Rules on buying from individuals

[JamesDuncan]

To save a few $, I'd like to buy either a pistol or a shotgun -- used.

Is their a condensed "Buying from a private party FAQ"?

I've three concerns and questions:
1) Staying legal -- I've begun looking through much of the gun legislation, but it's obtuse.
2) Staying safe -- Where should I meet someone? At a gunsmith? Retail store that sells guns?
3) Getting a fair deal -- Should I ask for an appraisal/pre-purchase inspection and pay for it, like I would a car? How do I ensure what I buy is fairly priced for its condition?

Thank you!

[OakRidgeStars]

#1: The law is very obtuse, but here's the basics...
1A: You both must be legal residents of Virginia. Most people will ask to see a VA D/L, voter card, concealed handgun permit, etc. Both parties have the burden to verify this information.
1B: A bill of sale is always a good idea for CYA. There is no legal requirement, it's just a common sense thing. You can find a bill of sale form posted in this thread. http://vagunforum.net/firearms-for-sale ... e-t20.html

#2: Always meet in a public place. I call this the Craigslist rule.

#3: Momma told me, you gotta shop around. Web searches are your friend here. And, feel free to ask the friendly folks here at VGOF. We hardly ever bite.

[JamesDuncan]

Sage advice!

Would you suggest I insist on taking photos (ie. with a cell phone's digital camera) of their proof of VA residency? I think this would make me nervous (privacy issues even more than gun registration issues), but seems logical.

[jdonovan]

You want a signed bill of sale that you can keep, no problem. Look at my ID's sure, all good.

if you start wanting pictures of me, copy of ID's etc... I'm likely to walk away from the deal.

a deal - know what you are buying, and what it sells for. gunbroker is a good place to get a pulse of the current market pricing. Make sure you look for the completed adds, that had bids... know what ask vs sell price is.