Yes. Posting listings on 2A Marketplace is completely free. We do not charge listing fees or take commissions on sales.

Federal law does not require an FFL for private party firearm transfers between residents of the same state in most circumstances. However, some states require background checks for all transfers. It is your responsibility to know and follow your state laws.

You can list handguns, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, magazines, optics, holsters, parts, and other legal firearm accessories. NFA items (suppressors, SBRs, etc.) may be listed but all applicable NFA transfer rules must be followed.

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2A Marketplace is available to all 50 states. State-specific laws regarding private transfers vary. Please consult your state statutes or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Yes, private firearm sales between individuals are legal under federal law in most circumstances, as long as both parties are legally allowed to own firearms. Federal law does not require a background check for private-party sales (as opposed to sales through a licensed dealer), but state laws vary significantly. Some states require all transfers to go through a licensed FFL dealer, while others permit direct private transfers with few or no additional requirements.

Under federal law, licensed firearms dealers (FFLs) are required to conduct a background check through the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System), but private sellers are not. However, as of 2024, more than 20 states have enacted “universal background check” laws that require all firearm transfers — including private sales — to go through a licensed dealer. Always check your state’s laws before completing a private sale.

As of March 2026: States that currently require background checks for all or most private firearm transfers include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and others. Laws change frequently, so it’s important to verify your state’s current requirements before conducting any private transfer.

A private party transfer (PPT) is the sale or transfer of a firearm between two private individuals who are not licensed firearms dealers. Unlike buying from a gun store, a PPT does not automatically involve a background check at the federal level, though many states mandate that PPTs still go through an FFL. Private party transfers are a common and legal way for individuals to buy and sell used firearms.

To legally sell a gun online, you list the firearm on a firearms-specific classifieds platform, agree on a price with a buyer, and then typically ship the gun to a licensed FFL dealer near the buyer. The buyer picks up the firearm at the FFL, completes any required paperwork, and undergoes a background check if required. You cannot legally ship a firearm directly to another individual (unless they are also a licensed dealer).

An FFL (Federal Firearms Licensee) transfer is the process of sending a firearm through a licensed gun dealer for the purpose of legally transferring it to a new owner. The seller ships the gun to an FFL near the buyer, who then processes the paperwork, conducts any required background check, and releases the firearm to the buyer. FFL dealers typically charge a transfer fee ranging from $20 to $50 or more per transaction.

You can find FFL dealers in your area by searching online gun auction or classifieds sites, using the ATF’s online FFL search tool, or simply calling local gun stores. Most gun shops and ranges are FFLs and will accept incoming transfers. Always confirm the dealer’s transfer fee and any ID or paperwork requirements before shipping.

A firearm bill of sale should include the full names and addresses of both buyer and seller, a government-issued ID number (such as a driver’s license number) for each party, the date of the transaction, and a complete description of the firearm including make, model, caliber, and serial number. Both parties should sign and date the document, and each should keep a copy. Some states provide official bill of sale templates for firearm transfers.

A bill of sale protects both the buyer and seller in a private firearm transaction. For the seller, it creates a paper trail showing the gun was legally transferred to another person on a specific date — important if the firearm is ever used in a crime after the sale. For the buyer, it serves as proof of legal ownership. Many firearms lawyers recommend always using a bill of sale, even in states where it is not legally required.

The best ways to determine the value of a used firearm include checking recent sold listings on gun auction and classifieds sites, consulting the Blue Book of Gun Values, and searching completed auctions on major firearms marketplaces. Factors affecting value include the brand, model, caliber, condition (using standard grades like Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor), included accessories, and current market demand.

Most used gun listings use standardized condition grades: New (unfired, in original box), Like New (fired minimally, no wear), Excellent (minor handling marks, no functional issues), Very Good (light wear, fully functional), Good (moderate wear, fully functional), Fair (heavy use, may need minor work), and Poor (significant damage or reliability issues). Being accurate with condition grading builds trust and reduces disputes.

In most states, yes — inherited firearms can be legally sold by the heir. The process varies by state. Some states require the transfer to go through an FFL even for inherited guns, while others permit direct private transfers. If the firearm is a short-barreled rifle, short-barreled shotgun, suppressor, or other NFA-regulated item, special rules apply and the transfer must go through the NFA process.

Yes, but the firearm must be shipped to a licensed FFL dealer in the buyer’s state — you cannot ship a gun directly to another individual in a different state. The buyer then completes the transfer paperwork and background check (if required) at the receiving FFL. Shipping a firearm directly to a non-FFL across state lines is a federal crime.

Federal law requires that handguns be shipped via a common carrier (UPS or FedEx) and cannot be sent via USPS. Long guns (rifles and shotguns) may be shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. The gun must be shipped to a licensed FFL. Always declare the firearm to the carrier, use a hard-sided locked case, and ship to an FFL — never to a private individual. Check each carrier’s specific policies before shipping.

Federal law prohibits private sales of certain firearms without special licensing or NFA compliance. These include: fully automatic machine guns manufactured after May 19, 1986 (banned from civilian transfer), short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), suppressors/silencers, and destructive devices — all of which require NFA registration and a $200 tax stamp. Selling to prohibited persons (felons, domestic violence offenders, etc.) is also a federal crime regardless of how the transfer occurs.

Buying from a reputable firearms classifieds platform is generally safe. The main risks to avoid are scams — such as sellers who ask for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency without any escrow protection. Always verify the seller has an accurate description and photos, and complete the transfer through a licensed FFL.

Common red flags include sellers who refuse to provide photos or the serial number, prices that seem too good to be true (which could indicate a stolen firearm), pressure to complete a transaction quickly without going through an FFL, requests for payment via untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfer, and listings that lack a clear description of the firearm’s condition or history.

If completing a face-to-face private firearm transfer, consider meeting at a local police station — many have designated “safe exchange zones” for exactly this purpose. Alternatively, meet in a well-lit public location during daylight hours, bring a trusted friend, and always let someone know where you are going. Never bring large amounts of cash unnecessarily, and if anything feels unsafe or suspicious, walk away.

Most U.S. states do not have gun registration requirements. Hawaii, California, and a handful of other states require registration or documentation of ownership for some or all firearms. Even in states without registration, it’s wise to keep a personal record of any firearm you own (including make, model, and serial number) in case it is ever lost or stolen and needs to be reported.

Yes — private sellers are not legally required to provide a firearm’s history, though honesty about known issues or defects is strongly recommended both ethically and to avoid legal liability. Buyers purchasing a used firearm privately should consider having it inspected by a gunsmith before use, since there is no warranty protection as there might be with a dealer purchase.

Buying from a licensed dealer always involves a background check (NICS), official paperwork (ATF Form 4473), and often a manufacturer’s warranty or return policy. Private-party purchases may offer lower prices and less paperwork (depending on the state), but come without warranties and — in many states — without a mandatory background check. From a legal perspective, both are valid ways to purchase a firearm as long as all applicable laws are followed.

In addition to handguns, rifles, and shotguns, firearms classifieds platforms typically allow listings for ammunition, magazines, optics and scopes, holsters, slings and cases, cleaning kits and accessories, gun parts (barrels, stocks, triggers, grips), reloading equipment, and hunting and shooting gear. Some platforms also allow listings for antique firearms, which are subject to different regulations than modern firearms.

The Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to keep and bear arms, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. City of Chicago (2010). While these rulings protect the right to own firearms for lawful purposes, they do not prevent all regulation of gun transfers. The ongoing legal debate around private sales, universal background checks, and red flag laws continues to evolve — and gun owners are encouraged to stay informed about laws in their specific state.