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Selling a Gun Privately in Missouri: What You Should Know

Thinking about selling a firearm directly to another person instead of through a dealer? In Missouri, it’s completely legal — but there are important steps to follow to make sure you stay compliant with the law and protect yourself in the process.

Step 1: Understand Missouri’s Legal Requirements

Here’s what Missouri law says about private firearm sales:

  • Age: Both buyer and seller must be at least 18 years old.
  • Residency: Both must be Missouri residents.
  • Prohibited Persons: You must have no reason to believe the buyer is prohibited from owning a firearm — such as someone with a felony conviction, active restraining order, or certain mental health adjudications.

Missouri does not require a permit or background check for private sales between residents. However, we strongly recommend that you only sell to someone who holds a Missouri Concealed Carry Permit (CCW).

Why? That permit shows the buyer has already passed a background check. It’s a simple precaution that helps you avoid potential legal or civil problems if that firearm is ever misused.

Step 2: Pricing Your Firearm

Think of firearm pricing the same way you would think of vehicle pricing:

  • Dealer or Trade-In Value: Fast and convenient, but typically the lowest offer.
  • Private Party Value: Usually higher, but requires more time and effort.
  • Retail Value: What you’d expect to see in a gun shop after cleaning, inspection, and resale prep.

Be realistic — pricing too high can make your listing sit unsold for weeks or months. Look at online marketplaces like GunBroker to get a feel for current values. Pro-tip:  look at the prices of completed auctions with bids.  This will show what people are actually paying for the guns.

Step 3: Marketing Your Firearm

Word-of-mouth still works — start with friends, shooting buddies, or range contacts.
If you want to reach a larger audience:

  • Use dedicated firearms marketplaces like GunBroker or Armslist.
  • Avoid social media platforms that prohibit firearm sales or related listings.
  • If selling online, remember that you cannot ship a firearm directly to another unlicensed individual — it must go through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) on the buyer’s end.
  • Be aware of other states’ laws if selling across state lines — some firearms that are legal in Missouri may not be legal elsewhere. Also, be aware of other states’ magazine capacity restrictions.

Step 4: Communicate Safely

When discussing the sale:

  • Be polite but cautious — trust your instincts.
  • Avoid giving out unnecessary personal details.
  • Clearly agree on price, payment, and meeting place before you meet in person.
  • Never rush into a sale if something feels off.

Step 5: Meet Safely and Complete the Sale

If you don’t know the buyer personally, meet in a safe, neutral, and legal location:

  • Good options: A well-lit parking lot of a business that allows firearms, a public outdoor range, or another open, visible area.
  • Avoid: Government buildings, schools, or anywhere that prohibits firearms — and anywhere that makes you uncomfortable.

Bring a friend if possible, keep the firearm unloaded and cased, and maintain muzzle discipline at all times.

Step 6: Document the Sale

Missouri does not require firearm registration, so there’s no need to “transfer it out of your name.” Still, for your own protection, create a bill of sale that includes:

  • Buyer’s name, address, and date of birth (from their ID)
  • Buyer’s Missouri Concealed Carry Permit number (if applicable)
  • Date of sale
  • Make, model, and serial number of the firearm
  • Sale price

Both parties should sign and keep a copy of the bill of sale. This simple step protects both the buyer and seller if questions ever arise later.

Final Thoughts

Private firearm sales can be safe, legal, and straightforward — as long as you use good judgment and document the transaction properly.

At Sound of Freedom, we believe every gun owner should understand the responsibility that comes with selling a firearm. Protect yourself, verify your buyer, and keep the transaction professional.

With a little preparation, you can sell your firearm confidently and lawfully — without the stress or uncertainty that often comes with private sales.