Resources & Guides
If you’ve inherited firearms and aren’t sure what to do next, this guide will walk you through your options and help you understand how to sell them responsibly.
Inheriting firearms can feel overwhelming, especially if you are not familiar with how gun sales work. Many people worry about legality, safety, or being taken advantage of.
You are not alone. Every year we work with families, spouses, and executors who simply want a clear, safe, and fair way to handle a collection.
In most cases, yes — inherited firearms can be legally sold.
If you inherited firearms through a will, trust, or estate, federal law generally allows you to sell them. The sale simply needs to follow federal and state regulations.
If you are not familiar with firearm law, that is completely normal. Many people who inherit a gun collection have never bought or sold a firearm before.
If you are unsure what category a firearm falls into, that is normal. Many people inheriting firearms are not familiar with the differences between standard firearms and federally regulated NFA items. We help families and executors understand what they have before anything is sold.
If the estate is in probate, the executor typically has authority to manage and sell estate assets, including firearms.
If you are the executor and are unsure about your authority, we recommend confirming with the estate attorney handling the probate process. We are happy to coordinate once that is clarified.
Firearm laws differ by state. Some states require additional steps for private transfers.
Review firearm laws in your stateSome collections include federally regulated items such as machine guns or suppressors. These are legal to sell in certain circumstances but follow additional federal regulations.
If you are unsure what type of firearms are in the collection, that is completely normal. We help identify and guide the proper process before any sale occurs.
The value of inherited firearms can vary widely.
Some may be common hunting rifles, others may be rare or highly collectible. It is normal not to know the difference, that's what we are here for.
Even small details can impact pricing.
That concern is common. A reputable buyer should:
We base offers on real secondary market data and current demand, not pressure-based tactics.
Request a No-Obligation Collection Review There are no listing fees and no obligation to sell.
Many families visit the nearest pawn shop or gun store without understanding current market demand. While local shops provide convenience, offers can vary significantly.
It is wise to compare options before making a decision.
Some states have strict rules regarding private firearm transfers. Background checks, waiting periods, or specific transfer procedures may apply. Failing to follow proper transfer requirements can create legal risk.
View our state by state legal guides
Firearms cannot be mailed through standard carriers without following specific procedures. Attempting to ship on your own could lead to delays or legal issues.
If selling to a licensed buyer, shipping instructions and labels should be provided.
View how shipping works with We Buy Guns
While cleaning may seem helpful, excessive refinishing or altering original parts can reduce collector value.
Original condition often matters more than cosmetic improvement.
Original packaging, manuals, and paperwork can add meaningful value to certain firearms.
If these items exist, keep them together with the firearm.
Estate situations can create pressure, especially when managing property sales or probate timelines.
Taking a short amount of time to understand value and process can prevent regret later.
If you are unsure where to begin, our resource center includes practical guides and explanations designed to help you navigate the process step by step.
Selling a collection or estate shouldn’t feel complicated. We’ve built a streamlined, personal process that keeps you in control and takes the pressure off your shoulders.
Call us at (317) 804-8713
Usually fast, but most shops have limited cash on hand and may not specialize in older, rare or high-value pieces.
Offers often favor a quick resale, not the long-term collector value.
Potential upside, but you wait for the sale, pay commissions and still carry uncertainty around final prices and timelines.
Can take months, involve strangers and require you to manage listings, messages and transfers one gun at a time. For estates, that can add stress to an already heavy situation.
You get a single, expert valuation and offer for the entire collection, prepaid shipping labels and clear expectations up front. No fees, no pressure and no need to piece out guns one by one.
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 $4.5 million to users on our platform.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, reach out to customer support or view all FAQs