Estate Executor Relies on MDRF for Browning Citori 525 Transfer Today we assisted an estate executor in Clayton who needed help with a family heirloom: a beautiful Browning Citori 525 20-gauge over-under shotgun , presented in a hard-sided leather-wrapped case. The executor needed a formal appraisal  both for insurance purposes and as part of the estate inventory. Once that was complete, their responsibility was to ensure the firearm made its way safely and legally to an heir living in North Dakota . That’s where MDRF Enterprises stepped in. We provided a certified appraisal  backed by AGI training and USPAP compliance standards, then handled every step of the transfer. From secure boxing and packaging  to arranging licensed shipment to an FFL in North Dakota , we made sure the heir could receive the shotgun properly documented and in full compliance with federal law. Executors and families often find firearms to be the most complicated part of settling an estate. With MDRF, everything stays licensed, discreet, and legally correct . Browning Citori 525 20 Gauge

Recently, MDRF Enterprises was called into an estate in Ladue to conduct a certified firearm appraisal. The centerpiece was a Holland & Holland Royal Sidelock Ejector , with serial records placing it between 1893 and 1896 , a rare and highly collectible shotgun from one of the world’s most respected London makers. The executor faced a difficult challenge: while the heirs agreed the shotgun was special, there was disagreement over its true  value. Without a professional appraisal, there was risk of uneven distribution of assets and conflict among family members. As certified firearm appraisers (AGI/USPAP), we performed an on-site, in-house appraisal  in the presence of the executor. This ensured complete transparency and gave all parties confidence in the process. Our appraisal established a fair market value supported by documentation, photographs, and recognized grading standards. By providing a formal, defensible appraisal , we helped the estate move forward with equitable distribution. Instead of relying on guesswork or internet estimates, the heirs had a professional valuation they could trust, preventing further disputes and ensuring the shotgun was properly represented in the estate. Holland & Holland Royal Sidelock Ejector Holland & Holland Royal Sidelock Ejector Holland & Holland Royal Sidelock Ejector

MDRF Enterprises is proud to announce a major update in our professional credentials. After more than a decade serving Saint Louis families and estate professionals with licensed firearm transfers and certified appraisals, we are now a licensed Special Occupational Taxpayer (SOT) with authority to handle National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms. MDRF SOT This new designation allows us to assist with regulated NFA items that often create confusion in estates and collections. These include suppressors, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns, and other firearms that require additional ATF oversight. For estate attorneys, fiduciaries, and families, this approval means that one trusted partner can now handle both standard sporting arms and NFA firearms within the same estate. What was once a complex gray area for executors or liquidators can now be addressed with clarity, documentation, and full compliance. Every service at MDRF Enterprises is designed to reduce uncertainty and risk. By adding licensed SOT capabilities for NFA firearms, we provide additional assurance that all firearms discovered in estates, trusts, or collections will be managed correctly and legally. MDRF Enterprises has built its reputation on discretion, professionalism, and compliance. The addition of SOT licensure for NFA firearms reflects our continued investment in the highest professional standards to protect clients and the community. If you are an attorney, fiduciary, or family member facing questions about suppressors, short barreled rifles, or other NFA firearms, we invite you to connect with us. MDRF Enterprises will bring the same careful approach that has guided our work in Saint Louis for more than twelve years, now with expanded coverage for every category of firearm.

From Arizona to Missouri: A Simple, Legal Solution for an Executor When an uncle in South County passed away, his nephew in Arizona was named executor of the estate. There was no itemized will, but three handguns were found among his uncle’s belongings: Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield with Crimson Trace Laser Glock 19 Gen 5 Tisas 1911A1 The nephew had no interest in keeping the firearms and wanted to ensure they were handled safely and legally. After finding MDRF Enterprises online, he scheduled a visit while he was in town. We inspected the firearms, confirmed lawful transfer requirements, and provided a fair market cash offer on the spot. No auctions, no consignment delays, and no legal uncertainty. Just a straightforward process that gave the executor peace of mind before returning home to Arizona. 📍 View our Interactive Map of St. Louis Firearm Stories Oakville estate firearm collection of handguns appraised and transferred legally in South County. Glock 19 Gen 5 Tisas M1911 A1 Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 40

Why It Matters When Selling or Appraising Firearms in Missouri When firearms appear in an estate, most people think of two questions right away: Are they safe? and What are they worth? The first is about safety and compliance. The second is about accuracy and fairness, and that is where a certified firearm appraisal becomes more than just a formality. At MDRF Enterprises, our appraisal process is built for courtrooms, probate filings, insurance claims, and professional due diligence. It is not a quick guess based on internet listings or an informal “off the cuff” valuation. Our appraisals meet professional standards and provide documentation that stands up to legal and financial scrutiny. For an overview of the laws that apply in these situations, see our Missouri firearm laws and compliance guide . Smith & Wesson Model 41 and Paperwork What Counts as Proper Firearm Documentation in Missouri In Missouri, there is no firearm registration system for most guns, but that does not mean documentation is optional. For estates, private sales, and transfers, the right paperwork protects you from delays, disputes, and legal issues. A complete firearm documentation set may include: Formal Appraisal Report  – Prepared by a certified appraiser, detailing make, model, caliber, serial number, condition (PPGS grading), and current market value. Bill of Sale  – Legally records the transfer between parties. ATF Transfer Records  – Required when transferring through a licensed dealer or for certain regulated firearms. Probate Court Inventory  – Lists assets for estate settlement, including firearms. Insurance Schedule  – Documents firearms covered by a policy, with values supported by an appraisal. Without these, you may face challenges with probate court, insurance claims, or proving ownership. Missouri-Specific Rules for Firearm Appraisals in Estates While Missouri law does not require a special permit to own most firearms, estates that include guns are still subject to probate requirements. This means: Firearms must be listed in the estate inventory for court approval. The executor must ensure all transfers follow Missouri gun transfer laws for estates . If the firearm is regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) , additional federal forms are required. A professional appraisal is not only helpful for settling disputes among heirs, it also satisfies court expectations for accurate valuation. If you’ve inherited a firearm and aren’t sure where to start, our Missouri inherited firearms guide explains the steps in plain language. Avoiding Common Documentation Mistakes Many estate professionals and heirs make simple errors that can delay or complicate a firearm sale or transfer: Not recording serial numbers for each gun. Failing to take clear photos from multiple angles. Skipping witness signatures on private sales. Ignoring chain-of-custody records when moving firearms between locations. Not keeping copies of all paperwork for at least five years. These mistakes can lead to questions of legal ownership, lower sale prices, or even seizure of the firearm if there is a dispute. AGI Certified Appraiser Logo How Documentation Speeds Up the Sale Process When you are ready to sell or transfer a firearm, having a full documentation package allows the process to move quickly. Licensed dealers like MDRF Enterprises can verify the details, complete required background checks, and finalize the sale without delays caused by missing information. For example, if you have an appraisal report with photos, serial numbers, and proof of ownership ready, the sale can often be completed the same day. Without these, you may wait days or weeks for verification. To see exactly what Missouri requires when an estate is involved, review our guide to Missouri estate firearm transfer requirements . Sample Documentation Package At MDRF Enterprises, we prepare documentation packages that include: Certified appraisal report with PPGS grading. ATF-compliant bill of sale. Photos of each firearm for reference. Chain-of-custody log (when applicable). Copies for the executor, heirs, and buyer. This is the level of detail that protects your sale and ensures compliance with Missouri and federal law. Final Word Firearm documentation is not just about keeping records. It is about protecting the estate, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, and making the sale or transfer as smooth as possible. At MDRF Enterprises, we help families, executors, and estate professionals avoid the pitfalls that can delay probate or cause legal issues. If you need a certified appraisal or complete firearm documentation package, contact us to start the process. 📍  visit us at: 6414A Hampton Ave, Suite #11, Saint Louis, MO 63109 📞  Call us  📩  Email

Most people think of a firearm as a rifle, shotgun, or handgun. The ATF thinks differently. In fact, there are firearm components that do not look like guns at all, yet they carry the same legal weight as a complete weapon. That disconnect creates risk for families, attorneys, estate liquidators, and fiduciaries who handle collections without specialized knowledge. In this post, I want to show you four real examples that qualify as firearms under federal law. If you were sorting an estate or liquidating a collection, would you have recognized them? 1. Remington 700 Serialized Bolt The Remington 700 is one of the most popular bolt-action rifles in America. Most people would expect the rifle itself to be the regulated item. What surprises many is that the serialized bolt can also be considered the controlled component. Discarding it, shipping it, or selling it without proper handling may expose you to federal violations. It may look like just a rifle bolt, but this serialized Remington 700 component is legally a firearm. 2. Serialized AR-15 Stripped Lower A stripped AR-15 lower looks like a small chunk of metal, hardly resembling a firearm. Under federal law, however, the lower receiver is the firearm. Every transfer must go through a licensed dealer with a background check. If an executor or estate liquidator throws it into a box of “parts” or sells it at auction as scrap, they have unintentionally mishandled a firearm in the eyes of the ATF. An AR-15 stripped lower receiver may look like a piece of metal, yet the ATF defines this as the firearm itself. 3. Serialized Polymer Handgun Frame With modern pistols, the serialized frame often appears incomplete. Without a slide or barrel, it does not look like a finished gun. Yet that bare frame is the legally controlled firearm. Families who come across these during cleanouts frequently underestimate their importance, sometimes treating them like spare plastic or a Toy Gun. Doing so carries significant legal consequences. This unfinished polymer handgun frame does not resemble a complete pistol, but by law it is the firearm. 4. Sig Sauer Serialized Fire Control Unit (FCU) Perhaps the least obvious of all is the Sig Sauer Fire Control Unit. It looks like a small internal part, not a firearm. But under the ATF definition, the FCU is the serialized and regulated component. Mishandling it during an estate process is just as serious as mishandling a complete pistol. The Sig Sauer Fire Control Unit is small and easy to overlook, yet it is the serialized firearm component. The Legal Framework Federal law defines a firearm far more broadly than most people realize. According to 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(3)  and 27 C.F.R. § 478.11 , a firearm includes any frame or receiver of a weapon that is designed to or can readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. That means these four parts, even when incomplete or unrecognizable, meet the legal standard of a firearm. This is why experienced professionals know that good intentions are not enough. You cannot rely on common sense when federal regulations apply. Why This Matters in Estates Estate liquidators, fiduciaries, and attorneys often encounter firearms unexpectedly. The risk is not just in the obvious rifles and pistols. The greater danger is in the serialized parts that do not appear to be firearms. Here are a few common mistakes: Selling serialized parts at auction as miscellaneous hardware. Shipping them without an FFL transfer. Discarding them as scrap. Any of these actions could create liability for the estate and potential criminal exposure for those involved. The Hidden Risk It is not the guns you see that cause problems. It is the serialized components that do not look like firearms but are treated as firearms under federal law. That is why professionals who work in estate law, liquidation, and fiduciary services should pause before moving forward on their own. Four parts, four firearms. A Remington 700 serialized bolt, an AR-15 stripped lower, a polymer handgun frame, and a Sig Sauer FCU, each one is legally a firearm under ATF rules. Would you have known? The Safer Solution At MDRF Enterprises, we identify and legally transfer all types of firearms, including serialized components that most people would miss. Our process removes liability from the estate, protects professionals from accidental violations, and ensures compliance with ATF regulations. As a Certified Firearms Appraiser aligned with USPAP standards and a licensed FFL operating in St. Louis since 2012, MDRF brings both credibility and experience. When your reputation and compliance are on the line, expertise is not optional. Final Word from Drew These four photos prove a simple point: it is not about what a gun looks like, it is about what the ATF defines as a firearm. Families and professionals cannot afford to guess. If you are managing an estate with firearms or serialized parts, call MDRF Enterprises at or visit our Professionals Page . We will handle the details safely, legally, and confidentially. ​ 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

Not every collection we purchase comes from an estate or a large downsizing project. Sometimes, it’s simply about one owner making the decision to trade a few trusted firearms in order to fund something new. Earlier this week, we worked with a South City resident who had three very different guns to sell: A Marlin Model 60 .22 rifle , the classic American plinker. A Heritage Rough Rider .22 single-action revolver , a nod to Old West styling and inexpensive fun at the range. A Springfield Armory XD-9 9mm pistol , a modern defensive sidearm with plenty of followers. Each had served its purpose, but the owner was ready to consolidate and move toward a different firearm that better fit his needs. We provided a fast, confidential, and fair appraisal , allowing him to turn those three guns into cash the same day. That’s the other side of what we do at MDRF Enterprises, not just estates and collections, but also helping everyday firearm owners sell legally, quickly, and with peace of mind . If you’re in South City or anywhere across St. Louis and thinking about selling a firearm or two, we can help make the process safe and straightforward. Springfield Armory XD-9 semi-automatic 9mm handgun with polymer frame and black slide displayed on a clean surface. Marlin Model 60 semi-automatic .22 caliber rifle laid on a display table, classic wood stock and blued barrel visible Heritage Rough Rider single-action .22 revolver with wood grips and blued cylinder, styled after Old West six-shooters

When it’s time to sell a firearm collection, families and collectors have more options than ever. A quick Google search pulls up dozens of “cash-for-guns” websites promising fast offers if you’re willing to box up your firearms and ship them across the country. But here in Saint Louis, many families choose something different: a local, face to face licensed dealer they can actually meet, trust, and call by name. After 13+ years of serving the STL community, MDRF Enterprises has seen why local matters  when it comes to firearms. Firearm collection including rifles, pistols, and revolvers neatly displayed on a wooden table with the Saint Louis Gateway Arch and city skyline in the background The Rise of Internet Gun Buyers There’s no denying the appeal of convenience. National websites promise quick quotes and free shipping labels. Everything happens online, and you never meet the person making the offer. But here’s the reality most families don’t realize until later: Shipping firearms is a leap of faith.  Once your collection leaves your hands, you’re trusting strangers in another state to handle, store, and price them. If something is lost, damaged, or disputed, there’s no local accountability. Lowball offers are the norm.  Sellers on forums consistently report that “quick cash” often means pennies on the dollar. Collections worth thousands are reduced to generic bulk pricing with no consideration for rarity, condition, or provenance. No personal guidance.  These companies can’t sit across the table, explain Missouri-specific laws, or walk you through your options. If you have questions about probate, trust transfers, or executor responsibilities, you’ll get canned emails instead of real answers. Added risk of delays and disputes.  Once shipped, you may wait weeks for payment, or worse, face surprise “adjusted” offers after your collection has already left your possession. Why STL Families Choose a Local Licensed Dealer At MDRF Enterprises, our business was built right here in Saint Louis. For more than 13 years, we’ve helped families, estate executors, and collectors handle firearm collections with professionalism and care. Here’s why local makes the difference: Face-to-Face Service:  You’ll talk to a real person, not a call center. We explain the process, answer your questions, and walk you through every step. Licensed & Certified:  We’re a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), BBB accredited A+ , and certified in USPAP-compliant appraisals . That means your transaction isn’t just quick — it’s fully legal and professionally documented. Immediate Payment:  When we meet, you don’t wait for a check in the mail. You walk away with a fair, confidential offer backed by a trusted local business. Community Reputation:  Our stories aren’t national ads — they’re from neighborhoods like Kirkwood , Maplewood , and Holly Hills . Local families who needed help and trusted us to handle it right. What Families & Collectors Really Want At the end of the day, selling a firearm collection isn’t just about dollars. It’s about trust, safety, and peace of mind.  Families want to know: Are these firearms being handled legally? Am I getting a fair value? Can I trust the people I’m working with? In Saint Louis, the answer is simple: sit down with a licensed local dealer who’s been part of the community for over a decade. Credibility collage showing MDRF Enterprises certifications: AGI Certified Firearm Appraiser badge, BBB Accredited Business A+ logo, and a medallion celebrating 13 years in business in Saint Louis Final Word: Local Matters Internet gun buyers may be easy to click, but they’ll never replace the peace of mind that comes from dealing face-to-face with a licensed, certified professional who lives where you live. If you’re considering selling a firearm collection in the Saint Louis area, don’t settle for an anonymous shipping label. Work with real people who know your community, respect your collection, and provide a process you can trust . 👉 Contact MDRF Enterprises today for a confidential, local appraisal and quote. 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

Intro: MDRF Enterprises is now officially certified by the American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI)  to offer firearm appraisals aligned with USPAP (Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice). These appraisals are compliant with IRS, court, and insurance standards, and available immediately. Whether you're a family member managing an estate or an attorney filing IRS Form 706, you now have a Missouri-based option for certified, defensible firearm valuations. 🔍 Why Certification Matters in Firearm Appraisals If you’ve ever been responsible for valuing a firearm, for probate, divorce, donation, or insurance, you know there’s a lot riding on that number. A flawed appraisal can lead to: Disputes among heirs or beneficiaries Delays in probate or tax processing Rejection by courts, insurers, or the IRS why MDRF Enterprises pursued formal certification through the American Gunsmithing Institute , completing over 80 hours of training, compliance, and documentation coursework. This certification means every firearm appraisal  we produce meets legal, court, and IRS requirements. We provide these services not just to private collectors, but also to bank trust officers and fiduciaries  who need reliable, defensible documentation. We are now recognized as an AGI Certified Firearms Appraiser . AGI Certified Firearms Appraiser Logo 🛠️ What a Certified Firearm Appraisal Includes Each MDRF appraisal now includes: ✅ A USPAP aligned written report ✅ Grading based on the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) ✅ Fair Market Value and  Marketable Cash Value ✅ Full supporting photos and documentation ✅ A signature from a certified appraiser, trained and credentialed by AGI To understand the full process of preparing an estate for appraisal, see our E state Firearm Checklist . This is the level of professionalism that attorneys, executors, fiduciaries, and the IRS expect. 📑 When Do You Need a Certified Appraisal? Our certified reports are valid for: Probate filings  – Fair distribution of estate assets Divorce settlements  – Accurate, court-ready valuations Bankruptcy proceedings  – Personal net worth assessments Charitable donations  – Required for IRS Form 8283 Insurance coverage or claims  – Documenting market or replacement value Expert witness cases  – Defense-ready documentation Estate attorneys and fiduciaries can also explore our full Professional Resource Hub  for supporting tools, checklists, and guidance. Whether you’re an estate attorney, trust officer, liquidator, or family member, you’ll be able to rely on MDRF for appraisal documentation that’s more than just an opinion, it’s a legally sound valuation. 🔍 What Is USPAP? USPAP stands for the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice . It governs: Accuracy and methodology Conflict-of-interest disclosures Report transparency Legal and tax compliance Following USPAP ensures your appraisal isn’t just an opinion, it’s a report that holds up under audit, in court, or with insurers. You can read more about appraisal risks and myths in our guide What’s My Gun Really Worth? Once certification is complete, MDRF appraisals will follow these standards, ensuring they’re accepted not just by clients, but by legal and financial institutions. 🎯 How We Grade Firearms: The Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) We use the Photo Percentage Grading System (PPGS) , featured in the 42nd and 43rd editions of the Blue Book of Gun Values. This system allows us to evaluate firearms based on: Finish retention and wear Mechanical function Collector value Rarity and originality This visual grading system improves consistency, supports our documentation, and ensures our appraisals are clear, fair, and replicable. 🧾 What’s Behind the Certification? The AGI program includes: Real-world appraisals across estate, IRS, and litigation contexts Instruction on USPAP-compliant report writing Training in ethics, conflict disclosure, and documentation Proprietary forms and marketing guidelines Certification ID: #1152547 Issued: August 6, 2025 📣 What’s Next for Clients & Professionals? If you're a: Estate attorney preparing probate or IRS filings Fiduciary managing asset distributions Insurance agent setting replacement value Collector seeking a legally sound appraisal Family member handling inherited firearms You now have a certified, local appraiser ready to help. For a detailed look at our process and what sets us apart, visit our page on certified firearm appraisals  to see how we deliver accurate, documented valuations that meet professional standards. Contact us to schedule a certified appraisal or get urgent assistance for probate or insurance matters.

10 Rifles and a Ruger .44 Magnum in a Safe Tucked in a Closet Sometimes the most unassuming homes hold the biggest surprises. We recently got a call from our friends at Saint Louis Estate Buyers  about a family in Florissant  working through the estate of an uncle who had been an avid hunter. Tucked away in a closet safe, we found a collection of ten rifles  alongside a Ruger .44 Magnum Redhawk . The mix spoke to a lifetime of hunting seasons, range days, and careful collecting: Ruger .44 Mag Carbine Rifle Marlin Lever Actions in .410 , .22LR , and .357 Mag A solid Remington 700  ready for the next deer season Plus several other well-kept hunting rifles Despite the quality of the collection, none of the surviving relatives had an interest in keeping the firearms. Like many families we work with, they wanted the process handled legally, safely, and with respect  for their uncle’s legacy. That’s where MDRF Enterprises came in. We provided: Secure removal and transport  of the firearms Professional appraisal  of condition and market value Confidential purchase  so the family could focus on closing the estate without complications 📍 View our Interactive Map of St. Louis Firearm Stories Florissant estate firearm appraisal of closet safe with Ruger .44 Magnum Carbine and rifles. The collection laid out for appraisal: Marlin lever actions in .410, .22LR, and .357 Mag, plus a Remington 700 and more.

Quality and Style in Webster Groves This sharp little collection  came to us from a new client in Webster Groves , who found us online while searching for a local gun buyer  in the Saint Louis area. The lot included a well-rounded mix of quality and style: A spotless Ruger SR1911 A polished Taurus Judge And a Remington 870  with beautifully upgraded wood furniture The seller wanted a fast, professional transaction, and that’s exactly what we delivered. From first contact through final paperwork, the process was efficient, legal, and handled with care. We’re always excited to share standout pieces  like these as they come through the door. 📍 View our Interactive Map of St. Louis Firearm Stories Webster Groves estate firearm sale with handguns and shotguns appraised and safely transferred Taurus Judge in Stainless Remington 870 with Unique Wood

Fast Sale in South Saint Louis This sharp Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal  came to us from a seller in South Saint Louis  who found us with a quick Google search for a local gun buyer. They were in a hurry, looking to sell fast and get a fair price. That’s exactly what we delivered. We made a competitive cash offer , handled the paperwork on the spot, and completed the transfer in one visit. No waiting. No confusion. Just a clean, legal transaction handled by professionals. 📍 View our Interactive Map of St. Louis Firearm Stories South St. Louis M&P9 metal appraised with legal removal by MDRF Enterprises Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm M2.0 Metal