How to Sell a Gun in Massachusetts

A comprehensive guide

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.

Sell your gun to WeBuyGuns.com

Sell to WeBuyGuns.com

WeBuyGuns.com is a trusted online platform for selling firearms. We offer a straightforward and secure way to legally sell your gun quickly and easily. Simply submit a few details about your firearm, including its make, model, and condition, and we'll provide you with an instant quote.

  • Read our reviews - our customers highlight the ease, fairness, and efficiency we provide to our customers.
  • Our process - we simplify the process of selling firearms.

Sell your gun to a local dealer

Sell to a Local Dealer

Licensed dealers can handle all aspects of the sale, ensuring compliance with all state and federal laws.

Sell your gun through a private collection

Sell Through a Private Transaction

Direct sales to another individual are permitted, but come with specific legal responsibilities, both for the state of Massachusetts and federally.

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:

Massachusetts ID Requirements

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.

Massachusetts Waiting Periods

Waiting Periods

Massachusetts imposes no waiting period between the time of purchase and the actual physical transfer of a firearm.

Age Requirements in Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts

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

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.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Logo

WeBuyGuns has purchased thousands of firearms from more than 850 locations all over the United States, including Massachusetts.

We provide the fastest and easiest way to sell firearms online!

Our user-friendly platform allows you to sell your entire gun collection in just a few simple steps.

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Selling Your Gun — Our Process

The first step is to create an account.

From there you can individually submit the firearms in your collection. This process includes answering a few short questions about each firearm in your collection and uploading a couple photos. We will send you an official offer on your firearms within 24 business hours. You will then have two weeks to decide if our offers are right for you! If you accept our offers, webuyguns.com will provide you with a series of pre-paid shipping labels, which you can use to ship us your gun collection. Once received, we will notify you that you're ready for payment. We will then send you a paper check or ACH direct deposit (your choice). The entire process can take about a week from start to finish. Imagine having your entire collection sold and cash in hand in a week!

Sell Your Handgun Step 1
Tell Us About Your Gun
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.
Sell Your Handgun Step 2
We Verify the Make & Models of All Firearms
We review your information and images to assess the condition of your firearms and determine a fair market value.
Sell Your Handgun Step 3
We Make You an Offer
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

  • Is this legal?

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

 

Disclaimer
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.