Benton Park

Drew McDermott
Jan 16
2 min read

Rehab Find: Rock River Arms LAR-8 Discovered During Benton Park Cleanout

Real estate projects in older Saint Louis neighborhoods often come with surprises. Most are old furniture, forgotten tools, or boxes of paperwork. Every now and then, the discovery is far more serious.

That was the case when two brothers rehabbing a home in Benton Park made a call to MDRF Enterprises.

A Locked Basement Closet and an Unexpected Find

The brothers flip houses throughout the city and had recently purchased a Benton Park property for renovation. During the cleanout phase, they discovered a locked storage closet in the basement. Inside was a black hard case that clearly had not been opened in a long time.

When they opened it, they found a Rock River Arms LAR-8 rifle.

They immediately recognized two things. First, the rifle likely had significant value. Second, they had no idea what the legal next step should be for a firearm found on a job site. They were not estate executors and they were not licensed dealers. They did not want to sell it incorrectly or create a legal liability tied to the property.

Finding the Right Answer Online

Rather than guessing, they searched for guidance and landed on an MDRF blog regarding estate cleanouts. That post explained why contacting a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) is the safest path for found property.

They gave us a call.

A Simple, Legal Resolution

We met the brothers, inspected the rifle, and verified its condition using our Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS). We provided:

A fair market value assessment based on current market data.
A clear explanation of the legal chain of custody requirements.
Immediate payment once the NCIC check and documentation were finalized.

The transaction was handled professionally. There was no lingering liability for the investors or the property.

Why This Matters for Saint Louis Rehabbers

Firearms are frequently found in older Saint Louis homes, especially properties that have been in one family for decades. When one turns up during a rehab or cleanout, the risk is not the firearm itself. The risk is handling the transfer incorrectly.

This Benton Park case is a prime example of doing it the right way:

Stop work.
Do not attempt a private, undocumented sale.
Contact a licensed professional who handles estate firearms regularly.

Takeaway

If you are flipping houses, managing cleanouts, or rehabbing properties in Saint Louis and encounter a firearm, you do not have to guess. We handle these situations quietly and legally, whether the firearm is a single rifle or an entire collection.

Firearms discovered during cleanouts, rehabs, or property transitions require careful handling. Our guide on firearms during major life transitions in Missouri explains how these situations are typically resolved legally and responsibly.