What should I do if I find guns during an estate cleanout?

Secure the firearms immediately and contact a licensed dealer. Do not sell them privately, destroy them yourself, or move them across state lines without proper legal transfer through an FFL.

Can I sell an inherited gun to someone I know without a background check?

In Missouri, private sales are legal, but you are still liable if the buyer is a prohibited person. The safest and most compliant way is through a licensed dealer who performs a background check and proper paperwork.

How do I get a firearm appraisal during an estate cleanout?

Contact a licensed firearms dealer who provides written appraisals. This helps with estate valuation, fair division, and legal documentation. MDRF Enterprises offers in-home appraisals in the Saint Louis area.

Should I keep records when transferring or surrendering firearms?

Yes. Always retain documentation of any firearm transfer, surrender, or sale. A bill of sale, FFL receipt, or law enforcement log can protect you from legal or civil liability.

Estate Cleanout Checklist: How to Handle Firearms Legally and Safely

Drew McDermott
Aug 4
4 min read

Updated: Sep 7

If you're clearing out a home, apartment, storage unit, or estate, and you find firearms, you need to follow specific steps to protect yourself, others, and the estate.

Whether you're an estate buyer, fiduciary, professional organizer, or family member, mishandling guns during a cleanout can lead to legal violations, safety hazards, or lost value. This checklist will help you handle the situation responsibly and efficiently.

✅ Firearm Cleanout Checklist

🔒 Secure the Area

Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, even if it looks old or inoperable.

Do not allow multiple people to handle or move the guns.
Keep the area restricted until a qualified individual can assess the scene.
If a firearm is out in the open, and you’re trained, safely clear it and store it in a locked room, cabinet, or vehicle trunk.

Not trained or unsure? Don't risk it, contact a licensed dealer like MDRF Enterprises. We offer safe, legal removal and assessment services throughout the Saint Louis region.

🔍 Identify Firearms and Ammo

Do a controlled sweep of the area. Look for:

Loose handguns, long guns, or gun cases
Locked containers or safes
Ammunition boxes, magazines, or loaded clips
Unusual tools or parts (could be NFA regulated items like suppressors)

Take notes or discreet photos. Do not try to open gun safes or trigger locks unless you're authorized and trained.

📞 Call a Licensed Firearms Dealer

This is the most important step:

Do not attempt to sell, move, or give away the firearms without going through a federally licensed dealer (FFL).

An FFL:

Removes firearms legally from estates, homes, and storage units
Conducts written appraisals for probate, court, or insurance
Handles all ATF paperwork, serial verification, and background checks
Transfers items to beneficiaries legally, including out of state

📍 In Saint Louis, MDRF Enterprises offers mobile services for estate professionals, families, and fiduciaries.

📸 Take Photos

Take wide-angle and close-up photos of each firearm and accessory and:

The entire collection (as found)
Manufacturer marks and serial numbers
Damaged, antique, or modified firearms
Any accessories (scopes, magazines, suppressors, etc.)

These images:

Help establish inventory value
Assist with probate or insurance claims
Serve as documentation in the event of disputes

Keep the photos secure, do not share them on social media.

🛑 Do Not List Guns Online

Avoid the temptation to “just list them on Facebook or Craigslist.”

Most platforms prohibit firearm listings, and private sales that skip a background check may be illegal or carry serious liability.

Even in Missouri, where private transfers are allowed, you can be held responsible if you unknowingly sell to a prohibited person.

📄 Request a Written Appraisal

A formal written appraisal serves several purposes:

Helps divide assets fairly among heirs
Supports court filings and probate proceedings
Documents fair market value (FMV) for future sale or retention
Establishes cost basis for IRS or insurance

Before moving or selling any firearm from an estate, arrange for a USPAP-compliant appraisal to document its value for court or insurance purposes. We work closely with estate buyers and liquidators to ensure every firearm is removed, documented, and transferred legally.

📚 Know the Transfer Rules

Firearm transfer laws vary based on:

The state the estate is located in
Where the heir or buyer lives
The type of firearm (e.g., handgun vs. rifle vs. NFA item)

For example, if you want to transfer a firearm to a sibling who lives in another state, it must go through an FFL. Shipping directly is a federal offense.

💡 Learn more here: Firearm Shipping

💰 Decide How to Sell

You have options based on the type and condition of the firearms:

Sell to a Licensed Dealer: Fastest, safest route with full documentation.
Consignment: Higher return for unique or collectible items.
Auction: Useful for rare pieces, but may take months and require additional handling.
Surrender to Police: Safe for unwanted or damaged firearms, but must be arranged in advance.
Donation: Museums or historical organizations may accept antique or rare firearms.

📊 See a full comparison here: FFL vs. Auction House: What’s Best for Estate Firearms?

⚠️ Think Twice Before Selling Guns to Friends or Acquaintances

Just because you know someone, or they’re “a friend of a friend”, doesn’t mean it’s safe to sell them a gun directly.

In Missouri, private firearm transfers are legal between residents, but as the seller, you are still responsible if the buyer turns out to be a prohibited person. That includes:

Convicted felons
Individuals with active restraining orders
People with mental health disqualifications
Domestic violence offenders
Drug users flagged by NICS

Even if the buyer seems trustworthy, you won’t know unless a background check is completed through a licensed dealer.

If that firearm is later used in a crime, you may face:

Civil liability from victims or families
Federal attention or charges for illegal transfer
Loss of personal firearm rights

💡 The safest way to sell, even to someone you know, is through a licensed FFL who can legally document the transfer and run the required checks.

🧾 Always Keep Records

Never transfer a firearm without documentation.

Copies of FFL receipts, law enforcement surrender forms, donation letters, or internal transfer logs between heirs
Surrender form from law enforcement
Donation letter from a nonprofit
Internal transfer log between heirs (signed and dated)

This paperwork protects you from future liability, especially if the firearm is later traced in a crime or legal dispute.

🧠 Final Word from MDRF

Firearms are common in estate cleanouts—but they’re not like furniture or jewelry. They are tightly regulated, and mishandling them can create lasting legal and personal consequences.

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t guess.📞 Call a trusted, licensed professional. In the Saint Louis area, MDRF Enterprises is here to help.

We provide: