Oregon Was gifted a handgun and would like to sell it

[salmon creek gary]

OP is unfamiliar with the world of firearms (self-confessed), and most likely unaware that a truly "private sale" is not a happening thing (legally speaking) here in the Pacific Northwest. They're all "on the record" these days.

Selling to a shop is now similar to selling to a private buyer in that either way requires the physical act of taking that gun to a shop (Federal Firearms Licensee, FFL for short) because that's where it has to happen to be legal. Beyond that, there are just two significant differences:
(1) Money - a shop will not buy at anywhere near the value of the firearm, but a private buyer will likely pay something closer to the actual value.
(2) Time - Selling to a shop is quicker, but finding a private buyer requires writing a FS ad, taking pictures, and dealing with potential buyers. "Dealing with buyers" involves negotiating a deal (via private message, email, text or phone conversations), plus one brief face-to-face meet-up at the shop (FFL) to start the legal transfer.

There is a third way to legally sell a firearm, and that is called "consignment". For the seller, a consignment sale presents one initial hurdle: not all shops are willing to handle consignment sales, so finding one may require a few phone calls. However, the seller benefits from a consignment in some attractive ways: Seller sets the sale price, expends zero effort (beyond taking the gun to the shop), and avoids any contact with buyers. The downside of consignments? The seller doesn't get paid immediately; instead, the seller gets paid if and when the gun is eventually sold, and the amount received will be a bit less than the sale price. That's because the shop takes a percentage in exchange for doing the actual work, i.e. storing, displaying, dealing with buyers, and handling legal transfer of the gun.

 

[gmerkt]

There is a third way to legally sell a firearm, and that is called "consignment". For the seller, a consignment sale presents one initial hurdle: not all shops are willing to handle consignment sales, so finding one may require a few phone calls. However, the seller benefits from a consignment in some attractive ways: Seller sets the sale price, expends zero effort (beyond taking the gun to the shop), and avoids any contact with buyers. The downside of consignments? The seller doesn't get paid immediately; instead, the seller gets paid if and when the gun is eventually sold, and the amount received will be a bit less than the sale price. That's because the shop takes a percentage in exchange for doing the actual work, i.e. storing, displaying, dealing with buyers, and handling legal transfer of the gun.

This entire post is concise and well put.

The only thing I'd add has to do with consignment sales. Seller, make sure the dealer used for consignment is aware that you want a fast sale. Obviously, the more attractive the price he asks for the gun, the more quickly it will sell. Get some assurance that the dealer won't just increase his margin and price the item high, which defeats your attempt at a quick sale.

 

[FATAL125]

There are some good comments here for someone to view later if a need arises.

That said, OP joined yesterday, made a single post, revisited that post about 20 minutes later and then has since disappeared.

Somebody went fishing and came up empty handed...

 

[taroman]

Lorcin is a great candidate for one of those police "gun buy back" schemes. Whatever they're paying will likely be more than it's worth.

 

[Yarome]

The only thing I'd add has to do with consignment sales. Seller, make sure the dealer used for consignment is aware that you want a fast sale. Obviously, the more attractive the price he asks for the gun, the more quickly it will sell. Get some assurance that the dealer won't just increase his margin and price the item high, which defeats your attempt at a quick sale.

And the only thing I would add to that is to ensure there is a term limit on the consignment or an "opt-out" clause. If your firearm sits for a long period, you feel the dealer lacks the foot traffic or motivation to sell your firearm for you... or... you just change your mind and decide to sell it yourself through other means (IE., the classifieds, gunbroker, etc.), you want to be able to get your firearm back.

I've seen more than once folks having their consignments stuck in limbo. Sitting unsold and the shop owner either unwilling to release it back to the owner or wanting to charge them a hefty fee to get it back. Citing "compensation" for paperwork, shelf space and time attempting to sell it or just a flat out "storage fee".

"Read the fine print"... as they say.

 

[salmon creek gary]

And the only thing I would add to that is to ensure there is a term limit on the consignment or an "opt-out" clause. If your firearm sits for a long period, you feel the dealer lacks the foot traffic or motivation to sell your firearm for you... or... you just change your mind and decide to sell it yourself through other means (IE., the classifieds, gunbroker, etc.), you want to be able to get your firearm back.

I've seen more than once folks having their consignments stuck in limbo. Sitting unsold and the shop owner either unwilling to release it back to the owner or wanting to charge them a hefty fee to get it back. Citing "compensation" for paperwork, shelf space and time attempting to sell it or just a flat out "storage fee".

"Read the fine print"... as they say.

Absolutely! I learned that lesson with my first consignment sale, an Argentine Mauser that I left at the store just days before heading off on my year-long vacation in Southeast Asia. My bride checked back with that store often during the seven months it took to finally sell (lack of foot traffic), and the cash return was a tad less than I'd paid for the rifle in the first place (seller's consignment and added storage fees).

 

[Certaindeaf]

There are some good comments here for someone to view later if a need arises.

That said, OP joined yesterday, made a single post, revisited that post about 20 minutes later and then has since disappeared.

Somebody went fishing and came up empty handed...

View attachment 1948327

That's the first thing I look at/ for especially with dippity do thread starts. no mercy or fecks given

 

[gmerkt]

ensure there is a term limit on the consignment or an "opt-out" clause. If your firearm sits for a long period, you feel the dealer lacks the foot traffic or motivation to sell your firearm for you... or... you just change your mind and decide to sell it yourself through other means (IE., the classifieds, gunbroker, etc.), you want to be able to get your firearm back.

I've seen more than once folks having their consignments stuck in limbo. Sitting unsold and the shop owner either unwilling to release it back to the owner or wanting to charge them a hefty fee to get it back. Citing "compensation" for paperwork, shelf space and time attempting to sell it or just a flat out "storage fee".

Good catch. It's been a while since I've left one on consignment, and the place I used is very informal about it. No time limit, only fee when it sells. But I'm aware from the past that some dealers have "rules."

 

[fstdraw]

Geez, Did I miss it, what is it? A Luger in .45 ACP? An M1 Carbine marked Commercial Controls?

A nickel plated Jennings in .25 ACP? Just curious.

 

[gmerkt]

Geez, Did I miss it, what is it? A Luger in .45 ACP? An M1 Carbine marked Commercial Controls?

A nickel plated Jennings in .25 ACP? Just curious.

I've been waiting to see the same information. It may not be forthcoming.

I can tell you I had a gun dangled from a distance like that years ago. It had come from a WW2 veteran who died. The sender didn't know what it was. I had ideas it might be a Luger or a Japanese Nambu. It turned out to be the lowest order of die cast children's BB gun. Broken and non functional.