The Complete Guide to Selling and Appraising Firearms in a Missouri Estate

Drew McDermott
Sep 19
3 min read

Updated: Nov 8

When firearms appear in an estate, they bring unique responsibilities. Unlike furniture or jewelry, guns are regulated at both the state and federal level. Families and executors often ask: How do I sell these firearms? Who can I trust? What are the legal steps?

This guide provides clear answers for anyone handling firearms during a Missouri estate.

How to Sell Firearms for an Estate in Missouri

Selling firearms from an estate can be done safely if you follow a defined process:

Identify and secure the firearms so they are not accessible to anyone who should not handle them.
Have the collection appraised to establish accurate value for probate or equitable distribution.
Confirm the legal status of the firearms through an NCIC stolen check, which a licensed dealer can perform.
Choose a selling method: direct sale to a licensed dealer, referral for auction or consignment, or transfer to heirs.
Complete the transfer legally through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) when required.

Finding a Trustworthy Firearm Buyer

Many families worry about who to sell to. Pawn shops and informal buyers often pay below market value and may not provide proper documentation.

A trustworthy firearm buyer should:

Hold a current FFL license.
Provide written appraisals and receipts.
Offer storage and secure removal.
Be transparent about purchase or consignment terms.

Working with a licensed professional protects both the estate and the executor.

What to Know About Firearm Appraisals

An accurate appraisal is essential for probate filings, IRS reporting, and resolving disputes among heirs. At MDRF Enterprises, appraisals follow the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) used in the Blue Book of Gun Values. This method provides a clear, percentage-based evaluation that removes subjectivity.

A written appraisal is far more valuable than an informal opinion because it can be presented in court and relied upon by all parties.

Licensed Dealers Who Help with Estate Sales

Licensed firearm dealers provide more than sales. They:

Secure firearms with insured removal and bonded storage.
Conduct NCIC checks to confirm the guns are not stolen.
Ensure heirs or buyers pass background checks.
Handle all ATF paperwork and transfer requirements.

Using a licensed dealer keeps executors and families out of gray areas while resolving the estate efficiently.

**Firearms and Probate Legal Paperwork**

Best Way to Dispose of Firearms in a Saint Louis Estate

When firearms cannot be retained or sold, disposal may be necessary. Improper disposal creates legal and safety issues. The best options include:

Surrendering firearms to a licensed dealer for destruction with proof of documentation.
Selling to a dealer who can take possession and remove them from circulation legally.

Executors should never attempt to destroy or discard firearms on their own.

Ensuring Compliance with Firearm Laws in Missouri

Missouri law allows private sales between residents, but executors must remember that federal law still applies. Key requirements include:

Background checks: All dealer sales require them. Private in-state transfers are legal, but risky for executors.
Interstate transfers: Must always go through an FFL.
Prohibited persons: Firearms cannot be transferred to anyone barred under federal law.
Executor limits: Executors cannot advertise or transport firearms as if they are licensed dealers.

The safest approach is to involve a licensed professional at every stage.

Conclusion

Firearms add complexity to any estate, but families and executors do not have to face these challenges alone. By working with a licensed dealer who provides certified appraisals, secure storage, and ATF-compliant transfers, you can protect the estate, satisfy probate requirements, and move forward with confidence.

MDRF Enterprises provides appraisal, removal, and legal transfer services throughout the Saint Louis area. Contact us today to discuss your estate needs.

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