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State guides for selling firearms right-arrow Missouri

Published: June 25, 2024 | Updated: January 14, 2026

Sell Your Gun in Missouri - Fast, Legal & Hassle Free.

We buy used firearms statewide — St. Louis to Kansas City — and provide a fair market offer through a fully licensed, online process. Instead of navigating local shops or private buyers, we handle the shipping, paperwork, and support so you can sell with confidence from anywhere in Missouri.

Whether you are looking to sell a modern handgun, a WWII collectible, a pre-ban rifle, or a full estate collection, our Missouri-compliant process ensures a safe and high-value transaction.

Trusted by 38,500+ sellers · 815+ Google reviews · Over $4.3M paid out to users

Sell a gun in Missouri without the pawn shop, gun store or private buyer headaches

WeBuyGuns purchases firearms from private sellers throughout Missouri using a federally licensed, online process. Get a documented offer based on current market demand and ship with clear compliance guidance.

Our team handles intake, verification and payment end-to-end so you can complete a legal, tracked transaction from anywhere in Missouri.

Dedicated support for Missouri sellers

No matter where you are located in Missouri, all of our customers have access to a dedicated support team for any questions about the process, shipping guidance, intake updates or payment status. No surprises, no hassle and no hidden fees.

Major Missouri metros we serve

If you can ship a package within Missouri, you can sell to us.

  • St. Louis
  • Kansas City
  • Springfield
  • Columbia
  • Independence
  • Lee's Summit
  • O'Fallon
  • St. Joseph
  • St. Charles
  • Blue Springs
  • Florissant
  • Joplin
  • Chesterfield
  • Jefferson City
  • Cape Girardeau
  • Ballwin

Whether you need cash for guns in St. Louis, a fast firearm appraisal in Kansas City, or are looking to sell an estate collection in Columbia, we handle the entire process legally and safely.

Firearm sellers across Missouri
Missouri seller activity
225 completed purchases

We have purchased 225 firearms from sellers across Missouri through our streamlined, fully licensed online process.

We specialize in buying high-value collections and estates from Missouri residents, including WWII Collectibles, Machine Guns and Pre-Ban Firearms.

Ways to sell a firearm in Missouri

Firearm owners in Missouri generally have a few different options when it comes time to sell. Each approach carries tradeoffs related to legality, effort and risk.

store Local gun store or pawn shop

Usually fast, but most shops have limited cash on hand and their offers are shaped by local resale demand and inventory constraints.

Pricing can vary a lot, and you’ll typically need to visit in person.

private sale Private sale or classifieds

Missouri may allow private firearm sales in certain circumstances, but you’re responsible for ensuring the transfer is legal and properly documented.

Many sellers avoid this route due to liability concerns, unknown buyers and a lack of clear records.

Selling online to a licensed dealer Sell online to a licensed firearm dealer

You complete a documented transaction without meeting unknown buyers or navigating transfer details alone.

The dealer manages compliance and final disposition, and you ship with clear instructions and a defined process from offer through payment.

Many Missouri sellers choose an online, licensed buyer when they want a convenient process, a documented transaction, clear compliance guidance and quick payment.

Our process for Missouri firearm sellers

WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer. Our process is designed to help Missouri sellers complete a legal, documented sale with clear steps from valuation to payment.

If anything is complicated about the firearm or transfer requirements, our team will guide you through the entire process.

Evaluating Gun
16 cloud upload Tell us what you have
Use our offer submission form. Share the make, model and condition. Photos help, especially for optics, accessories and any markings that affect value.
star-rate Get an offer
Our team reviews the details and provides a written offer based on the firearm, configuration and current demand.
16 comments Ship legally
If you accept our offer, we’ll generate prepaid shipping labels and provide clear instructions for securely packaging and shipping your firearms.
16 currency dollar Get paid
Once received and inspected, we issue payment using the method selected during checkout and finalize the documented transfer.
Compliance note: firearms are transferred and processed through our Federal Firearms License (FFL). If your item has special considerations (NFA items, inherited firearms, unusual configurations), we’ll walk you through what applies and what to expect before you ship anything.

Have questions about the process, how to get started, or your specific firearms?

Call us at (317) 804-8713

Secure, compliant and trackable from start to finish

box-3d-67
Safe, secure and handled for you
Firearms ship directly from you in Missouri to our licensed FFL in Indiana. We cover the shipping cost and provide clear packing instructions to ensure everything arrives safely.
virtual-assistant-2
White-glove logistics from start to finish
We generate your prepaid shipping labels and guide you through each step, including packing, labeling and drop-off, so the entire process stays simple, stress-free and legally compliant.
touch-id
Compliance handled on your behalf
We maintain all required federal records and guide you through the legal steps, so once your firearms arrive, responsibility transfers fully to our licensed facility.

Our track record

We are trusted by firearm sellers nationwide

Sell with confidence — no hassle and no hidden fees. Our streamlined process has facilitated thousands of firearms transactions nationwide, paying out over $4.3 million to users on our platform.

Sellers on the platform
38,500+
Paid out to sellers
$4.3 Million
We purchase firearms and ensure compliance in every state, including Missouri
Fast nationwide service
All transactions are handled by firearms professionals to ensure legal compliance
Licensed FFL with a class 3 SOT

What our most recent customers have to say

Carlos V
Carlos V
★★★★★   Jan 22, 2026
Another great transaction with We Buy Guns. Very fair offers and a simple process for shipping.

Thanks to everyone at WeBuyGuns.
Brent Kendall
Brent Kendall
★★★★★   Jan 22, 2026
Excellent experience. Fair pricing. Highly recommend.
Harley Mann
Harley Mann
★★★★★   Jan 22, 2026
Easiest thing I have done. When I ran into a shipping problem they fixed it. Quick and very fair in the prices. Would recommend to anyone.
Marcela Marabelli
Marcela Marabelli
★★★★★   Jan 22, 2026
Fast reliable,
Sydni Hardesty
Sydni Hardesty
★★★★★   Jan 21, 2026
Very fair. Easy to deal with.
Michael Hauck
Michael Hauck
★★★★★   Jan 21, 2026
Smooth, professional transaction.
State and federal law considerations
Updated: January 14, 2026

State and federal laws for selling a gun in Missouri

This section highlights a few common state-level considerations when selling a firearm in Missouri. It is not legal advice. Requirements can vary by firearm type, buyer eligibility and local rules.

If you are unsure how a rule applies to your situation, review the official resources below or contact our team for help navigating the process.

Quick checklist
  • checkbox-checked ID: Buyer and seller should have valid government-issued identification
  • checkbox-checked Age: Minimum age depends on handgun vs long gun
  • checkbox-checked Waiting periods: May apply in some retail scenarios and some local jurisdictions
  • checkbox-checked Background checks: Requirements differ for private sales vs dealer transfers
  • checkbox-checked Prohibited persons: Federal law sets the baseline and states can add restrictions
State law details
Understanding Missouri firearm sale rules
Expand for the full breakdown of common requirements in Missouri.
Missouri identification and residency checks

Identification and residency checks

Even when a private transfer is lawful under state law, it is smart to verify identity and confirm the buyer is a Missouri resident. If a licensed dealer is involved, government-issued identification is required as part of the dealer process.

  • Confirm the buyer is who they claim to be and is a Missouri resident for an in-state private transfer
  • If the buyer is out of state, route the transaction through an FFL to stay compliant
Background checks and dealer transfers in Missouri

Background checks and dealer transfers

Missouri does not generally require a background check for a purely private in-state transfer under state law, but federal rules still apply and some situations must go through an FFL.

  • Use an FFL when selling to an out-of-state buyer or when you want a formal transfer record
  • Selling to a licensed buyer online means the receiving dealer handles the compliance steps on intake
Prohibited persons considerations in Missouri

Do not transfer to prohibited persons

Federal law prohibits transferring firearms to certain categories of people and Missouri law restricts possession in specific circumstances. If you have any doubt about eligibility, do not proceed with a private sale.

  • If anything feels off, stop the sale and use an FFL if you still want to proceed
  • Keep basic documentation of the transaction for your own records
Age and minor transfer rules in Missouri

Age and transfers involving minors

Age rules vary based on the type of firearm, the type of transaction and whether a dealer is involved. Missouri also restricts certain transfers involving minors and unsafe access.

  • Confirm the buyer is legally eligible before transferring any firearm
  • If you are unsure how age rules apply to your firearm, use an FFL or ask our team for guidance
Missouri process and local considerations

Process and local considerations

Missouri is generally known for statewide firearm preemption with limited exceptions, but rules can still vary by situation, firearm type and enforcement context. If you want to eliminate guesswork, use a licensed transfer path.

  • If you want maximum protection, complete the transfer through an FFL and keep a copy of the receipt
  • When selling online to a licensed buyer, your transaction follows a standard, documented intake process
Federal law details
Federal rules that apply in every state
Expand for ATF guidance and prohibited person requirements.

Missouri 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.

ATF
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.

Missouri firearm selling FAQs

These are the most common questions we hear from Missouri sellers. If you don’t see your situation here, we’ll walk you through it before you ship anything.

Is it legal to sell a firearm online in Missouri? +
In most cases, yes. A legal online sale is typically completed through a licensed buyer (FFL) with documented transfer steps. WeBuyGuns is a licensed buyer and we provide clear shipping instructions so the sale is handled properly from start to finish.
How do you determine what my gun is worth? +
Offers are based on the make and model, configuration, condition and current demand. Photos help us account for details that change value like optics, magazines, accessories, modifications, finish wear and matching parts.
What firearms can you buy from Missouri residents? +
We buy most common categories including handguns, rifles (including machine guns) and shotguns. If your item is unusual, older, inherited or has special rules (like NFA items), tell us up front and we’ll confirm what applies before you ship.
Do I need an FFL in Missouri to ship my firearm? +
Most sellers do not need their own FFL to sell to a licensed buyer. The key is following the shipping instructions provided for your specific item. We guide you on what to include, how to label the shipment and what documentation is required for a compliant transfer.
Do you provide a shipping label and packing instructions? +
Yes. If you accept an offer, we provide a prepaid shipping label and step-by-step instructions. You are responsible for packaging the firearm securely, then shipping it according to the provided guidance.
How long does the process take from Missouri? +
Timing depends on how quickly you can send photos, accept the offer and ship the firearm. Once the firearm is received, we confirm the details and issue payment using the method selected during checkout. We use expidited shipping for all firearms.
What if I’m selling inherited firearms in Missouri? +
Inherited collections are common. Start by sharing a list of items or photos. We can help identify what you have, explain what affects value and guide you through the compliant sale steps so you feel confident about the process.
What information should I send to get the most accurate offer? +
A quick list works great: make, model, caliber, condition and any included accessories. We cover all neccessary items on our offer form. Photos of both sides, the serial area and any markings help us avoid assumptions and price it accurately.
Have a specific question about selling in Missouri? We’ll answer it before you commit to anything.
Start your free offer
Licensed process • Shipping guidance • Fast payment