A comprehensive guide
How to sell a gun in Pennsylvania
Conducting a legal firearm sale in Pennsylvania requires a thorough understanding of the relevant state and federal laws. This is important for ensuring that the transaction is carried out legally and without any complications. Whether you are an experienced gun owner or have come into possession of a firearm recently (such as through inheritance), it is imperative to be aware of your legal duties and the choices available to you in the process.
Options for selling a gun in Pennsylvania
There are numerous options available when considering the sale of firearms in the state of Pennsylvania.
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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 Pennsylvania. Simply provide the make, model and condition of your firearm and we’ll give you an instant quote.
- Our Reviews
- 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 Pennsylvania and federally.
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State laws for selling a gun in Pennsylvania
Before you sell a firearm in Pennsylvania, it's crucial to understand the legal landscape.
Selling Handguns: According to the Pennsylvania State Police, private sellers of handguns must go through a licensed firearms dealer or county sheriff's office to conduct the sale, which includes a background check on the buyer. There are exemptions for family transfers for spouses, parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren.
Selling Long Guns: For long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, private sales can be conducted without a licensed dealer, but it’s recommended to voluntarily conduct a background check for added security.
Details about firearms purchases can be found in Information for Pennsylvania Firearm Purchases provided by the Pennsylvania State Police.
General resources:
Identification requirements
In Pennsylvania, the buyer and the seller must possess a valid government issued ID.
Pennsylvania does not require a permit to purchase a firearm nor is there a permit that exempts any person from the background check requirement at a retail location.
Waiting periods
Pennsylvania imposes no waiting period between the time of purchase and the actual physical transfer of a firearm.
Age requirements
In Pennsylvania private gun sales, the buyer must meet the minimum age requirement for the firearm type being transferred.
- Pistol / Revolver - 21
- Shotgun - 18
- Rifle - 18
Background checks in private sales
Transfers of handguns are required to take place at a licensed firearms dealer or county sheriff's office, the Pennsylvania Instant Check System (PICS) and the National Instant Check System (NICS) will be used to perform background checks. Background checks are not required for long gun transfers in private sales.
Ineligible persons
Prohibited possesors are outlined in Oklahoma Statutes § 1283
In addition to federal legislation, Pennsylvania law does detail what constitues a prohibited person in § 6105.
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania 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 553 firearm purchases via our online platform from satisfied customers in the state of Pennsylvania.
- 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.