How To Sell a Gun in Sacramento, California

Highlights

• California has the strictest gun laws in the country.
• All transactions must go through an FFL dealer because private gun sales are not legal in California.
• An individual must have a Firearm Safety Certificate to buy a gun (with exceptions).
• There is a 1-in-30 law that prohibits people from buying more than one gun in a 30-day period.
• If you value convenience, speed, and safety, then Cash for Arms is a great option for California residents to sell guns from the comfort of your home.

Overview of the Laws for Selling Guns in Sacramento

Local Laws for Selling a Gun in Sacramento

So, what are the specific laws for selling guns in Sacramento?

California has preemption laws. These prevent cities from making gun laws stricter than the state's. Thus, Sacramento can't enforce stricter gun-selling regulations. The city's rules can't be tougher than California's.

There are some exceptions for where you can and cannot carry firearms. However, the laws on gun sales are the same across the entire state of California.

If you're not sure about buying or selling a gun in Sacramento, consider asking your local court clerk. You can also ask local law enforcement or state police.

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State Laws for Selling a Gun in California

California has some of the most strict gun laws. Here are the relevant state laws for gun sales you should know:

1. A Firearm Safety Certificate is a requirement to buy a gun. There are some exceptions.
2. Firearm registration is required in the state of California. This applies to new guns purchased in the state and guns brought in by new residents.
3. Assault weapon ban. California does not allow the sale, manufacture, or ownership of some guns considered to be "assault weapons."
4. Large-capacity magazine restrictions apply to magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. Possession, sale, and manufacture of these magazines are illegal in California, with some exceptions.
5. A 10-day waiting period is required for all gun purchases in California. This applies to all firearm purchases, regardless of where the gun is purchased.  The waiting period is designed to allow for a thorough background check and to provide a “cooling-off” period. However, many people believe it is unconstitutional.
6. Mandatory background check. Background checks are required to buy a gun in California.  You must also go through a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL). The FFL will help you complete the necessary paperwork, including the Dealer Record of Sale (DROS).
7. You can sell to a national gun buyer like Cash for Arms. California allows you to ship your firearm to an out-of-state FFL, so you aren’t required to sell to a local gun shop or local store.
8. 1-in-30 is a law in California that restricts you from purchasing more than one gun within a 30-day period (with exceptions).
9. Transaction limits. California limits how many times you can buy, sell, or transfer guns without a license. Since January 1, 2020, people without a license can only complete 5 firearms transactions each year. You can only sell, lease, or transfer up to 50 guns in those transactions each year. For example, you can sell 10 guns in each transaction up to 5 times each year.
10. Age requirements are also important to consider. In California, you must be at least 21 to buy any gun (including long guns), but there are exceptions to this.

Federal Gun Laws for Selling Guns

You must follow all federal laws for selling a firearm.

1. Federal law requires background checks for anyone buying a gun from a dealer in the United States. The goal is to stop guns from being sold to the wrong people. Persons prohibited from owning a gun under federal law include:
   1. Convicted felons
   2. Fugitives from justice
   3. Unlawful users or addicts of controlled substances
   4. Individuals adjudicated as mental defectives or committed to mental institutions.
   5. Illegal aliens
   6. Dishonorably discharged veterans
   7. Those who have renounced U.S. citizenship
   8. Subjects of certain restraining orders
   9. Individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence
2. The National Firearm Act (NFA) was enacted by the federal government to regulate certain weapons. It is important to note that it is illegal in California to own any weapons that are considered to be NFA weapons.
3. The new ATF ‘Final Rule’ defines people who mainly aim to profit from gun sales as ‘dealers.’ People no longer need to prove it's their primary income source to be considered dealers. This means that selling guns with the intent to profit now faces new rules. While this probably doesn’t apply to you, it’s good to know. This rule is being challenged in court and will hopefully be overturned.

Options for Selling a Gun in Sacramento, CA

You have several options to sell a gun in Sacramento. You have options, whether you prioritize convenience, speed, safety, or price.

1. Sell to Cash for Arms

Cash for Arms has bought over 815 firearms from California residents. We are known as a trusted place to sell guns in strict states like California. As a federally licensed FFL, we are a safe, legal, and easy way to sell firearms in all 50 states.

What makes Cash for Arms a great way to sell guns in Sacramento, California?

Simple process

Just submit some details about your firearm. Include its make, model, and condition. Our appraisers will provide you with an offer based on current market prices.

Fair offers based on market prices

We have a staff of professional appraisers. We work hard to offer fair prices, convenience, and a simple process.  If you are unhappy with your offer or think we missed something, just let us know.

Flexible options

You can choose a cash offer for your guns. Or, you can use PrimeConsign to sell them through us at auction. This option is good if you prefer to wait and see what it sells for.

Convenient payment methods

We offer many payment options. These include instant payment through Zelle, direct deposit, or mailed checks.

Trusted and reliable

You get paid the same day we get your firearms. We have thousands of positive reviews and an A+ BBB rating. There is no safer way to sell a gun than Cash for Arms.

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2. Sell to a Local Gun Shop in Sacramento

Selling a gun to a local gun shop in Sacramento can be a good option, especially if you need money today. Gun shops typically offer more than pawn shops, so it's a good start.

Here are some tips if you decide to sell to a local gun shop:

Get multiple offers to use as a bargaining tool

We recommend getting multiple offers. You can even get a cash offer from Cash for Arms to use as leverage when negotiating with local gun shops.

Check if the shop buys used guns

Call the shop first to find out if they buy used guns. Not all gun shops buy used guns, and some are very selective about what they buy. Try to get a preliminary ballpark offer over the phone if possible, as this may save you time.

Find the best deal

Shop around to find the best deal. There are 13 gun stores in Sacramento, so you have some options. However, keep in mind that calling or visiting 13 gun shops can be a big burden on your time.

Understand the offer

Be aware that gun shops tend to offer between 40-70% of your gun's value. They may not want to buy your gun due to supply and demand, condition, or if they don't think they can resell it quickly.

Unload and secure your gun before bringing it inside

Before you go into the gun shop, you should unload your gun and store it in a secure case. Please do not bring loaded or loose firearms into gun shops.

3. Sell to a Pawn Shop

Sacramento has 20 pawn shops, but not all of them buy guns. A pawn shop needs an FFL to buy your gun legally. They also tend to offer even lower prices than gun stores - typically 30-60%.

Here are some quick tips if you're thinking of selling a gun to a pawn shop:

Call the pawn shop to ask if they buy guns

Make sure the pawn shop has a valid FFL before selling or pawning your gun.

Try to get a ballpark quote over the phone

Save time by getting quotes over the phone from multiple pawn shops.

Expect lower offers for your guns

Pawn shops typically offer less for guns than dedicated gun stores.

Risks of pawning a gun

If pawning, you'll need to pass a background check to reclaim your gun after repaying the loan. There's a risk of losing your gun if you can't repay.

Bring documents

Have your ID and gun registration ready to ensure a smooth transaction.

Unload and secure your gun before bringing it to the pawn shop

Before entering the pawn shop, you should unload your gun and store it in a secure case. Don't bring loaded or loose firearms into pawn shops.

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As a rule of thumb, pawn shops should be a last resort. Explore selling to gun stores or online platforms like Cash for Arms for potentially better deals and a simpler process.

4. Sell to a Private Party

Private gun sales are illegal in Sacramento. But, if you have someone who wants to buy your gun, you can complete the transaction through an FFL. The FFL will ensure all state and federal regulations are being followed.

Here are some helpful tips to sell a gun to an unlicensed buyer in Sacramento:

Do your due diligence on the buyer

Even though the FFL will do a background check, it's smart to get to know the buyer. This will help you feel comfortable with the sale.

Keep a bill of sale

Complete a firearm bill of sale with buyer info, gun specifics, and price. This protects you legally and documents the transaction for you.

Find an FFL that is willing to do the transfer at the FFL

Before completing the sale, find an FFL willing to do the transfer and discuss their fees. In Sacramento, transfer fees vary from $60 to $200, so checking in advance is important. Decide who will cover the fee, you or the buyer.  Then, plan to meet the buyer at the FFL's place for a safe, legal transfer.

Be prepared with the required documents

Bring your ID, the gun's registration, and any other documents the FFL asks for.

Consider online platforms as an alternative

If you don't want to sell to an unlicensed buyer, consider selling your gun to an online FFL like Cash for Arms. We handle the whole process and cover the shipping cost, and our license protects you. It's easy and safe to sell a gun to an FFL, and it is a good option for those who don't want to sell to a private party.

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Conclusion

Now you know how to sell a gun in Sacramento, California. Be sure to follow all federal and state laws. California's strict regulations can make understanding gun sale laws difficult to comprehend.

If you want a hassle-free process to save yourself the headache, try using Cash for Arms.