How to Legally Sell Firearms Found in an Estate You’re Liquidating

Drew McDermott
Jul 22
2 min read

Updated: Nov 8

When you’re handling an estate, whether as a professional liquidator, investor, or family member, you expect to deal with the usual: furniture, tools, collectibles, maybe some vehicles. But what happens when you find a few rifles in the closet, a shotgun under the bed, or a revolver in the nightstand?

Don't know where to start? Read our Checklist for more information

You can’t just sell a firearm like you would a lawn mower or dining set. Federal and state firearm laws introduce an entirely different level of liability. Mishandle it, and you risk not only breaking the law but also losing trust with clients and heirs.

Here’s what you need to know.

Rifles on a Rack — **Rifles on a Table**

You May Not Need an FFL, But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Simple

If you’re acting on behalf of the estate (as an executor, trustee, or authorized seller), you might not technically need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to sell a few firearms.

But here’s the catch: if you regularly buy or resell estates with firearms, or if you profit from them directly, the ATF might consider you “engaged in the business”, which would require an FFL. It’s a gray area, and most liquidators don’t want to find out where the line is the hard way.

Common Pitfalls

Selling across state lines without a transfer Federal law requires that all interstate transfers go through an FFL.
Selling to prohibited persons You’re responsible if the gun ends up in the wrong hands, even if you didn’t know.
Skipping paperwork Missouri may not require registration, but if you’re not documenting the transfer, you’re asking for problems.

Read our Firearm FAQs for Unlicensed Persons for more details on legal liabilities

How We Handle It at MDRF

When we assist with estate liquidations, we:

Secure the firearms immediately and safely.
Provide written appraisals (for legal, insurance, or distribution purposes).
Offer cash purchases or consignment services.
Handle all background checks and ATF compliant transfers.
Remove legal risk for all parties.

We make it easy, and more importantly, we make it legal.

When in Doubt, Call a Pro

If you’ve found firearms in an estate and don’t want to deal with the uncertainty, give us a call. We’ll handle the entire process, document everything, and ensure you’re covered from a compliance standpoint.

It’s just one less thing to worry about during what’s often an already overwhelming time.

Read the Estate Firearms Guide for more help and guidance