Can You Sell Guns from a Storage Unit You Bought?
- Drew McDermott
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
Winning a storage auction can feel like hitting the jackpot. Sometimes you score furniture, tools, or collectibles. Other times, you open a box and find firearms.
If that happens, your first question is usually:
“What do I do with guns I just found in a storage unit in Missouri?”
The answer: it’s not as simple as keeping or selling them. Missouri law and federal firearm regulations require you to verify ownership and transfer rights before you act. Here’s how to do it legally, and avoid costly mistakes.
Ownership vs. Possession
Buying a storage unit gives you possession of its contents, but possession does not always equal ownership, especially when it comes to firearms.
Under federal law, a legal firearm transfer requires both:
Lawful ownership
Physical transfer
If the firearm still belongs to the original tenant or is part of a deceased person’s estate, you may not have the legal right to sell or even keep it.
See also: How Do Firearm Transfer Laws Work in the U.S.?
Missouri-Specific Rules for Storage Unit Firearms
Missouri does not require registration for most firearms. But that doesn’t mean every gun you find can be sold without question.
Key considerations for Missouri buyers:
Original owner alive: They may have the right to reclaim the firearm through civil action.
Original owner deceased: The firearm belongs to their estate; only an executor or court-appointed administrator can authorize a transfer.
No proof of ownership: An FFL cannot legally complete the sale for you.
Safe, Legal Steps to Handle Guns from a Storage Unit
If you find a firearm during a cleanout or auction, follow these steps:
Secure the firearm immediately
Treat every gun as loaded. Store it in a locked case or safe.
Verify the legal status
Determine whether the firearm can be legally transferred in Missouri.
Contact a licensed gun buyer in St. Louis
We can come to your location, inspect the firearm, and complete a legal transfer on the spot.
Consider surrender or consignment
An FFL can hold the firearm until ownership is confirmed, or buy it directly to remove liability from you.
Related: Found a Gun in an Estate Cleanout? Here’s What to Do Next
Why You Shouldn’t Sell Undocumented Firearms
Even if a gun appears abandoned, it can still be traced. If it turns up in a crime and the ATF investigates, the paper trail could lead back to you. Documenting every step and following legal processes protects you from liability.
At MDRF Enterprises, we regularly assist people who discover firearms during cleanouts, auctions, and unclaimed property sales. Our team can:
Provide written appraisals for unusual finds
Facilitate legal transfers or buy the firearms directly
Coordinate with law enforcement or estates when needed
Local Buyer Advantage
At MDRF Enterprises, we regularly assist storage unit buyers, downsizers, and estate cleanout teams in Missouri by:
Providing written appraisals for unusual or valuable finds
Making cash offers for guns in the St. Louis area
Handling all ATF-compliant transfer documentation on the spot
Final Word
Selling a gun from a storage unit without knowing its legal status is risky. If you’re in Missouri and need to know what to do with guns after buying a storage unit, call MDRF Enterprises. We’ll help you handle the process safely, legally, and with no guesswork.
Question: Can I sell guns from a storage unit I bought in Missouri?
Answer: Only if you have legal ownership, proof of transfer, and follow Missouri and federal firearm laws. When in doubt, contact a licensed St. Louis gun buyer like MDRF Enterprises to handle the process legally and safely.
By:
Drew
Gun Buyer | St. Louis, MO | MDRF Enterprises
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