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Firearm Insights for Estate Profess
Expert guidance for estate attorneys, funeral directors, bank trust officers, and estate liquidators handling firearms. MDRF Enterprises provides legal insight, case studies, and compliant firearm solutions in Missouri.


Understanding Firearm Valuation
Understanding firearm value starts with knowing which standard applies. Fair Market Value, Marketable Cash Value, and Appraised Value all serve different purposes in estates. Here is how each one works.

Drew McDermott
12 hours ago4 min read


The Hidden Costs of DIY Estate Gun Sales in Missouri
Selling firearms from an estate without professional help can lead to serious legal, financial, and documentation problems. Many families in Missouri try to handle estate gun sales themselves, but missing records, undervalued items, and compliance risks often turn a quick sale into a costly mistake. Learn the safer way to protect value, stay compliant, and close probate smoothly.

Drew McDermott
6 days ago3 min read


Auction vs Dealer vs Private Sale in St. Louis
When a family inherits firearms, the biggest question is how to sell them safely, legally, and for the best value. This guide compares auctions, licensed dealers, and private sales in St. Louis—explaining when to use each, what documentation is needed for probate, and how to avoid costly mistakes. Includes a comparison table, checklist, and practical advice from a certified firearms appraiser.

Drew McDermott
Oct 244 min read


Certified Firearm Appraisals
Firearms in an estate aren’t just valuables — they’re regulated assets. A proper appraisal must do more than set a price; it must create a legally defensible record that withstands probate, insurance, and potential disputes. At MDRF Enterprises, our certified appraisals combine USPAP standards, photographic documentation, and comparable sales data to deliver reports attorneys and fiduciaries can trust.

Drew McDermott
Oct 73 min read


Can You Sell Guns from a Storage Unit You Bought?
Buying a storage unit in Missouri and finding guns inside isn’t as simple as selling them. Federal law requires legal ownership and a proper transfer, and Missouri rules can involve estate claims or original owner rights. Learn the safe, legal steps for handling firearms from storage units, and how MDRF Enterprises can provide on-site appraisals, cash offers, and full ATF-compliant transfers in the St. Louis area.

Drew McDermott
Oct 43 min read


How Do Firearm Transfer Laws Work in the U.S.?
Firearm transfers in the U.S. are governed by both federal and state laws. Whether selling, gifting, or handling inherited guns, you need to follow the rules to stay legal. This guide explains how transfers work, common pitfalls, and why using a licensed dealer can protect everyone involved.

Drew McDermott
Sep 303 min read


How to Sell Guns Quickly and Legally in Missouri, What Families and Executors Should Know
Selling firearms from an estate in Missouri is not like selling other property. Federal law requires every transfer to go through a licensed FFL with proper records and background checks. Families and executors who try to handle it alone risk legal and probate problems. The safest way to sell quickly and fairly is to work with a certified appraiser and licensed dealer who can provide both accurate valuations and ATF-compliant transfers.

Drew McDermott
Sep 273 min read


How to Safely and Legally Sell Inherited Firearms or a Gun Collection in Saint Louis
Inheriting firearms comes with more responsibility than most estate items. Learn how to safely and legally sell a gun collection in Saint Louis. This guide explains the process, safety steps, and legal requirements so families and professionals stay compliant.

Drew McDermott
Sep 233 min read


The Complete Guide to Selling and Appraising Firearms in a Missouri Estate
Firearms in an estate can create challenges for executors and families. This guide explains how to sell, appraise, and legally transfer inherited guns in Missouri, including finding a trustworthy buyer, understanding appraisals, and ensuring compliance with state and federal firearm laws.

Drew McDermott
Sep 193 min read


5 Legal Pitfalls for Attorneys Handling Firearms in Probate
Firearms are unlike any other personal property in probate. Attorneys who overlook compliance can expose themselves and their clients to serious risk. Here are five pitfalls to avoid.

Drew McDermott
Sep 153 min read


Marijuana, Federal Firearms Law, and the Risks for Estate Professionals
Marijuana laws in Missouri have changed, but federal firearms rules have not. Estate professionals can face hidden liability if they transfer a gun to an heir who uses marijuana—even if that heir has a state-issued card. Here’s what you need to know to keep families safe and avoid compliance mistakes.

Drew McDermott
Sep 123 min read


5 Gray Areas That Can Land Estate Professionals in Trouble with Firearms
Estate professionals often treat firearms like any other household item, but the ATF does not. Taking possession, transporting, or even advertising guns without a license can create serious legal risk. This guide highlights five gray areas where good intentions can go wrong and shows how working with a licensed FFL keeps executors and estate companies compliant and protected.

Drew McDermott
Sep 84 min read


The Executor’s Estate Settlement Guide to Firearms
Firearms and the Executor’s Role Settling an estate is never simple, and when firearms are involved, the complexity rises quickly. Unlike furniture or jewelry, guns are highly regulated and require specialized attention at each step of the settlement process. As executor, you must protect the estate, follow the law, and make sure firearms are handled with accuracy and care. The following steps outline how to integrate firearms into the standard estate settlement process witho

Drew McDermott
Sep 53 min read


Why Firearms Must Be Accounted for in Probate
When settling an estate, firearms cannot be treated like ordinary household goods. Missouri law requires court approval for significant personal property, and federally regulated firearms can disrupt sales, mortgages, or asset transfers if overlooked.

Drew McDermott
Sep 14 min read


Why Firearms Must Be Valued in Estates
Form 706 requires estates to report all assets at fair market value, including firearms. Certified appraisals ensure accuracy, compliance, and protection for executors and families.

Drew McDermott
Aug 273 min read


Why Estate Professionals Need a Licensed SOT/NFA Dealer
Estate collections sometimes contain more than hunting rifles. MDRF Enterprises, now licensed as both an FFL and SOT dealer, ensures every firearm—common or highly regulated—is handled legally and safely.

Drew McDermott
Aug 223 min read


Four Photos, Four Firearms: Would You Have Known?
Not every firearm looks like a rifle, shotgun, or pistol. The ATF classifies certain serialized parts, like AR-15 lowers, handgun frames, bolts, and Sig FCUs, as firearms. In an estate, these items are often overlooked and mishandled. This post explains why they carry the same legal obligations as complete guns and why families, attorneys, and estate professionals need licensed expertise to avoid serious liability.

Drew McDermott
Aug 214 min read


Local Matters: Why STL Families Trust a Licensed Dealer Over Internet Gun Buyers
When it’s time to sell a firearm collection, families have more options than ever. National websites promise fast “cash-for-guns” deals if you’re willing to ship across the country. But in Saint Louis, many families choose something different: a trusted, face-to-face licensed dealer who provides immediate payment, local accountability, and professional guidance.

Drew McDermott
Aug 193 min read


How to Get a Quote for Selling a Firearm Collection in Saint Louis: What to Expect
Wondering how to get a quote for selling a firearm collection in Saint Louis? Whether it’s a few heirloom rifles or an entire estate, the process doesn’t have to be complicated. With clear photos, a quick conversation, and guidance from a licensed local dealer, families and collectors can receive fast, confidential quotes — often the same day. Here’s what to expect and how MDRF Enterprises makes the process safe, simple, and professional.

Drew McDermott
Aug 183 min read


What’s My Gun Really Worth?
Understanding Price vs. Value in the Real World Every week, we hear the same thing from private sellers: “I paid $1,200 for this, and...

Drew McDermott
Jul 174 min read
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