South County / Oakville:
- Drew McDermott
- Aug 9, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 9
Out-of-State Executor Support and Probate Asset Discovery
Managing a Missouri estate from over 1,300 miles away presents significant logistical and legal hurdles. Recently, an Arizona resident serving as the executor for an estate in South County / Oakville discovered three firearms near Bee Tree Park that required immediate professional attention.
The Challenge for Out-of-State Executors
The nephew needed to satisfy St. Louis County Probate Court requirements while adhering to federal laws regarding interstate firearm transfers. Under Missouri Revised Statute § 473.340, an executor is responsible for the "discovery of assets". In St. Louis County, the executor must file an inventory within 30 days of receiving their "Letters of Administration". Because the nephew was traveling back to Arizona, he could not legally just "put the guns in his luggage" and fly home.
Federal law strictly regulates the transfer of firearms across state lines. Even for a "specifically entitled heir," many attorneys recommend using a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) to create a documented paper trail, protecting the executor from any future liability or claims of "wrongful transfer" under RSMo § 571.060.
The Collection
The inventory included modern defensive handguns in excellent condition:
Glock 19 Gen 5: The industry standard for home defense.
Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield: Equipped with a Crimson Trace Laser.
Tisas 1911A1: A classic platform requiring a technical condition assessment.
The MDRF Professional Solution
Working within the executor's tight travel schedule along Telegraph Road, MDRF Enterprises provided an on-site inspection and a certified valuation. We established a defensible chain of custody and provided the formal transfer logs required for his probate attorney. By choosing a licensed FFL in South County, the executor avoided the risks of wrongful transfer and ensured the estate's firearms were handled with full legal precision.
The Legal Framework: RSMo § 473.340 and Federal Compliance
Final Word from Drew
Whether your estate is in Oakville, Mehlville, or Concord, the legal requirements for firearms remain the same. No auctions, no consignment delays, and no legal uncertainty. We provide executors with a straightforward, compliant exit strategy so they can focus on the rest of the estate and return home with peace of mind.
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