Who Buys Used Guns? A Comprehensive Guide for Sellers

Selling a Used Gun to an Online Gun Broker

Online bun buyers have become more prominent in today’s online world. While selling to an online gun dealer may seem uncomfortable, we’re here to explain how it works!

Before you sell to an online broker, check if they have an FFL (Federal Firearms License). You can use the ATF’s online verification tool to verify that the dealer is legit. We also recommend reading reviews to see what others say about their experience selling their guns with the dealer.

To get an accurate offer, give the dealer as much detail about your gun as possible. Also, include pictures that show all its unique features. When shipping your gun, be sure to pack it carefully and make sure it’s unloaded. Some states/carriers require shipping ammo separately as well.

Selling a Gun to Cash for Arms

Cash for Arms is a national FFL that buys guns in all 50 states. Here's how it works:

1. Provide your gun’s details
2. Get a no-obligation cash offer
3. Accept the offer and carefully ship your gun with a prepaid label
4. Get paid the day we receive your gun

Which Brick-and-Mortar Retailers Buy Used Guns?

When selling a gun to a local store, be sure to follow local laws on transportation, safe storage, and any documentation required. Like with online gun dealers, we recommend making sure the physical store also has an FFL.

Before bringing the gun into the store, call ahead and give them a heads-up. Don’t just show up with a gun. This will also help you weed out stores that won’t buy used guns. When bringing the gun in, make sure it’s unloaded and secured, and store the ammo separately. Let the store employees open and clear the gun to appraise it.

Selling a Used Gun to Cabela's

Cabela's has about 70 stores across the US. Not all of them buy guns, but many do! Here's how it works:

1. Bring your gun to the store. Make sure it's not loaded and safely stored.
2. They'll look at your gun and tell you how much they'll pay.
3. You can choose to take their offer or not.

Selling a Used Gun to Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops has nearly 100 stores across the US. While not every location buys used guns, many do. Since Bass Pro Shops bought out Cabela’s in 2017, the process for selling a gun is the same:

1. Bring in your unloaded gun.
2. They'll look at it and make an offer.
3. You can choose to take the offer or not.

Selling a Used Gun to Sportsman's Warehouse

Sportsman's Warehouse was founded in 1986 with 56 stores across 18 states. If you have one near you, here's how selling a gun to Sportsman’s Warehouse works:

1. Call ahead to make sure they buy guns
2. Bring your gun to the store for them to look at.
3. Choose how you want to get paid: cash, gift card, or trade-in for a new gun.

Selling a Used Gun to Scheel’s

Scheel’s is an employee-owned sporting goods store that is located in 14 states including North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Nevada, Illinois, Utah, Kansas, Colorado, Texas, and Arizona. If you have one near you, here's what to do:

1. Call the store first to see if they buy guns. Not all of them do.
2. If they do, bring in your gun for them to look at.
3. Get an offer and choose a payment or trade-in option.

Selling Guns to Local Gun Shops

There are 78,000 licensed dealers across the country, many of which are gun shops. While there won’t be that many in your immediate proximity, there are still likely to be several near you. Here's how selling a gun to a local gun shop usually works:

1. Find a local gun shop that buys guns
2. Bring in your gun for them to look at.
3. They'll make you an offer.
4. You can choose to take the offer or not.
5. Some gun shops offer consignment options as well.

Selling Guns to Pawn Shops

Pawn shops should be the last resort when selling a gun. They typically offer the lowest prices and the ones that buy guns are few and far between. Some states, like Rhode Island, don’t allow pawn shops to buy guns. Here's how selling a gun to a pawn shop works:

1. Find a pawn shop near you that buys guns
2. Bring in your gun—unloaded and secured
3. They'll make you an offer
4. You can take the offer or try somewhere else

Tips for Getting the Best Value

1. Look up how much your gun is worth before you try to sell it. Get it appraised by an expert to help.
2. Clean your gun and make it look nice before you show it to buyers. This can help increase the value
3. Take good pictures of your gun, and be sure to include any unique features of your gun.
4. Don’t take the first offer; shop around and find the best deal for your gun.

Conclusion

There are many ways to sell your used gun, but knowing where to sell a gun is crucial. Online brokers like Cash for Arms can offer good prices and easy selling. Big stores like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops are trusted but might not pay as much for your used gun. Local gun shops and pawn shops can be quick but might not give the best prices.

Remember to always follow the law when selling guns. Selling to an FFL is one of the safest ways to sell your gun. If you're not sure about something, ask an expert or a lawyer.

Ready to sell your gun now? Contact us or give us a call at 904-977-5477.