Auction vs Dealer vs Private Sale in St. Louis
- Drew McDermott
- Oct 24
- 4 min read
Pros, Cons, and Safety
When a family calls me to sort through a safe of inherited guns, the first question is often the same, how should we sell these? The right answer depends on three things:
Your goal
The type of firearm
How much time you have
Executors want defensible paperwork and a smooth probate process. Collectors want the best price. People who need cash fast want speed and certainty. Below I walk through auctions, licensed dealers, and private sales, I give the questions you should ask, and I include a clear comparison table and a printable checklist you can use when you are ready.
Quick decision summary
If you need documentation for probate and a clean, legal transfer, a licensed dealer is usually the easiest route.
If you are selling a rare collectible and you can wait, an auction or specialized consignment usually nets the highest price.
If you want quick cash and the firearm is common, a private sale or pawn shop may be faster, but expect a lower payout and take extra safety steps.
Comparison table
Use this table to quickly compare Auction, Licensed Dealer, and Private Sale.
Auctions and consignment: when to use them
Auctions are the answer when a firearm has collectible value, original parts, provenance, or a story that will excite bidders. An auction house reaches a national or international buyer pool and that competition drives prices. Expect commissions and fees. Expect shipping and insurance costs. Expect a timeline measured in weeks, not days.
Checklist for auctions
Get a certified appraisal first.
Understand the auction house fee structure and reserve policies.
Ask about packing, insurance, and shipping.
Prepare provenance documents and clear photos.
Be patient, and know that net proceeds arrive after the sale and after fees.
Auctions are not for every gun. Most modern, common firearms sell faster and with less hassle through a local buyer.
Licensed Dealer / Local FFL: the pragmatic choice
For most estate work I recommend a licensed dealer. Dealers provide immediate legal protection and a smooth transfer process. A good dealer will provide a written offer that cites market comps. That written offer is useful in probate and insurance filings.
Why dealers are strong for estates
They handle the paperwork and background checks.
They can complete transactions quickly so probate can proceed.
They can handle NFA items if they are SOT holders.
They provide receipts and appraisal documentation on request.
What to ask a dealer
Will you provide a written offer that shows how you calculated value?
Can you provide documentation suitable for probate?
How do you handle NFA items and Form 4 or Form 5 transfers?
Do you offer in-home inventory services for estates?
Private sale: proceed with care
Private sales can produce solid results for in-demand modern guns, but they carry extra risk. Federal and state rules still apply, and in some states private sales require an FFL to handle the transfer. Even when private sales are legal, use an FFL to document the transfer.
Red flags in private sales
Buyers who push cash without paperwork.
Requests to ship firearms directly without an FFL on both ends.
Offers that are unreasonably high to try to get you to bypass safe practices.
If you choose a private sale, always meet in a public, safe location, use an FFL to complete the transfer, and get a clear bill of sale with signatures and IDs.
Appraisal and valuation: how I approach it
I use a three point method for pricing
Recent auction results for the same model and condition.
Marketplaces and final sale prices for comparable listings.
Local retail and dealer offers to verify the floor.
For estate work I use a visual percentage grading system tied to the Blue Book standards. I document everything in writing and attach the supporting comps. That way executors and attorneys have defensible numbers to use in court.
Case study, anonymized
A family in Creve Coeur inherited nine handguns. They needed probate value and some cash to settle bills. I did an in-home inventory and provided a mixed strategy. Modern, common guns were offered to a dealer in a bulk written offer for immediate cash. Two rare handguns were consigned to a reputable auction house after I provided an appraisal and provenance notes. The estate closed faster, and the family received the best net result for the collectible pieces.
Decision flow, short
Need proof for probate, want speed: licensed dealer.
Item is rare or has strong provenance: get an appraisal, then auction.
Want a private buyer and immediate cash: use an FFL to document the transfer and protect both parties.
FAQ
Question: Do executors need an appraisal?
Answer: Yes. Courts often expect written documentation of value for estate inventory. A certified appraisal or detailed written offer helps the executor and the probate court.
Question: How long do auctions take?
Answer: From consignment to payment expect weeks to months depending on catalog schedule and shipping.
Question: Can a dealer handle NFA items?
Answer: Only dealers with SOT status and proper handling can transfer or accept NFA items. Ask about forms, tax stamps, and wait times.
Question: Are private sales legal in Missouri?
Answer: Missouri allows private sales in many cases, but federal rules still apply. Use an FFL to make the transfer clean and documented.
Downloadable checklist
I made a printable one page checklist titled Auction vs Dealer vs Private Sale. Use it when you are preparing firearms for sale, or share it with an executor to speed the probate process. Download the PDF checklist
Final Word from Drew
If you are handling an estate or downsizing a collection, start with an appraisal. It will steer you toward the option that protects your legal standing and maximizes value when that matters. If you want a clear written offer for probate or to close a deal fast, call me at (314) 397-0942 or request an offer on the website. I will show you the comps, document everything, and get it done right.
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