Do Pawn Shops Buy Guns or Should You Sell Elsewhere?

Can You Sell a Gun to a Pawn Shop?

You can sell a gun to a pawn shop if the shop has a Type 02 FFL (federal firearms license) and you follow all applicable laws in the transaction. 

How do you know if a pawn shop has a Type 02 FFL? It will advertise that it buys or sells guns. It will also state that it purchases firearms if you inquire. 

The Exception: New Jersey

Do pawn shops buy guns everywhere in the US?

No, because right now, you can’t sell a gun to a pawn shop in New Jersey. 

This is because of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-11, which says: 

• ‍Any pawnbroker who sells, offers to sell or to lend or to give away any weapon, destructive device or explosive is guilty of a crime of the third degree. 
• Any person who loans money, the security for which is any handgun, rifle or shotgun is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

Simply, New Jersey pawn shops don’t buy guns because they can’t sell them.

How to Sell a Gun to a Pawn Shop

This is the process for selling a gun to a pawn shop:

1. Offer the gun. Bring the clean, unloaded gun to the pawn shop and let them appraise it.
2. Negotiate. Pawn shops often make very low offers. Use competing ones to negotiate. Get one from us by submitting your gun details here!
3. Accept their offer. Once you’re happy with the offer, take it and sell the gun for cash.

This process applies to most of the US. Whether you’re asking how to sell a gun to a pawn shop in Texas or in Florida, it should be much the same.

What Do I Need to Sell a Gun at Pawn Shop?

You only need valid ID and the unloaded gun to sell it at a pawn shop.

You can bring the gun’s original papers, box, and accessories too but they’re not required.

How Much Do Pawn Shops Pay for Guns?

Pawn shops typically pay only 30% to 50% of a gun’s value. They’ll pay even less if they can.

Why do pawn shops pay so little for guns? Because they buy them to resell them. A lower purchase price means bigger profit in resale. 

Pawning vs. Selling a Gun

Pawn shops also allow you to pawn guns if you don’t want to sell outright. Here’s the difference:

Selling a Gun to a Pawnbroker

When you sell a gun, you’re permanently transferring ownership to the buyer (the pawn shop). 

You can usually get more money for your gun this way than from pawning – but still less than what you’d get from selling to buyers like Cash for Arms.

Pawning a Gun to a Pawnbroker

When pawning a firearm, you’re using the gun as collateral for a loan. The transfer of ownership from you to the buyer (the pawn shop) is temporary. 

This is because you intend to reclaim the firearm by repaying the loan within a set timeframe. Once you repay the loan, you can reclaim the gun.

Pros and Cons of Selling Guns to a Pawn Shop

Like any transaction, selling your gun to a pawn shop has its advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Accessibility. Pawn shops are often found all over cities.
• Up-front Payment. Receive payment fast, usually in cash.
• Option to Pawn. You can use your gun as collateral for a loan instead of selling it.

Cons

• Low Prices. Pawn shops pay very little for used guns.
• Resale Risk. If you pawn the gun, there's a deadline for reclaiming it.
• Lack of Expertise. Staff may lack expertise for accurate gun appraisal.

Alternatives to Pawn Shops for Selling Guns

Want to know where to sell guns legally if not at a pawn shop? Here are other options:

• Cash for Arms - You can sell to us without even leaving home. We pay top-dollar, do all the work, and pay for shipping.
• Gun shops - Local shops give you in-person sales and can pay a little more than pawn shops (but still less than Cash for Arms).
• Gun listing platforms - GunBroker and ArmsList let you sell to private buyers if you’re willing to put in time and effort.
• Consignment services - Gun shops that buy guns can often market your gun for you in exchange for a share of the profit. Check our own consignment rates!

Is It Better to Sell a Gun to a Pawn Shop or Gun Store?

It depends on your goals, but it's usually better to sell a gun to a gun store than a pawn shop because they often pay a little more. On the other hand, pawn shops offer the option to pawn.

If you want a better option than both, consider Cash for Arms. We generally pay more than both and are just as fast.

Conclusion

While pawn shops offer a quick and convenient way to sell your guns, they pay only a fraction of the gun's actual value.

Consider pawn shops as a last resort. There are better alternatives that can offer greater valuation for your guns.

For the best deals, consider reaching out to Cash for Arms. Text or call us at (904) 977-5477 for more information and assistance.