Firearms aren’t like the rest of an estate’s contents. You can’t donate them to Goodwill, list them on Facebook Marketplace, or toss them in a dumpster. Whether you’re a family member, executor, estate buyer, or professional liquidator, you need a plan, and quickly, when guns appear during a cleanout. This checklist outlines the critical steps to take, what to avoid, and who to call when firearms are discovered in Missouri estates. Estate Firearm Checklist “If you found the firearms in a storage unit or abandoned home, read this real-world scenario .” ✅ Step 1: Secure the Firearms Safety comes before paperwork. Before anything else: Ensure all guns are unloaded Store them in a locked cabinet or secure room Avoid transporting them unless absolutely necessary Even if they look rusty or antique, they are still firearms. Missouri law treats all guns, regardless of condition, as potentially regulated items. Mishandling could result in liability or criminal charges. ✅ Step 2: Inventory and Document Everything Make a basic list for your records: Make, model, and caliber Serial numbers (if visible) Accessories (cases, magazines, scopes) Location found (garage safe, bedroom drawer, etc.) This information helps determine legal transfer status, fair market value, and supports probate filings. If you plan to distribute items among heirs or sell them, this step builds a defensible paper trail. Related: Executor’s Dilemma: How to Legally Handle Guns in a Missouri Estate Firearm Acquisition Paperwork ✅ Step 3: Appraise and Establish Value Not all firearms are worth keeping. Some are rare collectibles, others are basic utility guns. A qualified appraisal answers two important questions: Fair Market Value (FMV):  What the item would sell for in the open market Marketable Cash Value (MCV):  What a buyer would actually pay you today, accounting for fees and market demand At MDRF, we offer written appraisals for both, essential for probate, asset division, or insurance. At MDRF, we offer written appraisals for both, essential for probate, asset division, or insurance. You can learn more about our certified firearm appraisal services  and how we determine value on our Appraisals page. ✅ Step 4: Choose a Transfer Method You have several legal options depending on the firearms, the heirs, and your timeline: Sell to a licensed dealer  like MDRF for fast, compliant removal Consign through a local FFL  if you prefer to wait for top-dollar resale Transfer to a lawful heir  (must meet background check requirements) Surrender non-functional or illegal firearms  to law enforcement “Learn more about what unlicensed individuals can and cannot do in our Firearm FAQs .” The right choice depends on the estate’s priorities: speed, value, or risk management. Related: How to Legally Sell Firearms Found in an Estate You’re Liquidating ✅ Step 5: Call a Licensed Firearm Dealer (Like Us) We’ve helped dozens of estate buyers, fiduciaries, and families clean out properties that include firearms. With one call, we can: Secure firearms onsite with proper documentation Provide fair appraisals and written valuations Purchase or legally transfer firearms under ATF compliance Protect you from liability or legal uncertainty We operate throughout the Saint Louis region and understand the legal nuances involved in estate firearm handling. 📝 Final Word: Checklists Are Good, Professionals Are Better Even the most detailed checklist can’t replace experience. If you’ve found firearms during an estate cleanout, don’t guess. Call a federally licensed dealer who knows how to manage the process legally, discreetly, and efficiently. “We also offer a dedicated page for professionals  handling firearms during estate transitions.” 📞 Contact MDRF Enterprises Today 📞 Call us  📍 Or visit us at: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109 📩 Email

When You're Stuck Between Two Options When a loved one passes and you're suddenly in charge of their gun collection, it can feel overwhelming. One of the biggest questions we hear is: "Should I use an auction house or go straight to a licensed dealer?" The answer depends on your goals. Do you want maximum value or maximum peace of mind? Speed or exposure? Let’s break it down. Licensed Dealer (FFL): Fast, Legal, and Discreet If you’re looking for legal clarity, a quick payout, or want the guns handled safely and professionally, a licensed firearms dealer like MDRF Enterprises is often the better choice. What We Offer: Pickup from homes, storage units, or estate properties Written appraisals for probate, insurance, or documentation Fair cash offers or consignment options with no hidden fees All ATF paperwork handled correctly and securely No storage, shipping, or auction costs Full liability protection for the estate and the person in charge Best fit for: Executors , fiduciaries, and family members who want speed, compliance, and no lingering legal risk. FFL Legal Paperwork Auction Houses: Higher Value, Slower Process Auction houses are often a good fit for high-end, collectible, or rare firearms. If the estate includes something truly special, like a pre-war Winchester, a factory-engraved Colt, or a limited-run custom build, you might see a bidding war. That said, the process is rarely quick or simple. Pros: Broad exposure to collectors and niche buyers Competitive bidding for rare or historic items Some support with listing and photography Cons: 10 to 20 percent commission fees (plus possible shipping and transfer charges) Delays of 30 to 90 days before payment No guarantee your item will sell Legal responsibility stays with you until the firearm is officially transferred Best fit for: Collectors, fiduciaries, or heirs with time to wait and firearms that appeal to niche buyers. Auction Gavel Real-World Comparison: A $2,000 Handgun Let’s say the estate includes a well-maintained Colt 1911 with a fair market value of $2,000. Understand firearm value vs. marketability: Blog "What's My Gun Really Worth" Option Timeline Estimated Net Payout Extra Costs Auction House 30 to 60 days Around $1,600 Commission, transfer, shipping FFL Dealer 24 to 48 hours Around $1,400 None Yes, an auction might result in slightly more money, but you wait longer, pay more in fees, and remain responsible for the firearm until it is fully transferred. With MDRF, the process is complete in a couple of days. You get paid, and the legal trail is closed. For a clear, documented starting point before selling, see our firearm appraisal services  on the Appraisals page. Why So Many Professionals Choose MDRF We’ve worked with estate attorneys, trust officers, and professional liquidators across Missouri. Many come to us after an auction fell through or when a collection sat in limbo without clear documentation. "Many of these cases start when firearms are unexpectedly found in storage units or unoccupied homes." They call MDRF when they need the job done right and done fast. We don’t just buy guns. We close the loop legally, professionally, and with full transparency. Bottom Line: What’s Right for You? Goal Best Option Legal protection and a clean paper trail ✅ Licensed FFL Dealer Maximum value for rare or collectible firearms ✅ Auction House Unsure or dealing with both types? 📞 Call MDRF. We will walk you through it Ready to Make the Right Call? Whether you're managing an estate, assisting a client, or downsizing your own collection, we’ll help you evaluate the best path forward. Our process is legal, fast, and built for real-world situations. 📍 Visit us: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 6310 9 📞 Call: (314) 397-0942 📩 Email: drew@mdrfenterprises.com 👉Learn more about firearm transfers in our Professionals FAQ   or Estate Firearms Guide .

Firearms are unlike most other estate assets. Their value can swing wildly depending on condition, history, and market demand, and mistakes in valuation can lead to legal headaches, underpaid taxes, or unhappy heirs. As a licensed dealer who specializes in estate firearms, I’ve appraised everything from mint condition Colt Pythons to well worn duck guns passed down for generations. Here’s what you need to know if you’re handling an estate in the St. Louis area. Why Appraisals Matter Whether you’re an executor, estate attorney, or family member, an appraisal helps you: File accurate probate paperwork Ensure equitable distribution among heirs Determine fair market value for potential sale Satisfy fiduciary duty and reduce liability "Need to understand your legal role? Our FAQ for unlicensed persons  explains what executors and heirs can do without a license." Firearms are assets; and like jewelry or artwork, they require professional assessment. Firearm and FFL Paperwork What an Appraisal Includes At MDRF Enterprises, our written firearm appraisals typically include: Make, model, caliber/gauge Serial number Condition rating Any unique provenance or accessories Estimated fair market value (FMV) We offer informal overviews or formal, court-ready reports depending on your needs. Learn more about our certified firearm appraisal process  and how we meet professional standards on our Appraisals page. When to Get an Appraisal ✔️ Before distributing to heirs — Ensures fairness and prevents disputes. Learn more about executor responsibilities ." ✔️ Before selling the guns  — Helps avoid underpricing valuable firearms ✔️ If NFA items are involved  — Identifies restricted weapons like suppressors or SBRs ✔️ During divorce or estate litigation  — Adds legal documentation to support asset division Appraisal vs. Actual Sale Price Keep in mind: FMV is not always what you’ll receive  if you sell. Appraisals assume time and market exposure. Actual liquidation value, especially under time pressure, may be 20–30% lower depending on method (direct sale vs. consignment vs. auction). We explain this in every report. "We explain this in every report. You can also read our breakdown on What’s My Gun Really Worth? to understand how FMV and cash value differ." Who Performs Estate Gun Appraisals in St. Louis? The safest way to get firearms from an estate appraised is to work with a licensed, experienced firearms dealer, especially one familiar with both market trends and probate requirements. At MDRF Enterprises , we offer: On-site evaluations throughout the greater Saint Louis area Formal, written appraisals for probate, estate planning, divorce, or insurance Detailed documentation including make, model, serial number, condition, and fair market value Optional purchase or consignment if liquidation is needed Whether you’re dealing with a single handgun or a full collection, we make the process clear, legal, and efficient, so you can move forward with confidence. "If you're starting from the discovery stage, check out our estate cleanout checklist  to see what to do first." Final Thoughts A proper firearm appraisal protects you, your family, and the estate. It’s not just about price, it’s about clarity, compliance, and peace of mind. "You can also visit our Estate Firearms Guide  for tools, checklists, and compliance tips built for professionals." Need help in the Saint Louis area? MDRF Enterprises provides professional, fast, and discreet estate firearm appraisals that you can rely on. By: Drew MDRF Logo Gun Buyer | St. Louis, MO | MDRF Enterprises https://www.mdrfenterprises.com

In Missouri, estate professionals face a legal trap few see coming. The state has legalized medical marijuana and recreational use, but under federal law, marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance. That conflict creates major risk when firearms surface in estates. Most families, and many attorneys, don’t realize that marijuana use, even if fully legal under Missouri law, makes someone a prohibited person under federal firearms law . If an executor, fiduciary, or attorney transfers a firearm to an heir who holds a medical marijuana card, it could be viewed as a federal violation. Medical marijuana cardholder prohibited from inheriting firearms under federal law in Missouri Why Marijuana and Firearms Don’t Mix Under Federal Law The Gun Control Act (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3))  prohibits any “unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance” from possessing firearms. Marijuana is included in this category, with no exceptions for state-legal or medical use. The ATF’s 2011 Open Letter  confirmed this: marijuana users are considered unlawful under federal law, and transferring a gun to them may violate federal statute. Courts have upheld this prohibition in recent years, even as appeals challenge whether it violates Second Amendment rights. This isn’t just theory. In recent years, courts have upheld these restrictions, though cases are now winding their way through appeals, including challenges from medical marijuana users who argue the ban violates Second Amendment rights . Estate Professionals at Risk Executors , attorneys , and estate companies may assume a will or trust overrides these restrictions. It does not. If the heir is a marijuana user, the firearm transfer is unlawful under federal law. That creates liability for both the heir and the professional. Example:  In Colorado, an executor released a shotgun to a son with a medical marijuana card. The family assumed state law protected them. Later, when the son attempted another firearm purchase, the prior estate transfer became part of the investigation, putting both the heir and the executor under scrutiny. The reality: estate professionals often have no way to know whether an heir uses marijuana, yet the liability exists the moment the firearm changes hands. ATF marijuana firearm prohibition estate transfer risk Why This Matters Now State laws are expanding.  Missouri legalized recreational marijuana in 2022, but the federal prohibition still applies. The ATF clarified this again in 2023 when Minnesota passed similar laws. Court challenges are pending.  Until appeals are resolved, the ATF’s position has not changed. Families assume legality.  Many heirs believe a state marijuana card protects them. In truth, it makes them prohibited under federal law. Firearms and Probate: A Practical Guide for Estate Professionals Download the Guide Here How MDRF Protects Families and Professionals At MDRF Enterprises, we take these conflicts seriously. When firearms appear in an estate, we: Run federal stolen-gun and eligibility checks  to prevent transfers to prohibited persons. Manage ATF-required forms and records  for compliance. Keep firearms out of the possession chain of executors and attorneys , eliminating their liability risk. This approach ensures Missouri families are protected, and estate professionals never get blindsided by a transfer that federal law prohibits. Final Word from Drew Marijuana laws create a dangerous gap between state permissions and federal restrictions. For estate professionals, that gap can turn a routine transfer into a federal offense. The safest path is to never assume. Let a licensed FFL handle every firearm transfer so your clients, and your professional license, remain fully protected. Quick FAQ Question: Can heirs with a Missouri medical marijuana card inherit firearms Answer: Under federal law, anyone who uses marijuana is prohibited from receiving firearms, even if state law allows it. Question: Does marijuana use count as a firearms prohibition under federal law? Answer: Yes. Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance. Users are prohibited from shipping, transporting, receiving, or possessing firearms. Question: What should executors do if heirs use marijuana? Answer: Never transfer a firearm directly. Always involve a licensed FFL who can ensure compliance and avoid liability. Question: Does Missouri marijuana law change federal gun restrictions? Answer: No. Missouri’s legalization does not override federal rules. The ATF reaffirmed this as recently as 2023. Serving Saint Louis City, Saint Louis County, and the surrounding Metro area 📍  visit us at: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109 📞 Call us  📩 Email 🕘 Open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM 👉 Request a Free Consultation

Every time I pick up a 1911, I’m taken straight back to my Army days. There’s something about that all steel frame, the clean break of the trigger, and the smell of good oil that pulls you through time. I first qualified on the 1911 in uniform, and it set the standard for everything I’ve shot since. The 1911 has a feel that’s hard to explain unless you’ve spent time with one. It’s not just a pistol, it’s history you can hold. The one you see in the photo here isn’t just any sidearm. It’s my personal 1943 1911-A1 , and like me, it’s lived one hell of a life. 1911-A1 and 1911 Side by Side The Story Behind My 1911-A1 This pistol rolled off the line in 1943 and was sent to an armory in Germany during World War II, where it saw its first issue. After the war, it was reissued to a Marine heading for Korea. When that Marine came home to Texas, he managed to procure it legally upon discharge. That same Marine was later accepted into the Texas Rangers, and he carried this 1911-A1 as his sidearm for years. He had the Parkerized finish removed, reblued the steel, and fitted it with Ranger-style grips, turning a government issue pistol into a personal companion. Years later, my buddy Mike married a girl from Texas who just happened to live next door to that retired Ranger. The Ranger passed the gun on to Mike before he shipped out to Vietnam. Mike served as a Special Forces LRRP Ranger, carrying that same 1911-A1 through two tours in the jungle. When he got back, he handed it off to our late friend Doug, a dog handler who carried it through his deployment in Algeria. When Doug returned home, he passed it to me, and that’s the same pistol you’re looking at today. That old Colt’s been across three wars, a Ranger’s belt, and more miles than most men. Every mark tells a story. From 1911 to 1911-A1, Subtle but Significant The 1911 first saw service in 1911 (hence the name), designed by the great John Browning. It was simple, rugged, and powerful, chambered in .45 ACP and built to last. By the time World War II rolled around, the Army had learned a few lessons and made some refinements, creating what we now call the 1911-A1 . Here’s what changed: The Hammer Spur The original 1911 had a long, sharp hammer spur that had a bad habit of biting the web of your hand if you weren’t careful. The 1911A1 shortened it slightly, a small change that saved a lot of skin. The Mainspring Housing The 1911’s housing was flat, which worked fine for most hands, but the A1 switched to an arched housing . It brought the muzzle up just a touch and made the grip angle more natural for many soldiers. The Trigger The original 1911 used a long trigger , while the A1 shortened it to help soldiers with smaller hands maintain proper control. The Trigger Contour & Frame Relief Cuts The A1 added finger relief cuts  behind the trigger guard, making it easier to reach the trigger. Subtle, but it made a difference during long qualification days on the range. The Front Sight Early 1911s had tiny front sights, fine for bullseye shooters, but hard to see under stress. The A1 introduced a taller, more visible sight, a big improvement for combat conditions. The Grip Safety On the 1911A1 was slightly lengthened and reshaped to prevent hammer bite and provide a smoother feel in the hand, a small change that made a big difference in comfort during long days on the range. The Grips The two 1911s in the photo both wear aftermarket grips (The Texas Ranges Star) , but originally, the 1911 sported walnut panels with a diamond pattern  around the screws. The A1 replaced those with simpler checkered grips , better for mass production. These changes might seem minor to the untrained eye, but they show how the U.S. military refined one of the most iconic pistols ever made through real battlefield experience. 1911-A1 vs 191 Comparison Features What It Means to Me When I hold my 1911-A1, I’m not just holding a firearm, I’m holding generations of service, grit, and craftsmanship. It’s been through wars, carried by men who understood the weight of duty and the value of reliability. The 1911 and the 1911-A1 aren’t just different models. They’re different chapters in the same story, a story of how America builds, adapts, and never forgets what works. This old pistol has seen it all. It’s not a safe queen, it’s a survivor. And as long as I’m around, it’ll stay that way. Final Word from Uncle Kenny If you ever get the chance to shoot both a 1911 and a 1911-A1, do it. You’ll feel the evolution, the small refinements born from hard lessons and long service. The 1911-A1 might be the polished soldier, but the 1911 is the one that started it all. This old 1911-A1 isn’t just a fine pistol; it’s a reminder of the men who carried it before me. My late friend Doug was the last one to hold it before passing it on to me. He trusted me to keep it, and I’ve done my best to honor that. Every time I take it out of its spot next to my recliner, I think about Doug, Mike, and the others who carried it through the kind of times that test a man. If you ever come across a gun like this, one that’s got stories etched deep into its steel, take a moment to listen. That’s history talking, and for some of us, it’s also the voice of old friends we’ll never forget. Now that I’ve told the story, I think I’ll pour myself a glass (or three) of whiskey, in Doug’s memory, and for all the good men who carried this old Colt before me. Some stories deserve to be told, and some memories deserve a quiet toast.

Pros, Cons, and Safety When a family calls me to sort through a safe of inherited guns, the first question is often the same, how should we sell these ? The right answer depends on three things: Your goal The type of firearm How much time you have Executors want defensible paperwork and a smooth probate process. Collectors want the best price. People who need cash fast want speed and certainty. Below I walk through auctions, licensed dealers, and private sales, I give the questions you should ask, and I include a clear comparison table and a printable checklist you can use when you are ready. Quick decision summary If you need documentation for probate and a clean, legal transfer, a licensed dealer is usually the easiest route. If you are selling a rare collectible and you can wait, an auction or specialized consignment usually nets the highest price. If you want quick cash and the firearm is common, a private sale or pawn shop may be faster, but expect a lower payout and take extra safety steps. Comparison table Use this table to quickly compare Auction, Licensed Dealer, and Private Sale. Auction, Licensed Dealer, and Private Sale Table Comparison Auctions and consignment: when to use them Auctions are the answer when a firearm has collectible value, original parts, provenance, or a story that will excite bidders. An auction house reaches a national or international buyer pool and that competition drives prices. Expect commissions and fees. Expect shipping and insurance costs. Expect a timeline measured in weeks, not days. Checklist for auctions Get a certified appraisal first. Understand the auction house fee structure and reserve policies. Ask about packing, insurance, and shipping. Prepare provenance documents and clear photos. Be patient, and know that net proceeds arrive after the sale and after fees. Auctions are not for every gun. Most modern, common firearms sell faster and with less hassle through a local buyer. Licensed Dealer / Local FFL: the pragmatic choice For most estate work I recommend a licensed dealer. Dealers provide immediate legal protection and a smooth transfer process. A good dealer will provide a written offer that cites market comps. That written offer is useful in probate and insurance filings. Why dealers are strong for estates They handle the paperwork and background checks. They can complete transactions quickly so probate can proceed. They can handle NFA items if they are SOT holders. They provide receipts and appraisal documentation on request. What to ask a dealer Will you provide a written offer that shows how you calculated value? Can you provide documentation suitable for probate? How do you handle NFA items and Form 4 or Form 5 transfers? Do you offer in-home inventory services for estates? FFL 2028 License Private sale: proceed with care Private sales can produce solid results for in-demand modern guns, but they carry extra risk. Federal and state rules still apply, and in some states private sales require an FFL to handle the transfer. Even when private sales are legal, use an FFL to document the transfer. Red flags in private sales Buyers who push cash without paperwork. Requests to ship firearms directly without an FFL on both ends. Offers that are unreasonably high to try to get you to bypass safe practices. If you choose a private sale, always meet in a public, safe location, use an FFL to complete the transfer, and get a clear bill of sale with signatures and IDs. Appraisal and valuation: how I approach it I use a three point method for pricing Recent auction results for the same model and condition. Marketplaces and final sale prices for comparable listings. Local retail and dealer offers to verify the floor. For estate work I use a visual percentage grading system tied to the Blue Book standards. I document everything in writing and attach the supporting comps. That way executors and attorneys have defensible numbers to use in court. Case study, anonymized A family in Creve Coeur inherited nine handguns . They needed probate value and some cash to settle bills. I did an in-home inventory and provided a mixed strategy. Modern, common guns were offered to a dealer in a bulk written offer for immediate cash. Two rare handguns were consigned to a reputable auction house after I provided an appraisal and provenance notes. The estate closed faster, and the family received the best net result for the collectible pieces. Decision flow, short Need proof for probate, want speed: licensed dealer. Item is rare or has strong provenance: get an appraisal, then auction. Want a private buyer and immediate cash: use an FFL to document the transfer and protect both parties. Auction vs Dealer vs Private sale Checklist FAQ Question: Do executors need an appraisal? Answer: Yes. Courts often expect written documentation of value for estate inventory. A certified appraisal or detailed written offer helps the executor and the probate court. Question: How long do auctions take? Answer: From consignment to payment expect weeks to months depending on catalog schedule and shipping. Question: Can a dealer handle NFA items? Answer: Only dealers with SOT status and proper handling can transfer or accept NFA items. Ask about forms, tax stamps, and wait times. Question: Are private sales legal in Missouri? Answer: Missouri allows private sales in many cases, but federal rules still apply. Use an FFL to make the transfer clean and documented. Downloadable checklist I made a printable one page checklist titled Auction vs Dealer vs Private Sale. Use it when you are preparing firearms for sale, or share it with an executor to speed the probate process. Download the PDF checklist Final Word from Drew If you are handling an estate or downsizing a collection, start with an appraisal. It will steer you toward the option that protects your legal standing and maximizes value when that matters. If you want a clear written offer for probate or to close a deal fast, call me at (314) 397-0942 or request an offer on the website. I will show you the comps, document everything, and get it done right. Contact Us Today | Request a Free Appraisal 📞 Call us  📍 Or visit us at: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109 📩 Email

Nine Handguns Appraised When a Creve Coeur family began closing out their late father’s estate, they faced an unexpected hurdle: nine handguns  tucked away in a basement cabinet. Before they could complete the probate process, the court required a certified appraisal so the firearms could be accurately listed in the estate’s personal property. Why the Appraisal Was Essential Probate filings demand a clear, defensible valuation for every significant asset. Without a certified appraisal: The estate could face delays  in court approval. Heirs might dispute the value, creating family tension. Insurance coverage for the firearms would remain uncertain. How MDRF Enterprises Helped The family contacted MDRF Enterprises  after finding us on Google. We scheduled a private appointment and delivered a USPAP-compliant firearm appraisal : Complete Inventory  – We recorded make, model, caliber, and serial number for all nine handguns. Condition Grading  – Each firearm was evaluated using the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) for consistent, documented condition ratings. Defensible Valuation  – Our appraisal included both Fair Market Value and Most Common Value, backed by comparable sales data. Court-Ready Documentation  – The final report met probate and insurance requirements and was signed by an AGI Certified Firearms Appraiser. Peace of Mind for the Heirs With the appraisal complete, the family submitted the report to the probate court and closed the estate on schedule. They left with a clear, legal record  and the confidence that every firearm was documented and valued accurately. If you discover firearms while settling an estate, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. 👉 Request a Free Consultation:   https://www.mdrfenterprises.com 📞 Call:  (314) 397-0942 📍 Visit:  6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109 Nine Handguns from a Creve Coeur Estate

Hidden Firearms Discovered in an Estate Safe When two siblings began cleaning out their late father’s Bridgeton home, they expected old paperwork and family keepsakes. Instead, inside a small safe they found four handguns : Ruger GP100  – .357 Magnum Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector  – .35 S&W Long Hi-Point C9  – 9mm Beretta 950B  – .25 ACP They knew the guns existed but had no desire to keep them and were unsure how to sell them legally, or how to get a fair price. Finding the Right Help A quick Google search led them to MDRF Enterprises . We scheduled a private appointment and guided them through the process: Fair Market & Most Common Value Estimates  – Each firearm was inspected and graded with the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) for accurate, documented valuation. ATF-Compliant Transfer  – As a federally licensed FFL, we logged each firearm into our Acquisition & Disposition records and completed the required ATF Form 4473 paperwork. Immediate Cash Offer  – Once the siblings agreed to the valuation, we finalized the sale and provided payment on the spot. A Smooth and Legal Estate Transaction Because every transfer was documented and every background check completed, the family left knowing their father’s firearms were handled safely and legally. They avoided the risks of private sales and the confusion of probate and interstate transfer rules. Why Local Families Trust MDRF Whether it’s one firearm or an entire collection, families across the St. Louis area count on us to: Provide certified appraisals  that meet probate and insurance standards. Complete licensed, ATF-compliant transfers . Offer fast, discreet transactions  with immediate payment. If you’re clearing out a loved one’s home and discover firearms, you don’t have to navigate the legal steps alone. 👉 Request a Free Consultation:   https://www.mdrfenterprises.com 📞 Call us:  (314) 397-0942 📍 Visit us:  6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109 Beretta 950B Hi-Point C9 Ruger GP100 Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector

Helping a Neighbor Navigate a Tough Situation Not every firearm transaction is straightforward. Recently in Florissant we helped a resident who faced an unexpected legal challenge. After a conviction for a non-violent offense, he was sentenced to two years of home arrest. One of the conditions of his sentence required that he no longer own firearms. To comply with the court’s order he needed documented proof that his firearms had been legally transferred. When he reached out to MDRF Enterprises he was anxious to make sure every step followed the law. His collection included a Smith & Wesson M&P 15  and a Mossberg 590 , both upgraded with MagPul furniture. These were valuable and carefully customized firearms and he wanted them handled with discretion and professionalism. Our team met with him privately, reviewed the court paperwork, and explained the requirements for a legal transfer. We prepared the ATF compliant bill of sale and completed the proper entries in our Federal Firearms License (FFL) acquisition and disposition records. We then provided him with the formal documentation he needed to show the court that his firearms were no longer in his possession. This kind of situation requires more than a simple purchase. It calls for knowledge of federal and Missouri firearm regulations, careful attention to detail, and the ability to work with compassion. We were honored to help a neighbor in Florissant close a difficult chapter with confidence that he had satisfied every legal requirement. Why This Matters Estate professionals, attorneys, and individuals occasionally face circumstances where firearms must be transferred under strict legal oversight. MDRF Enterprises provides the experience and documentation necessary to meet those obligations. Whether you are an attorney, a fiduciary, or a private citizen who needs to show that firearms were properly disposed of, we can guide you through every step. Final Word from Drew Working with families and individuals through challenging circumstances is part of our mission. Every firearm has a story, and every owner deserves a process that is both lawful and respectful. If you or someone you know needs help navigating a complex firearm transfer in the St. Louis area, we are ready to assist. Mossberg 590A w/ MagPul Furniture Smith & Wesson M&P15 w/ MagPul Furniture

A Mule Plow, a 9mm Rimfire, and a Lifetime of Memories Cousin Denny could talk to mules in a way that made them behave. Back in the Missouri fields of my youth, he spent long spring days behind a plow, guiding two stubborn mules until the soil turned dark and ready for planting. Strapped to the side of that plow in a worn scabbard rode his Winchester Model 36. Every so often a groundhog or rabbit would break cover and that little single shot cracked like lightning. The mules barely twitched. Winchester Model 36 When I was a boy, I earned ten cents a day working alongside Denny. My job was to scoop mule manure and pry rocks out of the fresh furrows. The smell of damp earth and mule sweat lingers in my memory even now. I would glance at that Winchester on the plow and dream about the day I might carry a gun of my own. That little 9mm rimfire, sometimes called a Flobert, seemed like pure magic. One late afternoon a mule kicked and nearly killed Denny. We were sure he would not make it. He healed slow, but the Winchester was still hanging in the barn when he came home, oiled and waiting for the next season. That gun was a quiet witness to both the danger and the stubborn beauty of working Missouri ground. An Odd Chapter in Winchester History The Winchester Model 36 is one of the most unusual shotguns to wear the Winchester name. Produced from 1920 through 1927, it was a single shot smoothbore chambered for the 9 mm rimfire shotshell, better known in Europe as the 9 mm Flobert. The name comes from Louis Nicolas Flobert, the French inventor who in 1845 created the first true metallic cartridge by marrying a percussion cap with a small bullet. His design set the stage for every modern cartridge that followed. 9mm Longshot and 9mm Flobert Cartridges The 9 mm Flobert round is closer to a garden gun cartridge than a traditional rifle or shotgun round. It carries a very light powder charge and is designed to throw a pinch of fine shot at short range. Think of it as a tiny shotgun shell meant for dispatching rats in a barn or keeping sparrows out of a fruit tree. In the early 1900s European gardeners relied on it, and Winchester recognized that American farmers had the same need. The Model 36 was their answer. Winchester kept the gun simple. It used a falling-block action with a straight-grained walnut stock and a short barrel that made it easy to handle from a horse or while working a plow. Its effective range was about the distance across a small garden, which was all anyone needed for small vermin. Even when it was new the 9 mm Flobert round was a specialty item. Ammunition makers offered both shot and round ball loads, but it never became a mainstream American cartridge. That scarcity is part of what makes the Model 36 such an intriguing piece for collectors today. A Familiar Old Friend in Webster Groves This job still surprises me after all this time. Not long ago we were asked to complete an insurance appraisal in Webster Groves. The collection included several fine shotguns and there among them sat a Winchester Model 36. The moment I saw it I was back in those fields, a kid with a ten cent wage and a shovel in my hands. The smell of dirt and the sound of those mules came rushing back as if no time had passed. Winchester Model 36 Reflections from and Old Man Now that I am getting up in years, buying and appraising firearms gives me a chance to touch the pieces of my own past. When I saw that Model 36 I could practically see Denny’s grin and the way he tipped his hat after surviving that mule’s kick. These guns are more than wood and steel. They carry the stories of the people who worked the land and faced the dangers of nature and mean ass Mules. Final Word from Uncle Kenny The Winchester Model 36 may be an oddity in the Winchester lineup, but it holds a special place in my heart. It represents a time when a firearm was both tool and companion, a quiet partner in a life built on soil, sweat, and family. Seeing one again in that Webster Groves appraisal reminded me that this work lets me reconnect with the guns of my youth and the memories they still carry.

South City Collection Sold for Cash, No Hassles, No Auctions Sometimes, people just want a clean, legal way to sell a couple of firearms, without waiting for auctions, risking online marketplaces, or figuring out compliance on their own. That was the case for one South City resident who had a rifle and handgun left behind by a family member moving into long-term care. South City estate firearms handled with certified appraisal and legal transfer, no auction required They contacted MDRF Enterprises and scheduled a no-obligation appointment. We met at their home, evaluated the firearms, completed all required transfer documentation, and provided a fair cash offer right then and there. No auctions. No consignment delays. No red tape. Our clients value professionalism, discretion, and the convenience of working with a trusted FFL. Whether you’re managing a family transition or simply downsizing, we’re here to help. Want to know what your firearm might be worth? Read our FAQ  or get started here. 📍 View our Interactive Map of St. Louis Firearm Stories

Wedding Fund and Three Handguns In Maplewood, a young man preparing for his wedding faced the challenge of covering last-minute expenses. Among his family’s belongings were three handguns: a Sig P365, a Ruger Security 9, and a Glock 27 Gen 5. He reached out knowing he needed a quick, legal, and discreet way to turn those firearms into cash. We met in the neighborhood and completed the transaction through the proper licensed process. The firearms were inspected, logged, and secured at our shop the same day. In return, he left with the cash he needed to make his wedding plans move forward without delay. Stories like this are a reminder that firearm sales often connect to important life moments. In Maplewood, the sale of three reliable handguns gave a young couple the financial breathing room to begin their new chapter together. Sig Sauer P365 Ruger Security 9 Glock 27 Gen 5