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Firearm FAQs: Appraisals, Inheritance, Estate Sales & Legal Transfers
Navigating firearm laws can be confusing, especially for individuals handling inherited guns, private sales, or estate liquidations. This FAQ offers clear, plain-English answers about legally appraising, selling, shipping, and transferring firearms as an unlicensed person — with a special focus on Missouri and federal compliance.These are the questions we hear most often from estate heirs, sellers, executors, and concerned families. Whether you found a gun in a home, need to settle a probate case, or just want to do things the right way, this guide will help you move forward legally and safely.The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Click Below to Jump to a Section:
SECTION 1: General Firearm Questions (Missouri Law)
Federal and state firearm laws can be confusing, especially for private individuals who are not licensed dealers. This section addresses the most common questions about what Missouri residents can legally do when buying, carrying, or owning firearms. It provides straightforward guidance based on Missouri law, with attention to federal restrictions that may still apply.
Question: Can I buy a gun from a private seller in Missouri?
Answer: Yes. Private sales between Missouri residents are legal without background checks, as long as the buyer is not a prohibited person under federal or state law. Learn what qualifies as a prohibited person in our Firearm FAQ.
Question: Can I carry a loaded gun in my vehicle in Missouri?
Answer: Yes. Missouri allows loaded firearms to be carried in a vehicle if you are legally allowed to possess the gun. No permit is required for vehicle carry.
Question: Do I need to register my guns in Missouri?
Answer: No. Missouri does not require firearm registration for private citizens. However, federally regulated firearms like suppressors or short-barreled rifles must be registered under NFA rules and follow federal law.
Question: Is Missouri a permitless carry and open carry state?
Answer: Yes. Missouri allows permitless concealed carry for adults age 19 and older (18 if military). Open carry is generally legal, though some municipalities have local restrictions. Always verify city or county ordinances.
Question: What is the legal age to own or carry firearms in Missouri?
Answer:
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Handguns: Must be 18+ to possess and 21+ to purchase from a dealer (federal law).
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Rifles/Shotguns: Must be 18+ to purchase from a dealer
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.Minors: May legally possess firearms under adult supervision for activities like hunting or target shooting.
Question: What’s the legal way to transfer a gun to a family member in Missouri?
Answer: In Missouri, you can legally give or sell a firearm to a family member if both parties are Missouri residents and the recipient is not a prohibited person. No background check or paperwork is required by state law. However, you cannot transfer the gun across state lines without going through a licensed dealer (FFL).
For extra protection, we recommend documenting the transfer using a written record or bill of sale—especially for estate or trust-related gifts.
Drew’s Note:
Navigating age laws around firearms can feel like a legal maze, especially when state and federal rules don’t always align. In Missouri, it’s surprisingly permissive, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the research. For example, a 17-year-old may legally possess a rifle under supervision but can’t buy a handgun from a dealer until they’re 21, even though they might be allowed to open carry it in some areas. Bottom line: Know the difference between possession, purchase, and carry. When in doubt, call a trusted FFL (like us) or speak to a qualified attorney. We’re here to help you stay legal and stay safe.
SECTION 2: Selling Guns Privately
Private firearm sales are legal in Missouri under certain conditions, but they are not without risks. This section explains what unlicensed individuals need to know when selling a gun, including who they can legally sell to, what kind of documentation is recommended, and when the ATF may consider someone to be “engaged in the business” of dealing.
Question: Can I sell a firearm without a license in Missouri?
Answer: Yes, as a private individual, you may sell a firearm to another Missouri resident without a license or background check, but only if the buyer is not a prohibited person. You may not sell to someone who lives in another state unless the transfer goes through a licensed dealer (FFL).
Question: Do I need paperwork to sell a gun privately in Missouri?
Answer: Missouri law does not require a bill of sale, registration, or transfer paperwork for private firearm sales. However, it is highly recommended that both parties complete a written record of the transaction for legal and liability protection.
Question: Can I sell a gun to someone in another state?
Answer: No. Federal law prohibits private individuals from transferring firearms directly across state lines. You must ship the firearm to a licensed dealer (FFL) in the recipient’s state, who will complete the background check and legal transfer.
Question: When does the ATF consider someone “engaged in the business” of selling firearms?
Answer: According to the ATF, if you are repeatedly buying and selling firearms for profit, especially to strangers, you may be considered "engaged in the business" and required to hold a Federal Firearms License (FFL). Even casual sellers can face scrutiny if their activity resembles commercial dealing.
Question: Can I get in legal trouble for selling a gun to someone without knowing they’re prohibited?
Answer: Yes. Even in a private sale, you can be held criminally or civilly liable if you knowingly sell a firearm to someone who is prohibited under federal or state law—such as a convicted felon, domestic abuser, or drug user.
Missouri does not require background checks for private sales, but that doesn’t protect you if the buyer later commits a crime or was legally barred from owning guns.
That’s why we recommend:
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Asking to see a Missouri ID
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Having the buyer sign a transfer record or bill of sale
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Including a statement affirming they are not a prohibited person
These simple steps may help reduce your risk and show that you acted responsibly.
Drew’s Note:
“I often remind folks: selling a firearm to a friend or family member is usually fine. But if you're selling multiple guns in a short period, especially to people you don’t know, that can raise red flags and might be viewed as engaging in the business of dealing by the ATF.” We also recommend using a Bill of Sale for every private firearm transaction. It shows that you took reasonable steps to verify the buyer's eligibility and can help protect you if questions ever arise down the road.
👉 Download the ATF Private Transfer Form (PDF) we recommend for private transactions.
SECTION 3: Shipping Guns Legally
Shipping firearms is tightly regulated under federal law, and the rules depend on what kind of gun you are sending, who it is going to, and what carrier you are using. This section explains what private individuals can and cannot do when mailing or shipping firearms, including common mistakes that can lead to legal trouble.
Helpful Resources on Shipping:🔗 Can I Ship a Gun If I’m Not a Dealer?
Question: Can I ship a gun I sold to someone in another state?
Answer: No, not directly. Federal law prohibits unlicensed individuals from shipping firearms to out-of-state buyers. You must ship the firearm to a licensed dealer (FFL) located near the recipient, who will complete the legal transfer and background check.
Question: Can I ship a firearm to myself in another state?
Answer: Yes. Federal law allows you to ship a firearm to yourself for lawful purposes, such as hunting trips or temporary relocation. However, only you are legally allowed to open the package at the destination. It must be addressed to you and received by you.
Question: Can I use USPS to ship a firearm?
Answer:
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Long guns (rifles/shotguns): Yes, you may use the U.S. Postal Service to ship long guns to yourself or to a licensed dealer (FFL), depending on the purpose.
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Handguns: No, not as a private individual. USPS prohibits the shipment of handguns by unlicensed persons. You must use UPS or FedEx, and even then, they may require the shipment to go through an FFL or a business account.
Drew’s Note:
“I’ve had folks call in a panic after trying to mail Grandpa’s pistol from out of state. Trust me, don’t guess. USPS won’t touch handguns from private individuals, and UPS often requires an FFL to be involved. If you’re not sure, call us. We’ll walk you through the legal options and make sure you don’t accidentally break a federal law over a family heirloom.”
SECTION 4: Inheritance & Estate Transfers
When firearms are passed down through a will or estate, legal requirements often vary depending on where the heir lives and what kind of firearms are involved. This section provides guidance for heirs, executors, and attorneys handling firearms in probate, whether the guns are staying in Missouri or crossing state lines.
Helpful Resource on Estates and Firearms:🔗 Estate Firearms Guide – Free Download
Question: Can I legally inherit a firearm from a family member?
Answer: Yes. In Missouri, firearms can be legally transferred through a will or estate without involving a dealer, as long as the recipient is a Missouri resident and not a prohibited person under state or federal law.
Question: What if the firearm is inherited from another state?
Answer: In most cases, firearms transferred across state lines, even as gifts or inheritance, must go through a licensed dealer (FFL) in the recipient’s state. There are limited exceptions where an executor may lawfully transfer directly to an heir, but this depends on circumstances. Always check with a qualified FFL before proceeding.
Question: Do I need to register inherited guns?
Answer: No, Missouri does not require firearm registration for inherited guns. However, if the firearm is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA), such as a suppressor or short-barreled rifle, it must be transferred using ATF Form 5 and follow federal inheritance rules.
Question: What is estate firearm liquidation?
Answer: It’s the complete process of appraising, removing, storing, and legally transferring firearms found in an estate. This process ensures compliance with federal and Missouri law and requires a licensed FFL. For a full breakdown, see our Estate Firearm Liquidation page.
Question: Why might an executor request estate firearm liquidation instead of selling personally?
Answer: Executors are legally vulnerable if firearms are mishandled. A licensed FFL ensures proper documentation, secure storage, and legally compliant transfers, protecting executors from liability.
Question: Can an executor transfer guns without using a dealer?
Answer: Technically, yes. An executor can lawfully transfer firearms to heirs if done in accordance with the will and applicable laws. However, using a licensed dealer is strongly recommended to verify the heir is not a prohibited person and to ensure a legal, documented transfer.
Drew's Note:
“Inheritance can get tricky, especially when multiple heirs or states are involved. If you’re unsure whether the firearm is legal, or even what it is, just call us. We can walk you through it.”
Download our free Estate Firearms Guide to learn what to do when guns are part of an estate.
Read our BLOG with solid information on Inherited Firearms
SECTION 5: Firearm Appraisals & Valuation
Understanding the value of a firearm requires more than guessing or checking auction listings. This section explains the difference between fair market value and marketable cash value, what a certified appraisal includes, and how professionals like MDRF document firearm values for probate, insurance, and IRS compliance.
Helpful Resources on Firearm Value:🔗 What’s My Gun Really Worth?
Question: What’s the difference between a firearm appraisal and a cash offer?
Answer: A firearm appraisal provides a documented estimate of value based on real market data, including condition and comparables. A cash offer reflects what a buyer is willing to pay today, usually 20–30% less than Fair Market Value to account for resale risk, time, and compliance costs.
Question: Do I need a certified appraisal for probate, IRS, or insurance purposes?
Answer: Yes. Many legal and financial processes, including probate court filings, IRS estate tax returns, and insurance claims, require a written appraisal from a certified personal property appraiser. MDRF Enterprises is AGI-certified and uses USPAP compliant methods to meet those standards.
Question: What does MDRF include in a formal firearm appraisal?
Answer: Every certified appraisal from MDRF includes:
✅ Fair Market Value (FMV): Based on comparable recent sales
💰 Marketable Cash Value (MCV): For liquidation or immediate sale
📷 Condition grading: Using the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS)
🧾 Formal documentation: With optional chain-of-custody for legal cases
We tailor the report to your specific needs—whether for court, estate planning, tax filings, or internal family settlement.
Question: How do I appraise inherited firearms?
Answer: First, secure the firearms and ensure they are stored safely. Then, contact a certified appraiser through a licensed dealer like MDRF. We work directly with families, attorneys, and fiduciaries to provide on-site inspections or secure transport for appraisal and documentation.
Question: How do I know what my gun is really worth?
Answer: There’s often a big difference between what someone paid for a firearm and what it’s worth on the resale market. At MDRF, we provide two types of valuations:
Fair Market Value (FMV): Based on real market comps from GunBroker.com (bids only) and a Sold at Auction Service. Marketable Cash Value (MCV):
What you'd realistically receive in a fast, compliant sale, typically 30% less than FMV.
Helpful Resources on Firearm Value:🔗 What’s My Gun Really Worth?
Drew’s Note:
I’ve worked with countless families, collectors, and estate professionals who were surprised to learn their firearm’s resale value didn’t match the price they paid, or saw online. That’s not a failure on their part; it’s a reflection of how the market really works. At MDRF, we don’t play games with value. We show our math, explain our process, and treat people with the respect they deserve, whether they’re selling one gun or a whole collection.
SECTION 6: Quotes & Collection Sales
Selling a firearm collection can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s part of an estate or includes dozens of guns. Families and collectors often want to know how to request a quote, what information they need to provide, and how quickly they can expect an answer. This section covers the most common questions about getting a confidential, no-obligation quote for a firearm collection in the Saint Louis area.
Question: Do I need to list every gun to get a quote?
Answer: No. You don’t have to make a full inventory before contacting us. Clear photos of the group and a few close-ups of markings are usually enough for a preliminary quote. If more detail is needed, we’ll guide you step by step or schedule an in-person review.
Question: Can I get a same-day quote for a firearm collection in Saint Louis?
Answer: Yes. Many small collections receive a same-day ballpark estimate when good photos and basic details are provided. Larger or more complex collections may take an extra day or require an on-site visit, but most quotes are delivered quickly.
Question: Is it safe and legal to sell my entire firearm collection to MDRF Enterprises?
Answer: Yes. MDRF Enterprises is a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL). All quotes and transactions are confidential, handled in compliance with Missouri and federal law. This ensures your collection is sold safely, legally, and without the risks of private sales or public auctions.
SECTION 7: Risky Situations & Real-Life Scenarios
Not every firearm situation starts with a sale, an inheritance, or a clean transfer. Sometimes, guns simply show up, in a drawer, in a storage unit, or tucked away in a property no one expected.When that happens, your next move matters. This section answers the tough, real world questions about found firearms, abandoned guns, and unexpected discoveries during estate cleanouts, property flips, or auction buys. It also explains how to check for stolen guns and what steps you need to take to stay legal and protected. If it feels unclear, that’s because it often is. But we’ve handled it before, and we can help you handle it right.
Question: What should I do if I find a gun in a property I purchased?
Answer: Do not move, sell, or attempt to transfer the gun yourself. Contact a licensed dealer (FFL) immediately to safely inspect, document, and legally transfer the firearm. This protects you from legal liability in case the firearm is stolen, modified, or improperly stored.
Question: Can I keep a gun I found in a house or storage unit?
Answer: Only if you can legally prove ownership, such as through inheritance, documentation, or a bill of sale. If there is no clear chain of ownership, you must report it to law enforcement or a licensed dealer. Keeping a found gun without verification can lead to criminal liability.
Question: Can a found gun be checked against the stolen firearm database?
Answer: Yes, but only licensed dealers (FFLs) can access the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database to check for stolen firearms. Private individuals cannot perform this check on their own. At MDRF, we run all estate and found guns through this system as part of our intake process
Drew’s Note:
“The worst mistakes I see aren’t bad intentions, they’re just people guessing.A found gun in a house or storage unit might be harmless… or it might be stolen, modified, or linked to a former owner who’s long gone. I’ve seen everything from rusted shotguns in attics to surprise suppressors tucked inside drawers. A few of those cases triggered ATF traces years later.If you find a gun, don’t try to figure it out alone. Call someone who knows how to handle it legally and safely, before it becomes your problem.”
💬 Final Note from Drew:
“No matter how weird your situation seems, I’ve probably seen it. Whether you're handling firearms in a will, a cleanout, or an estate sale, let us help you get it right. It's what we do.”
Contact Us Today for help with your unique situation.
📞 Call us
📍 Or visit us at: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109