Rifle transfer question...

[crowell33]

Hi all,

Have a question. I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but I just want to make sure.

Here's the situation:

I've worked out a trade with someone who lives in Maryland. The type of firearms are irrelevant, but I'm trading a rifle I have for a rifle he has. Obviously we have to go through an FFL, as it's across state lines, but HOW exactly do we do? Do we have to go to an FFL in Maryland to do the transfer for his rifle, then go to another FFL in Virginia for mine?

Is this making any sense?

Thanks for the help!

[crowell33]

I found this on the ATF website. I assume when they're talking about "licensee," they mean an FFL dealer.


A person may only acquire a firearm within the person’s own State, except that he or she may purchase or otherwise acquire a rifle or shotgun, in person, at a licensee’s premises in any State, provided the sale complies with State laws applicable in the State of sale and the State where the purchaser resides. A person may borrow or rent a firearm in any State for temporary use for lawful sporting purposes.

[OakRidgeStars]

Do we have to go to an FFL in Maryland to do the transfer for his rifle, then go to another FFL in Virginia for mine?

That is correct. The Maryland FFL will ship to the VA FFL of your choosing. Each FFL will charge a fee for their services, plus shipping.

You will fill out the necessary background check paperwork when you pickup the rifle at the VA FFL.

[scrubber3]

The type of firearm does matter very much. If it is considered an evil "assault rifle" or pistol by maryland's standards, the Maryland resident will be waiting for well over a month before they get to take it home.

Just be sure you both have the proper IDs to proceed with the BG checks.

[2k05gt]

This is true ^^^

Maryland passed new laws banning Magazine capacity and if it's an Tactical rifle (M4 Clone) the barrel must be a "heavy" Barrel (After Oct 1st 2013),
the Government Type Profiles are illegal (some thing about grenade launcher attachment) anyway the Rifle type matters.

Check out Quantico Tactical they do person to person transfers for $2.00. Make sure you make a bill of sale listing the firearm and serial number
to protect yourself. Make copies and both seller and Buyer sign it.
Have two forms of ID and or a utility bill if the address is different from your DL. (This is for both parties)

[wally626]

Do we have to go to an FFL in Maryland to do the transfer for his rifle, then go to another FFL in Virginia for mine?

That is correct. The Maryland FFL will ship to the VA FFL of your choosing. Each FFL will charge a fee for their services, plus shipping.

You will fill out the necessary background check paperwork when you pickup the rifle at the VA FFL.

Assuming the rifles you are trading are legal in MD, you can just go to one FFL in either MD or VA to do the trade. Interstate transfers do require the use of an FFL but for rifles or shotguns it does not have to be in your home state. You can also drive the rifle to the FFL if you wish. If you are going to MD to do the trade you may want to check into the transport laws in MD first. If both come to VA transporting an unloaded rifle to a gun store is legal as long as it is cased or in a locked trunk.

[SilentServiceVet]

This is true ^^^

Maryland passed new laws banning Magazine capacity and if it's an Tactical rifle (M4 Clone) the barrel must be a "heavy" Barrel (After Oct 1st 2013),
the Government Type Profiles are illegal (some thing about grenade launcher attachment) anyway the Rifle type matters.

Check out Quantico Tactical they do person to person transfers for $2.00. Make sure you make a bill of sale listing the firearm and serial number
to protect yourself. Make copies and both seller and Buyer sign it.
Have two forms of ID and or a utility bill if the address is different from your DL. (This is for both parties)

Scott, that's correct if both parties are VA residents. Won't work for the OP's intent here, unless I'm misunderstanding your post.

To the OP, Quantico Tactical has the lowest FFL transfer rate I've found in the area (for future reference when ordering online or from out-of-state). When I have lowers shipped to me, I have them sent to QT. They charge $15 to receive and $2 for state background check. So, keep them in mind. Doubt there's anybody else around cheaper than $17 for FFL transfers. So, I would echo Scott's comment and suggest you do the transfer (shipping your firearm to MD and receiving the other firearm from Maryland) via QT. Also, can't say for sure the exact cost to ship the firearm to MD via QT, but I'm sure it's likewise reasonably priced.