Welcome to the forum. 

You have quite a collection. 


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Howdy all, there was an interesting discussion on another thread that I wanted to share to get others' perspectives on. The topic was, requiring a Bill of Sale or ID when completing a private sale.

In my case, I exchange information as a measure of caution. At the very least, I can show that I made a sale on a date and that the item is no longer in my control. Is action may be unfounded in the law? A complete waste of effort? Does it dilute the 2A rights?

 One actual event that shaped my position was when we sold a car that was later found on the side of the road by the police. They wanted to hold me responsible for towing and violations and toll violations.

The only item that saved me was a signed BOS proving that I no longer owned the car. The new owner never registered the car in his name.

It would be interesting to hear what others do when completing a private sale and why.

It has taken me a bit to respond to the BOS discussions because I wanted to respond rather than react.

The discussion around requiring a BOS and individuals' beliefs could be intriguing in the general discussion area. In response to your comment, I could offer some situations and scenarios where I have not asked for personal information or even walked away from a deal. I follow my intuition and conscience.

Now, if anyone is interested in my R9, it is still for sale, and I will lower the price by a hundred bones. Any lower, the temptation to keep and carry it becomes strong.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Thanks Duane.

You have given me a lot to think about.  From my personal experience, there has always been two copies of any documented transaction.  I might could deal with it if the other party did not have any of the information.  From how you explained it, no need for a BOS in Florida.  I don't think Texas is much different.

Hey Mike,

Interesting.  You know I am a lawyer too...

Here is the thing about that, at least in Florida.  You don't have any liability for what happens to a gun as long as you sell it to a Florida resident.  You have no responsibility other than to ensure they are a Florida resident and an adult, which you can do by seeing a drivers license. 

Especially if you bought the gun new, the paper trail is only to you.  I'd rather have a paper trail to show I sold it legitimately rather than have them just have to take my word for it.

Ideally, you get the bill of sale and you don't give the buyer a copy.  Then the bill of sale is defensive only, and it will never come up unless you want it to. 

To be completely honest with you, I much prefer to avoid the whole issue and only sell to dealers, or through dealers.  Yes, I take a hit on "profitability," but then I have no legal, ethical, or moral responsibility for whoever takes possession of the gun next.   That's just me -- and I'm not saying anyone else has to do that.

-Duane