Options for Selling a Gun in Bristol
Cash for Arms
Cash for Arms is a federally licensed gun dealer or FFL that operates in all 50 US states. We’re known for fast and satisfying service, which you can see in our 4.9-star rating on Google Reviews.
Our process also allows people to sell guns without leaving their homes. You can get an offer from us within hours online and even get us to arrange pickup of the firearm.
Local Dealers
Local firearm dealers or FFLs can also buy used guns. Examples are Sportsmen’s Outpost in Wolcott and TGS in Waterbury. Even some pawn shops will buy used pieces (but at very low prices).
The main reason to go to local dealers is just for payment up-front and the chance to go to a physical store. If you want a good price, however, it’s often better to go with other options.
Private Parties
A private party is a buyer who isn’t an FFL. In Bristol, you usually find these by going to gun clubs or ranges. You can also find them online or by advertising in local media.
Private gun sales have a lot of requirements. This is often the highest-effort and slowest sale option for gun sellers in the city. In return, it often yields buyers who may be more open to negotiating terms than local shops.
Note that for a private gun sale to be legal, an FFL has to process it. This means you have to pay an FFL to handle the paperwork and other legalities of the sale.
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Bristol Gun Laws
When selling firearms here, you have to follow both federal and local laws. Here’s a list of references if you want to go over the exact texts yourself:
- Connecticut Judicial Library list of CT firearm laws
- ATF list of Connecticut firearm laws
- CT DESPP Pistol permit rules
- Federal Gun Control Act (GCA)
- National Firearms Act (NFA)
Age
Buyers need to be at least 18 to buy a long gun and 21 to buy a handgun in Connecticut, as per Conn. Gen. Stat. 29-37a and Conn. Gen. Stat. 29-36f.
ID
Buyers need to provide a state-issued ID to prove their identity and residency in Connecticut.
Disqualified Buyers
You can’t sell guns to people like convicted felons and anyone else on the GCA prohibited persons list. Some people are also prohibited due to Connecticut law, including these:
- People subject to firearms seizure orders
- Delinquents convicted of serious juvenile offenses
- People found not guilty of a crime due to mental disease or defect in Connecticut in the past 20 years
Background Check
All gun buyers in Bristol need to undergo a background check. It typically costs $20 at an FFL.
FFL Transfers
A licensed gun dealer or FFL has to process a gun sale for it to be legal in Bristol. If you’re not selling to an FFL like Cash for Arms, this means you have to meet your private buyer at an FFL’s establishment (like a gun shop). The FFL will process the sale for you.
Connecticut Eligibility Certificate
Connecticut requires buyers to show either of these:
- Connecticut Handgun Carry Permit
- Eligibility Certificate to Purchase Pistols or Revolvers if buying a handgun
- Eligibility Certificate to Purchase Long Guns for rifles and shotguns
You can find the forms to get all relevant permits here or request them from the DESPP (Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection) at 860-685-8290.
Waiting Period
There is no waiting period for gun sales in Bristol.
Prohibited Guns
Connecticut prohibits the sale of assault weapons, machine guns, large-capacity magazines (mags with 10+ rounds), ghost guns, and the Barrett Light-Fifty Model 82A1. The state defines that Barrett gun model as an assault weapon.
Gun Purchase Limit
Buyers can only purchase 3 handguns at most per month in Bristol.
Sell Your Gun with Ease in Bristol
Ultimately, the main ways to sell a gun in Bristol, CT would be to sell to an FFL or a private party via an FFL (who manages the sale processing, background check, and paperwork).
If you want the easiest method for most people, consider selling to Cash for Arms. We can handle it all and let you sell online, so you won’t even need to go through hoops for the sale. We even provide a consignment service if you’d prefer that.
To get a free quote now, contact us through our site or at 904-977-5477.