I Found a Gun After a Parent’s Death, What Now?
- Drew McDermott
- Jul 21, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
When a loved one passes, there’s already enough to sort through, emotionally, logistically, legally. But what if you find a gun? It happens more often than people admit: tucked in a closet, stored in a nightstand, or hidden in a garage.
Discovering a firearm after a death is one example of how guns are affected by life transitions, where ownership, transfer rules, and documentation require extra care.
Is It Legal to Keep the Gun?
The short answer? Not right away.
Finding a firearm doesn’t make you the legal owner. Under federal law, a firearm must be legally transferred, even within a family. Missouri doesn’t require firearm registration, but that doesn’t mean you can just keep what you find.
Even if you’re the named heir, the transfer still needs to comply with ATF and Missouri law. If the gun crosses state lines, the process becomes even more complicated.
"We break this down further in our Firearm FAQ for unlicensed individuals."
Common Missteps People Make
Giving the firearm to another family member “just to hold onto it”
Selling it privately without an FFL
Tossing it in a drawer without securing it
Assuming it’s OK because it’s “just an old hunting rifle”
These might feel harmless, but they can create legal risk for you and your family.
"If you’re also the executor, read our guide to legally handling firearms in a Missouri estate."
What You Should Do Instead
Secure it safely in a locked cabinet or safe.
Do not attempt to sell or gift it without understanding the law.
Document where and how it was found.
Contact a licensed dealer, especially if you need it removed.
Get an official valuation if the firearm might have historical or collectible value.
"Read more on what your firearm may really be worth."
At MDRF Enterprises, we handle this exact situation regularly. We’ll help you determine ownership status, provide secure pickup if needed, and walk you through the legal process from start to finish.
"Visit our Estate Firearms Guide for everything you need to know, whether you're an heir, executor, or fiduciary."
Don’t Risk It, We Make It Simple
You don’t need to be a legal expert. You just need to work with someone who is licensed, discreet, and experienced. MDRF Enterprises provides professional in-home pickup, written valuations for probate, and full ATF-compliant transfers.
"You can also read our step-by-step guide to handling firearm discoveries during cleanouts."
If you found a firearm in an estate, we’ll help you handle it safely and legally.
📞 Contact MDRF Enterprises today, we’ll help you navigate the process legally, discreetly, and efficiently.
An appraisal will give you a clear picture of the firearm’s value and marketability. Learn more on our Appraisals page.
Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation
📞 Call us
📍 Or visit us at: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63119
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