.
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Tell us about your gun
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Fill out a short form and upload a few photos to help us identify your firearms and their condition. We will be in touch with you throughout the entire process.
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We verify the make, model and condition
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We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
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We make you an offer
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We will present you with an offer for sale. If you accept the offer, we will provide you with a shipping label and we pay for shipping!
Frequently asked questions
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQ's
- Is this legal in Massachusetts and can WeBuyGuns.com purchase my firearm?
- Yes. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer located in the state of Indiana. You, the seller, are covered under our license just as you would be if you walked into our store. There are no laws preventing you from selling your firearm to us.
We have completed 51 firearm purchases via our online platform from satisfied customers in the state of Massachusetts.
- Does WeBuyGuns.com purchase firearm estates or gun collections?
- Yes. We are happy to work with you on a collection or estate. Please contact us directly rather than trying to upload multiple items through the offer form. .
- How long are offers good for?
- Offers are valid for 14 days.
- Can I sell multiple firearms?
- Absolutely! Once firearm information has been submitted, you will have the ability to submit additional firearms for review and offers. These firearms will be viewable from your user panel, which you access from your initial offer email. If you have a large number of firearms or an estate, it's best to contact us directly (just to save you a lot of time).
- How do I get paid?
- We will either send you a check, or we will issue the funds via a secure ACH direct deposit. During the offer approval process, you will tell us which method of payment you prefer.
Comprehensive guides for selling a firearm in every state
Understand the process of selling a firearm in your state with our in-depth guides. We break down local, state and federal regulations while providing the resources you need for a smooth, legal transaction.
Valuation guides by manufacturer
Curious about your firearm’s value or what current market pricing is? Our manufacturer specific valuation guides provide insights into pricing, demand and key factors that affect value—helping you sell with confidence.
The content on WeBuyGuns.com is provided as a service to the online community. While we strive to offer reliable and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee its accuracy, completeness, or timeliness. Users should exercise their own judgment when using our website and consult appropriate legal resources or an attorney, especially when selling firearms, as we do not provide legal advice.