FTF Protocols

**Executive** · 03-03-2006, 06:05 AM

Mods: sorry if I put this in the wrong place. Feel free to move or edit.

I am about to make my first FTF transaction with a forum member. Can anyone recommend a location for the transaction? Not a specific location, but a type of area. For example, should we meet in a public area or stay out of the way? Should we be alone or have a friend come along? What papers, if any, should we exchange other than FA-10? (Copy of LTC, drivers license, etc.) Is it required to provide a lock or just generous? What about "safe transport" procedures during the actual exchange?

I'm not expressing any mistrust, just common sense safety when dealing with a forum member who is otherwise a total stranger.

Regards,
Chris

The FA-10 form referred to in this thread is for Massachusetts transfers only.

**wchandler** · 03-03-2006, 06:33 AM

The only paperwork needed is the FA10 form. You should look at their LTC to see if it is still valid, etc..., but is more to protect you from selling to an unlicensed person. I usually throw a lock in out of curtisy, but I believe is only required for dealers.

As for meeting place, your options are unlimited. I've meet in mall parking lots, gun clubs, McDonalds and even once meet at a gun shop and filled out the paperwork on the back counter. If you like that option call your local dealer and ask him if he has a problem with that. I would think they wouldn't mind because it's at least getting people in the store. You buyer might need some ammo or a new holster!!!!

If you're selling a handgun there is no special transport, basically it's your carry gun. Rifles and shotgun need to be cased and I believed locked.

Hope this helps! If you're really nervous Zero Hour Arms only charges $20-$25 for the transfer. Small price for piece of mind.

**TYPEO1313** · 03-03-2006, 06:37 AM

I am sure others will add to this. I would do it in private. I assume you will want to inspect the gun before you sign the papers, The middle of a parking lot might not be the place to do so. When ever I have sold items including firearms I have found it was custom for the buyer to travel to the seller. If you wanted to get a used car from the want-ad, you most likely would drive to the sellers house.

I think there is any reason to have a friend present except just for company or if they are more knowledgeable about the product you are seeking. I have never been in a battle over a transaction.

When the FA10 is filled, the information of the 2 parties will be entered. I don't think there is any reason to make copies of LTC's.

Transportation, there is a current thread running on this in the laws forum.

I am not sure about the lock in a FTF. When I sold my Sar-1 to Adam I offered to give him one but he had is own.

**Executive** · 03-03-2006, 07:10 AM

I'm not "nervous" about the transaction itself. I'm more concerned with attracting attention and getting questioned as to whats going on. Perhaps I'm paranoid living in MA, but I'd like to make sure that all my ducks are in a row and I do not want to give any cause for suspicion. By all accounts this transaction should take about ten minutes and I may be making too big a deal about this. I'm just a stickler for correct procedures, security, and safety.

Regards,
Chris

**BillO** · 03-03-2006, 08:31 AM

If you're like me, my main concern is to abide by all local and state laws, and to deliver a firearm to a properly licensed individual. ALWAYS insist on viewing the individual's LTC. Verify the buyers LTC is current, and that the FA-10 is completed WITHOUT EXCEPTION prior to delivery of the firearm. My transactions have been effortless so far and I've met some outstanding individuals in the process. I think a slight sense of uneasiness is normal in FTF transactions given the responsibilities involved.

**C-pher** · 03-03-2006, 08:50 AM

I have either gone to thier house, or I've done it at the club.

Both places let you look at, and examine the gun without concern from outside people.

One, we did the paperwork at Papa Ginos, and then swapped the gun at a gun club.

**cdkayak** · 03-03-2006, 09:08 AM

Being in Maine I obviously don't have to worry about all the MA BS. Each time I've done a FTF transaction it's been completely different. Once we met near a local strip mall, this was meeting a completely unknown person & I felt a relatively public place was best. Another was at a range, which gave the opportunity to test fire; & another was at a persons place of business.(no company firearms policy concerns since he was the owner)

If it's a sale, I make sure they're a ME resident & I keep a copy of their contact info for my own records. If a purchase I let the seller dictate the requirements, no one has asked for more than I've required so far.

Abide by the local laws and use common sense. Stay away from parkinglots near schools, large malls and those with tons of surveilance cameras; no need to cause a panic.

CD

**wchandler** · 03-03-2006, 09:28 AM

If you are in a public place, nobody knows or cares what you are doing. I have had guys field strip my gun standing at the back of my Jeep.

I would recommend a shooting range because you don't have to worry and can focus on the business at hand!! Basically, just use some common sense and you'll be fine!!!

**Jay G** · 03-03-2006, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by C-pher

I have either gone to thier house, or I've done it at the club.

Both places let you look at, and examine the gun without concern from outside people.

One, we did the paperwork at Papa Ginos, and then swapped the gun at a gun club.

Yeah, that was the safest Papa Gino's in Massachusetts, at least for an hour or so... :)

**LenS** · 03-03-2006, 03:07 PM

Chris,

No, this is an excellent post and belongs here. I just made it into a sticky.

I do NOT recommend random parking lots, business locations, public parks, etc. for gun transfers. TOO many places have surveillance cameras and could call Swat down on you if they spot you. I've seen how closely some of those cameras can focus in and it's scary!

My recommendations for dealing with strangers:

- Gun clubs, yours or his/hers.
- Doing it at a gun shop is OK if the owner is cool with the idea (usually you will have to be a good customer of the shop to get the OK).
- A private club (if a member of a veterans group, etc.) would work.
- Back when I was a Special PO, I would have considered doing it at the PD lobby. I wouldn't do it now and I would never have done it with the current chief.

I wouldn't invite anyone to my house or go to their house to do a transfer unless the person were otherwise known to me.

I would do up 2 copies of a bill of sale as well as the SINGLE FA-10. In the bill of sale I would give details of gun, LTC number, buyer and seller info, plus anything related to proof of being "in state" on 10/21/98 (if true) so that purchaser could re-sell thru FFL at some future time if they wanted to do so. Both parties review BOTH LTCs, FA-10, and bill of sale and sign FA-10 and bill of sales. Both parties get copies of FA-10 and bill of sale.

There have been some folks here that were paranoid of the buyer knowing where they live, etc. in that case any transfer must be done by FFL (that limits what handguns they can sell), because if both parties don't physically check both LTCs for validity (and they have home addresses on them), you are looking for trouble . . . I'd run away from any deal that was "trust me, but I refuse to show you my LTC".

Private party sales do NOT require providing a gun lock or case or any other paperwork.

HOWEVER, holders of a C&R FFL may need to review the BATFE rules. It appears that we are supposed to give the "handgun warning" booklet with ANY sale of a pistol, even if it isn't a C&R! So, there may be additional requirements for some folks (I am NOT certain, but have seen the implication).

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