FFL vs non FFl xfer

[Pilgrim]

I see many postings in the classified section of this site that say, in Mass. FTF is ok. Then I see others that are also in Mass. but say that the gun must go thru an FFL. Why ? Aren't all sales of Ma to MA with proper LTC's ok to go FTF?

 

[tele_mark]

I'd imagine the people who have to go through FFL's have reached their personal limits of 4 transactions a year (wish I had that problem), and have to go through FFL's to make a sale.

 

[Moderator]

I was paranoid of messing up on my first selling transaction so I used a FFL. Not to long after I decided to gave it a try, I believe I used Adam as my guinea pig.

 

[M1911]

Some folks are just more comfortable doing the transaction through an FFL.

 

[LoginName]

I haven't sold any firearms in ages (and unless I need the money for a kidney operation, I don't plan on selling any).

FTF can be a PITA for the seller... they have to arrange a time and place to meet the buyer or buyers. If the buyer doesn't show up, it's time wasted for the seller.

Arranging a location for the sale can be problematic. Unless the buyer and seller can agree to meet at a local gun club or gun store (or elsewhere). Do you trust the buyer enough that you don't mind their knowing where you live and that you more than likely have other firearms in the home?

If going through an FFL, I think the fair thing to do is agree to split the transfer cost.

 

[drgrant]

I see many postings in the classified section of this site that say, in Mass. FTF is ok. Then I see others that are also in Mass. but say that the gun must go thru an FFL. Why ? Aren't all sales of Ma to MA with proper LTC's ok to go FTF?

As tele_mark mentioned, some people have run up against their 4 xfer
limit. I know quite a few people who have blown their 4 transfers by the
end of January of each year!

Sometimes FTF is the ONLY choice, mainly due to the laws in this
state. A lot of us have many handguns which are "unpapered" or otherwise
cannot be proven "MA dealer compliant" if you want to use that
term, so FFLs will not touch them, but since these regs don't apply
to anything but dealers selling/transferring to consumers, private individuals
can trade the guns freely, provided proper LTC and that they have not exceeded
their limit.

I can kind of understand the paranoia, from some people wanting to
maintain a given level of anonymity... but there is one LIE that is always
being told, and that is that an FFL somehow or another cleanses your
name off the gun, which is pure unadaulterated crap, at least in this
state. (And even in free states, if you're the original buyer, a full-course
ATF trace can still point to you as being the original buyer).

If you sell a gun and the person who bought it from you loses it or does
something bad with it, and the police come knocking, all you really want to be
able to do is explain where it went to after you owned it. Selling your gun
through an FFL will NOT insulate you from such visits.

-Mike