When Ammunition Doesn’t Travel:
- Drew McDermott
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 22
Liquids, Lead & Legacy, What Bank Trust Officers Should Watch For
In our line of work, we often talk about firearms, handguns, rifles, shotguns. But what rarely gets the spotlight, yet regularly turns up in estate inventories, is the ammunition. And while the guns get the legal scrutiny, the ammo tends to be ignored, until it becomes a liability.
At MDRF Enterprises, we’ve worked with more than a few trust departments and fiduciaries across Saint Louis who suddenly find themselves responsible for cases involving cases of ammo. Sometimes it’s a few loose rounds in a drawer. Other times, it’s pallets in a basement. Either way, ammunition is a hazmat item, one that carries risk, regulation, and responsibility.
If you’re a Bank Trust Officer, this one’s for you.
Ammunition Is Not a Firearm, But It’s Not Harmless Either
Let’s start with the basics: under federal law, ammunition is not classified as a firearm. That means it doesn’t require the same transfer process through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). But that doesn’t mean it’s unregulated.
Key Points:
Ammunition cannot be shipped indiscriminately. Carriers like USPS prohibit shipment entirely. UPS and FedEx have strict rules, and bulk ammo is often considered hazardous material.
Lead contamination and fire risk are real concerns. Stored improperly, ammunition poses both environmental and safety issues, particularly in older homes or multi unit properties.
Possession still matters. If a prohibited person (e.g., convicted felon) is found in possession of ammunition, that’s a felony under federal law. This makes unsecured or forgotten ammo in a trust-controlled property a potential legal headache.
So while you won’t find "ammo transfer paperwork" at the same level as a firearm, you will find risk if it's not handled properly.
What We Commonly See in Estates
Here are a few examples from MDRF case files, anonymized but very real:
A south county trust included two crates of WWII era military surplus ammo, long since unstable. The rounds had corroded and were stored near a water heater.
An estate in Webster Groves contained reloaded ammunition of unknown origin, packed in old cigar boxes, sitting next to children’s books in the attic.
A Clayton trust involved collectible ammunition, early .44 rimfire, and the value wasn’t even listed in the inventory because no one recognized it for what it was.
In all these cases, the ammo wasn’t the primary issue. But it could’ve become one, legally, financially, or reputationally.
What Should a Bank Trust Officer Do?
Let’s talk strategy. If you're managing an estate or trust with firearms, you should also be prepared for ammunition. Here’s how we advise approaching it:
1. Include Ammo in Your Initial Inventory
When conducting or reviewing an estate inventory, be sure to ask specifically about ammunition. Don’t assume it’s irrelevant.
Is it stored on the property?
Is it modern, collectible, surplus, or reloaded?
Is it packaged or loose?
Just like art or jewelry, ammo can be valuable, or volatile.
2. Avoid Casual Disposal
Throwing it in the trash? Illegal and dangerous. Flushing it down the toilet? Worse. Burning it? Absolutely not.
Ammo must be disposed of legally and safely, usually by working with a licensed FFL, law enforcement, or a hazmat disposal partner.
⚠️ Note: Many police departments will not accept large quantities of ammunition from private citizens or non-law enforcement parties. You could be turned away—or worse, trigger scrutiny.
3. Use a Licensed Partner for Removal and Appraisal
At MDRF Enterprises, we offer full service removal, not just of firearms, but also any associated ammunition and accessories. That includes proper transportation, sorting, documentation, and if applicable, appraisal of collectible or rare rounds.
Special Note on Reloaded or Homemade Ammunition
Homemade reloads are common among older generations who enjoyed handloading as a hobby. These rounds often come without packaging or labeling and may be:
Overcharged (excess powder)
Stored improperly (moisture exposure)
Unsafe to fire or sell
Reloads can also be illegally constructed, especially if made with modified primers or black powder. This makes them unfit for distribution and potentially dangerous.
Unless verified by a qualified expert, do not attempt to sell or transfer reloads, even through an FFL.
What About Ammunition Value?
Not all ammo is junk. Some is valuable, particularly older or military surplus, discontinued calibers, or collectible boxes with historical markings.
Examples:
Sealed bricks of .22LR from the 1950s
Military crates of 7.62x39mm from Eastern Europe
Obsolete cartridges like 5mm Remington Rimfire or .41 Swiss
In a few cases, the ammo was worth more than the firearm. So before discarding or surrendering it, let a professional appraiser take a look.
Our Role: Supporting Fiduciaries with Confidence
Bank Trust Officers walk a legal tightrope, between fiduciary duty, compliance, client expectations, and risk mitigation. Ammunition might seem minor, but it adds complexity.
At MDRF Enterprises, we’ve been working with financial institutions and fiduciaries for more than 12 years. Our Saint Louis-based team provides:
Licensed removal of firearms and ammunition
Secure transport and storage
Discreet, liability-free liquidation options
Whether you're managing a high value estate or a modest trust, we ensure everything, from firearms to forgotten ammo, gets handled safely, legally, and respectfully.
Final Thoughts
As a Bank Trust Officer, your responsibilities go beyond accounting. You're a steward of assets, a shield against liability, and often, the final word on what gets transferred or destroyed.
Don’t let ammunition slip through the cracks. It might not be a firearm, but it still demands professional attention.
If you're managing a trust or estate in the greater Saint Louis area, and firearms or ammunition are involved, let’s talk. MDRF Enterprises is here to help, confidentially, compliantly, and without compromise.
By:
Drew
Gun Buyer | St. Louis, MO | MDRF Enterprises
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