How to Sell a Gun in Baltimore

‍Highlights

• You must follow all applicable federal, state, and local laws to sell a gun in Baltimore, MD. Here’s a summary:
  1. Identify whether your gun is an NFA item or not. Stricter regulations apply for NFA firearms.
  2. If you’re selling a handgun, ensure the buyer is at least 21 years old. If you’re selling a long gun, ensure they’re at least 18 years old.
  3. Go through an FFL dealer. It’s mandatory to run a background check on the buyer to ensure you’re not selling to a prohibited person.
  4. Complete a Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm. You need it to finish the sale. You’ll need to wait for 7 days.
• The easiest and safest way to sell a gun in Baltimore, MD, is directly to an FFL dealer. They can handle all the necessary paperwork.
• Cash for Arms is an FFL dealer who can buy your gun and get you paid quickly.

How to Legally Sell a Gun in Baltimore, MD

Federal Laws on Gun Sales

Two main federal laws regulate gun sales in the US: the Brady Law and the National Firearms Act. However, this article will only cover the Brady Law.

Brady Law

The Brady Law amended the Gun Control Act of 1968 (GCA).

GCA helped put an age limit on buyers. It bars licensed gun sellers from giving rifles, shotguns, and their ammo to people under 18. It also bars them from giving handguns or handgun ammunition to anyone under 21.

The Brady Law requires background checks for gun purchases from licensed dealers. The law aims to prevent certain prohibited persons from acquiring firearms.

Prohibited persons are:

• Convicted felons
• Fugitives from justice
• Unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances
• Individuals adjudicated as mentally defective or committed to mental institutions
• Illegal aliens
• Persons dishonorably discharged from the military
• Individuals who have renounced their U.S. citizenship
• Persons subject to certain domestic violence restraining orders
• Persons convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence crimes

State Laws on Gun Sales

Handgun Qualification License

In Maryland, you must get a Handgun Qualification License (HQL) before buying, renting, or getting a handgun.

The HQL requirement was added by the Maryland Firearm Safety Act of 2013. It aims to promote responsible gun ownership. It ensures that handgun buyers have had safety training and a background check.

When selling a handgun in Maryland, ensure the buyer possesses a valid HQL. As a seller, you must verify the HQL's authenticity and keep a record of the transaction. Failure to meet the HQL requirement can lead to legal penalties. Both the seller and the buyer can face them.

MSP 77R

The MSP 77R, fully known as the Maryland State Police Application and Affidavit to Purchase a Regulated Firearm, is crucial for anyone looking to sell a regulated firearm, which means handguns or pistols, in Maryland.

This doesn’t apply to long guns, which are non-regulated firearms.

You and the buyer need to complete the form and wait for it to get approved before completing the transaction.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to the Maryland State Police’s licensing portal.
2. Create an account using your valid email address.
3. Start your 77R application and wait for a confirmation email with your application and PIN number.
4. Show your application and PIN to a licensed Maryland Regulated Firearm Dealer or a Maryland State Police Barrack.
5. On the 8th day after your application, you’ll receive an email notification about your application:
   • A “Not Disapproved” or “Initial Review Not Disapproved” means the buyer can pick up the gun.
   • “Disapproved” means what it says, and the only way to find out more is to contact the Maryland State Police.

Magazine Restriction

It’s prohibited to sell a detachable firearm magazine capable of holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition in Maryland.

However, it’s not illegal if it’s bought outside of the state.

Are private sales legal in Baltimore?

No, direct private sales of firearms are not legal in Baltimore. All private sales must go through a licensed firearms dealer, who is required to conduct a background check on the buyer.

Local Laws on Gun Sales

Maryland has preemption laws, so Baltimore can’t impose stricter regulations than the state level. So, always refer to federal and state laws.

Where to Sell Guns in Baltimore, MD

1. Cash for Arms

Cash for Arms is one of the leading nationwide buyers of firearms, offering a convenient and secure way for gun owners to sell their guns.

We have over 10,000 satisfied customers and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, making us one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Pros

• Top market prices. We offer Baltimore's best gun prices, beating most local competitors.
• Home convenience. Sell your firearms from the comfort of your home in Baltimore. This service eliminates travel and makes the selling experience as easy and stress-free as possible.
• Simplified selling experience. Our website offers a user-friendly interface for a straightforward selling process. You can sell your gun with us in three easy steps.
• Multiple selling options. You can choose quick cash offers. You can also opt for PrimeConsign gun consignment. It could earn you more from your firearm sales.
• Fast and diverse payment options. Enjoy several fast payment options. Based on your needs and urgency, select from instant options like Zelle, same-day or next-day direct deposit, or traditional checks mailed to your Baltimore address.

Cons

• Shipping Considerations. Since you have to ship your gun, you will have to wait on payment. We typically pay the day your guns arrives and offer a variety of payment methods to fit your needs. VIP Overnight Shipping is offered to ensure faster delivery, and payment.

How to Sell Your Gun to Cash for Arms from Baltimore

1. Submit your gun details on our website.
2. Accept our offer and ship your gun with our free shipping label.
3. Get paid after we receive your gun.

2. Gun Stores

Gun stores sell, and sometimes buy, guns and accessories to customers. They offer a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. They also sell ammunition, scopes, and other shooting supplies.

Gun store staff members are mostly gun specialists, so they can do a great job of inspecting your gun and give you a decent offer.

Pros

• Legal and regulated process. Gun stores must follow all federal, state, and local laws on firearm sales. This includes conducting background checks on buyers. This ensures a legal and compliant transaction.
• Knowledgeable staff. Gun store employees know a lot about firearms. They can give accurate assessments of your gun's value, condition, and features.
• Immediate payment. Most gun stores pay cash right away for your firearm.
• Potential for trade-ins. Some gun stores may let you trade in your firearm for store credit or another gun. This option provides flexibility if you want to upgrade or change your collection.

Cons

• Lower offers. Local gun stores typically offer low prices compared to specialized online platforms like Cash for Arms. You’ll need to drive around town and check each local gun shop just to get the best deal.
• Limited negotiation. Gun stores often have set prices or a limited range for negotiation. This may not always match your desired selling price, as with private sales.
• Store policies and fees. Some gun stores may have specific policies or fees associated with firearm sales.

How to Sell Your Gun to a Gun Store in Baltimore

1. Locate a reputable gun store in your area.
2. Bring your unloaded and correctly stored gun for inspection and appraisal.
3. Get an offer, but don’t accept it yet.
4. Shop around and compare all the offers you have. Go for the best deal.

3. Pawn Shops

Pawn shops offer short-term loans to customers. The loans are in exchange for personal property as collateral. Alternatively, they may buy items outright for resale. These shops often deal in a wide variety of goods, including firearms.

Pawn shops can provide quick cash. However, they offer only a fraction of an item's value as a loan. Additionally, their interest rates can be high.

Pros

• Quick access to cash. You can get paid immediately after the waiting period once you accept their offer.
• Ability to reclaim. If you plan to pawn your gun, you can reclaim it by repaying the loan plus interest.
• Convenience. There are many pawn shops in Baltimore that accept firearms.

Cons

• Getting lowballed. You can only get 40-60% of the actual market value of your gun.
• Background check. If you loaned your gun and reclaimed it, you would need to undergo a background check.
• Risk of losing the pawned gun. If you can't repay the loan on time, the pawn shop can take the gun. They can then sell it.

How to Sell Your Gun to Pawn Shops in Baltimore

1. Just like gun stores, locate a reliable pawn shop in your area.
2. Bring your unloaded and correctly stored gun for inspection and appraisal.
3. Get an offer, but don’t accept it yet.
4. Shop around and compare all the offers you have. Go for the best deal.

4. Private Sales

Private buyers are individuals who buy firearms directly from other people, not from a licensed store or dealer. This can be legal in some states.

However, selling a gun to a private buyer in Maryland is illegal. If you know someone who wants to buy your gun, you’ll have to utilize an FFL to complete the transaction. The FFL will ensure all federal and state laws are being followed and the necessary documents/background checks are done.

Conclusion

Selling a gun in Baltimore, Maryland, requires careful consideration and adherence to federal and state laws. Always exert extra effort into knowing the legalities of gun sales in your area since the law excuses no one.

If you’d rather skip the hassle of navigating the legal landscape, consider selling your guns to Cash for Arms. Selling guns to Cash for Arms is legal in all 50 states and every city in Maryland, including Baltimore.

Cash for Arms is an FFL dealer. We stand out as a top choice for many gun owners in Baltimore, MD. We offer competitive prices, a simple selling process, and fast payment options.

Click “Sell My Gun” to get an offer on your guns, or contact us at (904) 977-5477 to learn more.