Selling your guns is a doable process but does take some planning. When you need immediate cash during trying times, you can sell them to a pawn shop for quick cash or use them as collateral for a loan. Thus, learning how to sell guns to a pawnbroker is necessary to have a smooth and seamless transaction.
If you have a few firearms and wanted to sell them, you could bring them to a gun show and see if you could find a vendor that wanted to buy them. After walking the floor for hours you may or may not have found an interested party.
But if you’re someone in need of immediate cash and wants to sell off your guns, don’t worry. Pawn shops allow you to get cash quickly based on the value of your guns. With that in mind, we’re giving you some tips on how to sell guns to a pawnbroker.
How to Sell Guns to a Pawnbroker
Today, we’re giving you the best tips when selling guns to a pawn broker for a smooth-sailing transaction. Before heading out to a local pawn shop, there are things you need to know about the process.
Know Everything About Your Gun
There are many types and brands of guns available. Add to that optics such as scopes or aiming devices such as lasers the combinations are endless. Before selling your firearm to anyone, do the research first, you might be surprised that your scope is worth more than the gun or vice versa.
There are many kinds of guns and it is very important to know exactly what you have. Some of the more common types are:
Hunting Rifles
Target Rifles
Bolt action, Lever Action or Automatic
CenterFire or Rimfire
Shotgun or Rifle
Handgun or Long Rifle
And the list goes on …..
It’s also good to know that different guns shoot a variety of bullets or shells. These can be measured via millimeters, calibers, and gauges for shotguns. It is also important to know the grade of the Gun (if it has one) is it field grade or target grade. Of course, it will also be helpful to know who manufactured the gun to give you an idea about its history.
When looking for a Pawn Shop to work with it is helpful to search for one that is experienced with guns. Do some research on them and see how their customers review them, and in particular look for customer reviews dealing with the buying or selling of guns.
Basically, the general rule for getting the most from your gun is to do your research. Other suggestions are to break the gun down (disassemble it) look for worn out parts, rust, dirt, etc. Also, test firing the gun can be important. All these factors will go into determining what the gun is worth and how much money you can get for it.
Review and Check Out the Law
These are guns we’re talking about, so it’s smart to look back at your legal obligations as a firearm owner. This is something you need to do before selling your item. Plus, you need to review what to expect from the pawn shop as well.
Pawn shops selling guns comply with the state’s laws and must have a Federal Firearms License. Plus, they never buy stolen property. With that said, it only means that buying and selling guns from pawn brokers is safe. If the gun is fully automatic (machine gun), has a shortened barrel (sawed off shotgun), or has other modifications you may have trouble finding a pawn shop with the appropriate license to work with you.
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Remember that when selling guns to a pawnbroker, you shouldn’t expect to get the gun’s retail value. Granted there are some guns that appreciate in value but most field grade guns (most common) will depreciate.
Unload the Gun
Don’t forget to completely unload your gun when bringing it into the shop. It is recommended that you leave any and all ammunition in your car. Place the guns in their respective cases before heading in to meet with the pawn broker at the pawn shop.
Like every responsible owner, both you and the pawnbroker should exercise the best handling standards for firearms. The pawnbrokers and appraisers should adhere to the highest standards of safety when it comes to handling guns.
What Types of Gun Do Pawn Shops Accept?
Any quality firearm that’s been heavily used but its mechanics are still working adequately, can be sold in pawn shops. When the gun is just like new, it’ll will even be more valuable.
Regardless, expect that the pawnbroker will check and inspect your gun to ensure its authenticity. Knowing its history will be good, but the gun will still undergo the regular methods of precautions.
New and just-like-new guns will obviously have more value, and will always be considered for purchase. Lastly, any popular antique guns will be favored, and may even have more value depending on its specifications. .
Rating Systems for Selling Guns in Pawn Shops
Learning your gun’s value is one of the steps to know how to sell guns to a pawn broker. Here, we’ll let you know how pawn shops determine the value of firearms.
Pawn shops use two primary ways to determine the value of antique firearms. First is through the National Rifle Association or NRA Condition Standards. The second one is through the Percentage System.
Pawn shops also consider other factors when determining the value of the gun you’re selling. These are its history, rarity, and appeal.
Knowing that your gun has a great history is impressive, but the pawnbroker will need proof for this. When selling your guns, be sure to bring your documentation too.
Another factor that affects the price of the gun you’re selling is its rarity. An antique firearm that can be easily found on the market won’t have the same price as a rarer model.
The aesthetic appeal of firearms is important when you’re selling these, and doesn’t only apply to antiques. Gun collectors often want firearms that catches the eye to be part of their collection.
Important Things You Need To Know When Selling Guns to a Pawnbroker
Now that you know how to sell guns to a pawnbroker, there are certain things you should know beforehand.
Your Requirements before Selling a Gun
As a seller of a gun, you’ll have to meet several requirements. One of these is ensuring that the gun is already licensed and registered before selling it to a pawn shop. They will ask for proof before considering a transaction since all firearms for sale must be fully licensed and registered.
Aside from that, you’ll need a photo ID showing you are over 18 or 21. Take note that the age requirements for selling guns differ for each state.
Also, you should be prepared to submit to a full background check. This rule applies to any transaction involving firearms.
The Pawn Shop’s Requirements
Before selling guns, ensuring that you’ve met your requirements is not enough. You’ll need to be sure that the pawn shop you’re transacting with meets the requirements for buying firearms.
Since you’ll be dealing with a reputable pawn shop, they share information with legal authorities. They will also prohibit minors from buying, selling, or pawning a gun.
When pawning, buying, and selling a gun, pawn shops need to be a Federal Firearm Licensee. This allows them to handle transactions involving firearms.
If you are concerned about a pawn shop’s operation, ask for their license. All firearm dealers are required to do a background check to ensure protection for you and the pawnbroker.
Since pawn shops thoroughly check their items before selling, you can be sure that their firearms aren’t stolen. You won’t find them on the list of stolen firearms which comes from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The Benefits of Learning How to Sell Guns to a Pawnbroker
Selling a firearm to a Pawn Shop or getting a loan on a firearm from a Pawnbroker is a great way of getting immediate cash. The transaction does have some added procedures but the Pawnbroker will help you with the process.
Because of the value and popularity of firearms, selling them to a Pawnbroker can be a lot more lucrative than let’s say selling kitchen appliances.
Just make sure you do your research before selling them.
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