Question about registering handguns.

If you buy a pistol from a private owner, do you have to register it with an FFL? I'm sure some people buy, sell and trade guns all the time, and I doubt they register every one.

Thanks
Just want to stay on the right side of the law.
MN

AFAIK, only if required by State or local ordinance. No federal law requiring registration for private sale.

Larry
Tinkerer

Actually the background check required for a gun purchase is not registration. The ATF does not get the information on the gun purchased. That info stays with the dealer. Of course with a new gun it is traceable from the
manufacture to the dealer to the purchaser. But if you buy a used gun from a dealer there is no way to trace it short of going thru every dealers records in the country.

If you sell a handgun to an individual it is in your best interest that they have a P2P or P2C (MN) and also get their DL number. Scratch out a bill of sale with the gun's serial number on it and have them sign it, along with their name and address, and number from the DL. A photocopy of the DL and permit(s) would be even better, write the purchase agreement on the photocopy. This way if the gun is/was used in a crime prior/after the sale you have your assets covered. I would expect the same when purchasing.

This is not required by law, unless you are a dealer.

only if it's across state lines does it have to go to a ffl first so if you buy one on line from one of us not in mn then yes unless like previously stated there is a state or local ordinance but what is a good idea to do is get the serial # and call local law einforcement. I know here in OR you can call the state police and they'll tell you within a minute or two if the gun is stolen.

Definately CYA when transferring any gun these days. I have sold several handguns over the past 5 years and have made the folks I sold them to bring me a handgun permit from their county sheriff. You can never be to safe.