Highlights
- Private gun sales are legal in Oregon, but must be done with an FFL.
- When transferring a gun, it must be secured with a trigger lock or a locked container.
- There are no waiting periods when buying a gun in Oregon.
- Cash for Arms offers a safe and legal way for Oregon residents to sell their guns from their homes.
Step 1: Know Oregon’s State Gun Laws
You must be aware of all federal and state laws when selling a gun in Oregon. Ask yourself these questions before you try to sell your gun:
Are private gun sales legal in Oregon?
Private sales are legal in Oregon, however, they must be done with an Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). The FFL will conduct the necessary background checks and reporting required for gun transfers in Oregon. Exceptions include gun transfers to family members.
What background checks are required when selling a gun in Oregon?
The Firearms Instant Check System (FICS) is required on almost all gun purchases in Oregon. The background check is conducted by Oregon State Police (OSP) and they will provide an approval number to the FFL upon clearance. This FICS will include the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
Are there waiting periods in Oregon to buy a gun?
No. Oregon does not require any waiting periods to buy a gun. Once you purchase a gun, you can take it home the same day.
Are there ID requirements for buying/selling a gun in Oregon?
Yes. The buyer and seller must provide a valid ID with their photo, date of birth, and address. The buyer will need a second ID if the primary ID doesn’t have an address. A thumbprint may be required on some sales. The person buying must be an Oregon state resident.
Does Oregon require a gun permit?
No, Oregon does not require a permit to purchase. Motion 114, which required a permit to purchase, was repealed and labeled unconstitutional.
Does Oregon have a gun registry?
Technically, no. Oregon doesn’t have an official state registry, however, OSP keeps records of almost all gun transaction records for 5 years. When transferring the gun, the seller must also fill out a Register of Transfer of Used Firearm form with the FFL.
Who isn’t allowed to buy a gun in Oregon?
- Anyone under 18 years old (21 for handguns)
- Convicted Felons
- Anyone who was committed to a mental health illness institution
- Anyone with a mental health illness who was given an order prohibiting gun ownership
- Anyone with a restraining, stalking, or protection order
- Anyone addicted to a controlled substance
- Illegal Aliens
- Anyone Dishonorably Discharged from the military
- Anyone who has renounced their US citizenship
- Anyone convicted of a violent misdemeanor in the last 4 years
Does Oregon Require Gun Safety Devices During transfer?
Oregon State requires the gun being transferred to be secured with a trigger lock or in a locked container, according to OSP 166.400.
Step 2: Prepare Your Gun for Sale
If you want the best deal for your gun, ensure it’s in the best condition. A firearm that is clean and in excellent condition is more appealing to a buyer than one in poor condition.
Be able to accurately describe your gun.
Know its make, model, caliber, and if there are any modifications. While many accessories don’t typically add much value, some can impact the value greatly. Knowing as much information about your gun up-front will ensure a smoother transaction.
Set your price range
Do research on the market value of your gun. You can check out different sites like GunBroker and see what guns similar to yours are being sold for. You can also get a free appraisal at Cash for Arms to help determine the current market value of your gun.
Step 3: Choose a method for selling your gun in Oregon
1. Sell to Cash for Arms
Cash for Arms buys guns legally in all 50 states, including Oregon. Submit your gun online to us and get a cash offer in a few hours. We cover all the shipping costs and you get your payment the day we get the gun.
Benefits of selling to Cash for Arms:
- Fair prices
- Sell from home
- Simple process
We offer options to fit your needs. You can take a quick cash offer or try to get a higher price through PrimeConsign. We pay by Zelle, direct deposit, or mailed check, whichever works best for you.
For non-local sellers, we pay the same day we get your gun. It's a fast, safe, and legal way to sell guns in Oregon without ever leaving the comfort of your home.
Best Practices for Selling Your Gun to Cash for Arms:
- Provide as much detail as you can for your gun. Include the make, model, and condition of your gun, and our appraisers will give you an offer based on its current market value.
- Decide ahead of time which payment option works best for you. As soon as we receive your gun, you’ll get paid that day. To avoid delays, go ahead and pick the best option for you.
- Check out our reviews. With thousands of positive reviews and an A+ BBB rating, Cash for Arms is a reliable choice for selling your gun safely and legally.
- If you have a large gun collection, use our liquidation services to get the best value for your guns.
2. Sell Your Gun to a Local Gun Shop in Oregon
Selling to a licensed gun shop near you can be a convenient option if you’re looking to get cash the same day. Gun shops will generally offer better prices than pawn shops and are a good place to start when trying to determine the value of your gun.
Benefits of Selling a Gun to a Gun Shop
- You can get same-day payment
- They typically offer better prices than a pawn shop
- Some shops offer the ability to trade in your gun for a new one
Best Practices for Selling to a Gun Shop in Oregon
Get multiple offers!
We suggest getting quotes from various gun shops to try to get the best price for your gun. You can even use Cash for Arms to get an initial offer and have the gun shop try to beat it.
Check to see if the gun shop buys used guns.
Not all gun shops will buy used guns, and if they do, they can be selective about the guns they buy. Try to call around before you go into the shops to save yourself time.
Understand the offer
Note that gun shops will typically offer between 40 and 70% of your gun’s value. Depending on your gun’s condition, the supply and demand for the area, or if they don’t think they’ll be able to resell it, they may not want to buy your gun.
Unload your gun and keep it secure when bringing it to a gun store
Most gun shops will want your gun unloaded and secured in a case before you bring it inside. You can leave your gun locked securely in your car and let the shop employees know ahead of time that you are bringing your gun inside. But please don’t bring a loaded and loose gun into a gun shop.
3. Sell Your Gun to a Pawn Shop in Oregon
Pawn shops are an option when trying to get quick cash for your gun, but know that they tend to offer the lowest prices. Typically, a pawn shop, if they buy guns, will generally offer 30–60% of your gun’s value.
Benefits of Selling a Gun to a Pawn Shop
- You can get paid that day
- If you need quick cash, you can pawn your gun and then pay back the loan to get your gun back.
Best Practices for Selling to a Pawn Shop
Check to see if the pawn shop buys guns first
Not all pawn shops will buy guns. The pawn shop will need a Type 2 FFL so be sure to check before selling or pawning your gun.
Try to get a quote over the phone first
Before driving around, try to save time by calling ahead and see if they’ll give a quote over the phone from multiple pawn shops.
Decide the minimum price you’re willing to accept
Pawn shops usually offer the lowest amounts for guns compared to gun shops. If you know the minimum price you’re willing to accept beforehand, it can save you some time and help determine if a pawn shop is the way to go.
Are you pawning or selling your gun?
If you’re pawning your gun, you will have to go through the same steps you would if you were buying the gun again. Once you repay the loan, you’ll have to go through a background check again. You also risk losing the gun if you can’t repay the loan.
Bring all necessary documents
Have your ID and gun paperwork ready to go. This will ensure the transaction runs smoothly. If you are planning to pawn, make sure you have your “permit to purchase” as well.
Bring the gun unloaded and secured
Similarly to a gun shop, you should always make sure your gun is unloaded and secured before bringing it into a pawn shop.
4. Sell Your Gun to a Private Party in Oregon
Private gun sales are legal in Oregon if you conduct the sale with an FFL. If you know someone who wants to buy your gun, you can sell it to them with the help of an FFL. All gun transactions must go through an FFL and they will ensure all state and federal laws are being followed.
Benefits of Selling to an Unlicensed Buyer
- You have more control over the price you get for your gun
- Once you have a buyer, the FFL will handle the background check and sale process
Best practices for selling a gun to an unlicensed buyer in Oregon
Screen your buyer
While the FFL will be doing necessary background checks, it’s a good rule of thumb to know who you’re selling a gun to.
Keep the Bill of Sale
The FFL will fill out a firearm bill of sale during the transaction. Make sure you keep a copy of it to protect you legally. It will document the buyer’s information, gun details, price, and transaction.
Choose an FFL willing to help you
Using an FFL is required to sell your gun, but this can come at a cost. The background check will be $10 and then the FFL will also charge a transfer fee. The transfer fee can vary, so we would recommend calling around. You and the buyer should decide ahead of time who will be covering the cost.
Bring the necessary documents
Bring your ID and any paperwork the FFL asks for.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can responsibly sell your firearm in compliance with Oregon's laws and promote a safe and legal transfer process. If you value your time, consider selling your gun with Cash for Arms for a fast, easy, and legal transaction.
Remember, always check the most current laws and regulations when planning to sell your gun in Oregon. If you aren’t sure of something, check with your local clerk of court or law enforcement. We hope this guide has helped clarify the process, so you can approach your firearm sale with confidence and peace of mind.