I don't know if this is the proper forum. I would like some advice from

[doc03]

our gun enthusiasts and give my opinion on universal background checks.
My brother passed recently and I have come into possession of a .380 auto
pistol that he purchased just days before from a dealer/with the proper background check.
I would like to get rid of it, the way I understand it I could sell it to anyone and get a
good price. But if I don't know the buyer personally he could be a nut case. Or I could go and sell it to a dealer and have him take that responsibility but at probably half the price. That is one reason I would like to see a universal background check for all firearms. I would be happy to go to a gun dealer with a buyer and pay him a fee to run the background check for me.
Another idea would be to have a web-site that a person could run one himself for a fee. This is not intended as a flame fest about guns just asking for advice on selling the gun and input on my opinion on the background check.

[NYC_SKP]

1. Call your local cops or gun safely organization for guidance. There's a good chance that...

they are one in the same.

You'll be fine.

And thanks for asking for advice before making a move!

[GiveMeFreedom]

2. Sorry about your brother.

Most gun shops have a consignment for personal weapons sale. They will sell your gun, legally, and of course will get a small commission for that service. Worth a try. Good Luck. Peace.

[doc03]

5. Thanks I don't know of any that do that, I live 15 miles from

a Cabela's and they won't. They will give you $150 for a $400 gun
though. I could sell it on the street for $350 but I want to make sure it don't end up in an
armed robbery or something. I sold off most all my guns a couple years ago and now I have several more long guns the AMT 380 back-up a unregistered Ruger 44 mag Ruger Blackhawk none of which I want, but don't want them to get into the wrong hands. I have no problem with universal background checks, I wish they had them for that reason.

[beevul]

3. Make and model, just like a vehicle.

You mentioned that your brother passed recently. First, my condolences. losing a sibling is hard, even when you aren't necessarily close to them.

Make it a point to know what it is that you have, first, before you do anything.

It sounds like this should be a relatively "new firearm", possibly unfired. This can effect its market value. the firearms market right now, is crazy overpriced, according to what I have read, so that works to your advantage potentially.

As to sales, it depends what state you live in. States have their own very unique laws where guns are concerned. Many have no private sales laws, but a few do. Make sure you know the laws in your state. Federal law says that convicted felons, and "illegal substance users", and those convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence, are prohibited from firearm ownership and possession. Also those who have a restraining order against them in most cases, to my knowledge.

You may be able to find an FFL to broker the sale of your firearm, though, again, I don't know the particulars of your situation.

If I were in your situation, my first course of action, when it came to sales, would be to see if any people I know personally, and trust, and know are not prohibited persons - friends family etc - were interested. After that, would depend on the laws of my state.

Good on you for being conscientious about it.

[doc03]

9. I know the approximate value of the guns. The 380

AMT Back up in particular would sell at a premium now, it is hard to find any such gun
or ammo in a store today. Well the guns I got rid of before these ones I sold to people I knew
weren't criminals or mentally ill. There was one I sold to a dealer for much less than
it was worth because I couldn't find a buyer or one I could trust. I have an old Ithaca 37 16 ga. in good shape, a Ruger 44 mag Blackhawk almost new in box, a Marlin Golden 39A from the 50s in good condition, an AMT 380 back-up in good condition and a Model 52 Winchester 22 in poor condition.

[beevul]

10. Ok, I wasn't sure.

I did not intend to imply you were lacking in knowledge. I just wasn't sure where you were at as far as it goes.

It seems to me, like you're taking the right approach to this, in general.

[ellisonz]

4. Sorry to hear about your brother

My suggestion is to turn it into the police on the condition that they destroy it.

[doc03]

7. I am talking about $1500 actual value all together for all of them.

I am not particularly fond burning $1500 up myself.

[ellisonz]

8. I know that personally...

...I could not stand to bear the thought that a firearm I sold could be used to do something horrid. But maybe that's just me

[Honeycombe8]

6. There are sites where you can run a criminal check, for a fee.

Don't know what else you'd be looking for. Health records are privileged.

If you go to a dealer, you'd have to pay him a fee.

People often already know someone to sell a gun to, so you know their background and don't have to run a background check. You don't know anyone? How about a coworker you know a bit about?

For example, years ago I gave a small pistol to my sister. I would have no problem locating someone I know who would be interested in buying a gun.

The universal background check proposal is going after private sales to criminals (that is...they know they are criminals are nuts...so really a universal background check wouldn't work for those sales, since they are done in private - but that's no reason not to pass the law).

I'm all for universal background checks, a ban on high count mags and assault weapons...but I'm beginning to be suspicious that the laws gaining acceptance have FEES associated with them. I'm beginning to think that that's the real purpose (making more money off gun sales) than trying to stop gun violence.

[aikoaiko]

11. Consignment might be a good compromise.

Some shops sell on consignment with 10-20% cut. Not as steep as wholesale price, but not quite as good as full retail for a lightly used firearm. When the buyer purchases it, the buyer goes through a

You could advertise in paper or web site and mandate a background check as a condition of sale. Talk to your local FFL and let them know what you want to do. There will be a fee