We buy and appraise firearms. Licensed Gun Dealer Serving Maine since 1997
Estate Firearms Collections Wanted. We buy Guns.
Located at 681 Bog Road Hermon, Maine only a few miles from Bangor
PURCHASING AND APPRAISAL SERVICES
We buy firearms including complete estate collections.
The owner has 30+ years experience and is a collector as well. No one in the Bangor area has our knowledge.
​
*** MOST INTERESTED IN THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ***
- Historical & Antique firearms
- Colt
- Winchester
- Marlin
- Smith & Wesson
- Military firearms and militaria collectibles such as helmets, bayonets, edged weapons, holsters and web gear, inert dummy ordnance and artillery shells, ammunition, ammunition containers, and more from:
Revolutionary War
War of 1812
Civil War
Spanish American War
WWI
WWII
Korean War
Vietnam War
Highest Prices Paid for Antique, Old, Collectible, and Military Firearms!
​
****WHY SELL GUNS TO US?***
​
- 30+ Years Experience
- Honest Values
- Helpful
- Trustworthy
- You only deal with the owner
- We will buy it all
- If you have a small collection of around 10 guns (or less), ammo and accessories you will not need an appointment I will work you in.
- Appointments if needed (available before opening or right after closing M-F or weekends when I am not open see hours page)
- We respect your privacy
- We can come to you depending on the amount you have, the quality of the collection, and the distance I need to drive. (collections only)
- We are a licensed firearms dealer
- Experienced in dealing with large collections
- We want to preserve history (If a firearm has a story or documentation we will keep it with the firearm. Such as your relatives military documents, diaries, and bring back items )
- The owner has knowledge in antiques and other items of value
- The owner collects all sorts of antiques (gun related or not), military items, and firearms so he has broad knowledge even non gun related items.
- Some items in Fred's collection are loaned to museums for display. Always looking for more items.
Located in Hermon, Maine only 3 miles from Bangor
WALK-INS WELCOME OR WE CAN COME TO YOU
We offer fair prices on used guns whether we buy or take your firearm in on trade. We give a higher value for your trade or guns we buy.
Located only a few miles from Bangor and Brewer area. We are located in Hermon, Maine on the Bog Road. Only 3 miles from Bangor. 9 tenths miles off US Route 2.
We will buy one gun or a whole estate collection. 1 or 300 we will buy them all. Whether you want to thin out what you have, need money to pay bills, or a relative passed away and you are over whelmed let Fred help you. He will help you in any way he can to make the process go smoothly. He has more knowledge than just firearms (antiques, military items, tools, signage, fishing & hunting items, old toys, vintage snowmobiles, and more) so he might be able to help you with the value of other items as well even though he may or may not want to purchase them. See some of the items he collects on Instagram or Pintrest. He cares about preserving history and shares his collection with others by posting pictures of the items online and displaying items in his gun shop. See the About Us page on this website.''
​
If you have unwanted guns or gun parts, We buy new, used, military, commercial, foreign, domestic, and machine gun parts. Broken rifles, shotguns, and handguns are also of value depending on desirability and our ability to salvage useful parts.We will help anyway we can. Having to deal with possessions of someone that has passed away can be overwhelming. Some are scared of guns in the house. Some are afraid that there maybe loaded guns in the house. Fred can help you no matter the time it takes or the mess you are dealing with. He will respect your privacy and your property. Honesty and fairness is very important.
​
Law Enforcement:
We also purchase seized firearms from evidence rooms of law enforcement agencies. This helps the departments to buy needed gear and equipment for their officers.
​
​
Avoid pawn shops, cash shops, or buyers of gold & guns that will offer you very little for your items. Beware of those that offer you cash for your collection but do not give you the actual retail value of each firearm up front. They could be ripping you off. They should show you a current values book and show you current ended online auctions. I know what other shops have offered customers for guns. Beware of selling a firearms collection to private individuals without researching what you have first. I have many customers come in and sell guns to me that bought them from a widow or someone that needed to sell their collection due to health or financial reasons. They will come here and get 300 dollars for something they paid 100 for and there is still room for profit. I see this all the time. I am not saying all people are like that but if you don't know what you have go to someone that does and you know you can trust. There are no employees to deal with that only are allowed to give you 50% of the value of your firearm. You only deal with the owner Fred with 25yrs of experience and no one else.
Auction houses can charge 15% - 25% in sellers fees and 15% or higher in buyers fees. Always consider this when taking something to auction. As a seller you need to consider this. Buyers may not bid as high knowing there are fees involved. Some items never go for the expected selling price. It depends on if two or more people want the same item and bid against each other or not. There maybe another item that is just like yours but in better condition you will get less bids. Fred will take this risk when he purchases items. Sometimes he has to list items several times in auctions before he sells the item for the price he wants.
Fred will research what you have by using a library of books, online searches, current prices guides and recent ended online auctions. The market is always changing and sometimes even the current blue books are low and sometimes they are high. Fred is also a collector as well so he knows what his customers will pay for firearms. If he doesn't know what he is looking at he will research the firearm and contact other experts to help. Fred will give you a fair and honest price. Large shops will not give you a fair price for your items. Large shops need big profits so they will not give you as much for your firearms. Since we have low overhead we work off lower profit margins so we will give you more for your firearms.
BEWARE SOME OF THOSE THAT ARE ADVERTISING THAT THEY BUY AND APPRAISE GUNS BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE.
SOME MAY HAVE A BUSINESS BUT DO NOT HAVE A LICENSE OR LOST IT DUE TO A FAILED INSPECTION. DON'T LET YOUR GUNS FALL INTO THE WRONG HANDS.
ASK THEM FOR A COPY OF THEIR LICENSE.
GO TO THE FFL EZ CHECK WEBSITE TO MAKE SURE THEY HAVE A VALID FFL.
https://fflezcheck.atf.gov/FFLEzCheck/
TRADING IN A FIREARM?
Please note when considering trading in a firearm we do not take in every firearm that walks in th door. It depends on what we have in stock, if it is a hard to sell model, a firearm that is known to have problems or a recall, the time of year, and the condition of the firearm. Firearms that we are highly likely to take in are old, antique, vintage, or military firearms. Older lever action rifles. Older Colt, Ruger or Smith revolvers. Pre 64 firearms. We do take newer production firearms but it depends on what you have. WE DO NOT BUY ***No modern muzzleloaders, reproduction firearms, sporterized firearms, firearms with upgraded or modified triggers, AR15's or AR10's that are not factory made (No individually made, locally or non locally made custom AR's), handguns with stippled or modified frames, firearms with non factory Cerakoted or Duracoated finish, Jennings firearms, Bryco firearms, Benelli firearms, Stoeger firearms, Kimber firearms, reloaded ammunition, used optics or bows please*** (We only make exceptions when buying estate collections) When dealing with buying estate collections we will BUY EVERYTHING including parts guns, parts and accessories.
​
Free firearm and militaria appraisals in the state of Maine.
I will research what you have by using a library of books, online searches, current prices guides, recent ended online auctions, and years of experience. The market is always changing and sometimes even the current blue books are low and sometimes they are high. As collector as well so I know what my customers will pay for firearms. If there is something I am not familiar with I will take the time to research the firearm or collectable and contact other experts to help if needed. I will give you a an honest value. Appraisals are a great asset when it comes to insurance coverage. Also you might be hunting, carrying, or storing (in less than acceptable conditions) a gun that is worth a lot more than you think. Wear and rust can case of firearm to decrease in value by a lot.
ALSO SEE OUR FREE FIREARMS APPRAISALS PAGE
https://www.mainegundealer.com/Free-Firearm-Appraisals-Maine.html
​
I can help you with complete estate collections. I have a broad knowledge of antiques, collectables, and firearms. I collect antique, vintage, Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam war firearms and military collectables. Also I have a large collection of antiques such as vintage and antique hunting & fishing items, signage, gas and oil, metal toys and more. I can give you estimated values on those items as well. I have helped several customers over the years with estate collections. Some have no one to help them, feeling overwhelmed with the passing of a loved one, did not trust the people coming out of the woodwork to buy guns from an estate, or did not have the knowledge to research themselves.
​
I only give values in person, Sorry.
Details I need to look at.
Finish wear - none, normal, or abnormal
Original metal finish or redone
Rust or pitting from rust
Original stock finish or sanded and refinished
Cracked, broken, or repairs to stocks
Original parts and features
Dents, dings, scratches
Matching serial numbers
Bore condition wear, pitting, frosted, dark, counter bored
Magazines original or aftermarket
Function of action
If revolver - cylinder locking, timing, play
Safety function
Condition of firing mech and firing pin
If a break action shotgun - tightness of lockup and hinge mech
Barrel length correct and correct crown and/or machining on the end of the barrel or barrels
Year of when the firearm was manufactured
Original boxes or paperwork
Original accessories
Grade of firearm low grade vs high grade
Aesthetics of wood used
Factory engraving or not
Original hardware such as screws
Any modifications or repairs throughout
Receiver drilled for scopes or sights
If color case hardened or straw colored parts how much is retained
Military markings present if use by a military
For example
​
I know that many factors go into a gun’s value, and I want to share my knowledge and expertise with you. I will closely examine your gun offering a quick and accurate assessment.
What Is My Gun Worth?
What Factors Determine a Gun’s Value?
- Make: Known makers such as Colt, Smith & Wesson, Marlin, Winchester, and Springfield Armory (original military, not the current manufacturer) are some of the most desired.
- Type: Pistols, also known as semi-automatic handguns, remain the most manufactured and sought-after firearms in the United States. Lever action rifles that are older or discontinued models are more desirable and popular with collectors and hunters. Revolvers are popular with collectors in this case the older or discontinued models are more desirable as well. Recent production revolvers have a lesser demand in today's market. Military firearms and collectables are sought-after by collectors and are items we love to appraise and buy. Shotguns and other firearms that rely on slug ammunition are less desired and generally retain their value poorly. The exception are vintage or antique side by side shotguns depending on gauge, condition, and manufacturer. Muzzleloaders other than antique or military have a low resale value.
- Model: Within a particular gun brand, some models will hold greater value than others. For example, the Winchester Model 94 lever action rifle is generally more respected than the Winchester Model 1911 that has a poor reputation due to a design flaw that makes it dangerous to shoot.
- Caliber: Caliber refers to the diameter of the gun barrel and consequently the size of bullet required. Certain calibers are more attractive to gun buyers than others. The .22 caliber long-rifle is the most common caliber of gun when referencing units sold. This mass-produced gun-type has great utility, but not necessarily high value. The 40s&w has lost popularity and is a much harder caliber to sell. There are many collectors that want a certain model in every caliber so sometimes those firearms in odd ball calibers can be in demand.
- Condition:
– A modern gun’s condition is broken down into the following grades: new, perfect, excellent, very good, good, and fair. An antique gun falls into these condition standards: factory new, excellent, fine, very good, good, fair, or poor. The materials used to make the gun (metal vs. wood vs. composite), the bore (interior barrel quality), and the functionality of the firearm all impact its condition.
– The Blue Book of Gun Values assesses the percentage of original finish remaining on the metal surfaces of the gun. If your gun has developed a patina (natural worn finish) over the years, do not use sanding or solvents to remove it! Your gun’s patina helps it retain its value. I have seen many guns that were not cleaned properly and the bare metal is showing this hurts the value. Be VERY careful when your are removing rust but leaving the patina. A “blued” patina is when the steel on a gun has been partially treated to prevent rust creating a blueish hue. This “blueing” patina is highly valued.
– The material used to make the stock of your gun also impacts its value. Plastic stocks are generally of lesser value than walnut stocks that are known for their durability, rigidity, and longevity. Besides a natural material like walnut, laminated hardwood stocks are a great alternative. Composite stocks (fiberglass, graphite, etc.) can be valuable due to the strength of the material, but the aesthetic quality when compared to hardwood may be less. 95% or better wood and blue is desirable for modern guns. I find the wood stocks have character and show the history of a firearm.
– A beat-up gun that cannot safely be fired will be much less valuable than a gun with impeccable functionality. Some maybe used for a wall hanger or a parts gun. If you are unsure if your gun can be safely fired or not, you should take it to a gunsmith.
- Original or Modified: Whether the gun remains in its original factory condition or whether it has been modified influences its value. In general modifications will in most cases decrease value especially on collectible firearms.
- Popularity: Some brands are more popular than others. For example, Colt and Winchester remain respected brands with firearms that hold their value relatively well. Jimenez Arms, as one example, have low resale values. The popularity of a gun depends on many factors, and Fred continuously researches the factors influencing your gun’s value.
- Supply / Demand: Beware of gun ads that say, “less than 500 guns of this model made!” A limited production may indicate that the gun manufacturer was unable to entice popularity for a given model. In other words, a limited supply does not always increase demand. Be aware of topical events like the threat of changing gun laws. A restriction on a particular gun type or gun accessory can drive prices through the roof. For example, the state level restriction of high capacity magazines can increase their demand and thus their value.
- Special editions and commemorative firearms: There are many Winchester and Henry lever action, rifles 1911 style pistols, Ruger 10/22's, and others that were made to be collectable. The problem is most of these turn out to not be very collectable at all. The value depends on the subject matter. Also the box and paperwork present with the firearm will also helps it's value. I stay away from them as a collector.
Remember that a gun is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it, and finding a buyer is sometimes the hardest part. It sometimes can take several months or a few years to sell certain firearms. Fred can help you identify and appraise your firearm. It can take years to develop expert level appraisal knowledge of firearms. Fred can quickly and accurately appraise your gun, eliminating your need to continuously research gun value factors. His process is safe, legal, and hassle-free. We’ll buy your old, used, and broken guns for cash. Contact him or come in today!
If you are in the Bangor area and have a collection bring it to my shop during normal business hours:
MONDAY: NOON - 5:00pm
TUESDAY - FRIDAY: 9:00am - 5:00pm
SATURDAY: Fall, winter, spring hours: 8:00am - Noon Hint: 11am on can be very busy so come early / Summer hours: starting June 1st through August 31st 8:00am-NOON
Appointment may be necessary depending on the amount of firearms you have. If you have 20 firearms or less usually I can work you in if you just walk in during normal hours without an appointment. I am available to look at large collections before or after hours Monday-Saturday or on a Sunday.
​
BEFORE YOU COME MAKE SURE YOU BRING THE FOLLOWING:
- Divers license or state ID
- Any magazines, barrels, or cylinders that belong to the firearms
- Boxes or Paperwork
- Extra parts or pieces (sometimes parts are removed or changed)
- Keys to the firearms (sometimes firearms have internal locks that use keys)
​
I will travel within Maine to look at your collection. Because I have a family it can be difficult for me to travel while school is in session during the week. My children go to a private Christian school with no buses. Your information will be kept private and confidential.
We do not offer appraisals, trade value, or estimates of purchase price via email, Facebook, or phone. Beware of those that will. Sometimes they tell you a higher number just to get you in the door then they tell you it is not what they thought or the condition isn't as good as you described and offer you a much lower value.
​
Are you living out of state and have an estate collection in Maine you want to sell? we will buy it.
​
Do you have an estate collection that is located in another state and you want to get it shipped up here and sell it to us? We can help.
​
See the contact page
or
Email us today: sales@mainegundealer.com
NEW - TEXT ONLY NUMBER 207-814-8979
​
ALSO SEE OUR - GUN BUY, SELL, AND TRADE PAGE
https://www.mainegundealer.com/Guns-Buy-Sell-Trade-Maine.html
A.P. Inc
681 Bog Road
Hermon, Maine 04401
​
Fred Emerson III
Owner
Since 1997
​
Leviticus 19:11
11 “‘Do not steal. “‘Do not lie. “‘Do not deceive one another.
​
Proverbs 13:11
11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
​
Proverbs 10:9
9 Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.
​
​
​
We also will buy your Civil War through Vietnam era collectables not just firearms.
Why sell to a dealer?
We have an increased amount ATF firearm traces due to firearms being sold private party. The crimes are very rarely committed by the person that purchased the firearm new or used and completed a 4473 and background check. It is when these firearms are sold private party without a background check. Often these firearms are purchased by straw purchasers. Straw purchasers (this happens to dealers as well) are buying for someone that is not legally able to purchase the firearm themselves through a dealer or if you saw the actual person buying the firearm you may have second thoughts. They may have the profile of a gang member or drug dealer. I have heard stories of someone selling a gun to an innocent looking man or woman and after the sale is complete the firearm is handed over to someone else less than innocent looking and they stuff the gun down their pants and take off. Most of the firearms involved in crimes are handguns but some long guns are used. For 2017 the amount of Maine ATF traces per firearm type are as follows: Pistols - 188, Rifles - 94, Shotguns - 55, Revolvers - 42, Comb - 3, Derringers - 3, Other - 2. If you sell private party you do have an option to conduct a FFL Transfer through a dealer. The person making the purchase will have to fill out a 4473 and go through a background check. FFL transfer fees are typically 20-25 dollars per firearm. I personally do not sell any firearms private party.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Tracing Center (NTC) is the United States’ only crime gun tracing facility. The NTC’s mission is to conduct firearms tracing to provide investigative leads for federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies. Firearm tracing provides critical information to assist domestic and international law enforcement agencies investigate and solve firearms crimes; detect firearms trafficking; and track the intrastate, interstate and international movement of crime guns.
​
The NTC is located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, approximately 90 miles from Washington, D.C. Pursuant to the Gun Control Act (GCA) of 1968, the U.S. Attorney General is authorized to administer firearms tracing. The Attorney General has designated ATF the sole federal agency authorized to trace firearms. The NTC is only authorized to trace a firearm for a law enforcement agency involved in a bona fide criminal investigation. The firearm must have been used, or suspected to have been used, in a crime. Crime gun trace data is essential to law enforcement efforts to combat violent crime and firearms trafficking.
The NTC processed more than 440,000 trace requests in fiscal year 2018. The goal of the NTC is to complete traces classified as “Urgent” in less than 24 hours. Traces classified as “Routine” are completed within nine days on average. The law enforcement agency submitting the trace request determines the trace classification.
Firearms tracing begins when a law enforcement agency discovers a firearm at a crime scene and seeks to learn the origin or background of that firearm in order to develop investigative leads. Tracing is a systematic process of tracking the movement of a firearm from its manufacture or from its introduction into U.S. commerce by the importer through the distribution chain ( wholesalers and retailers), to identify an unlicensed purchaser. That information can help to link a suspect to a firearm in a criminal investigation and identify potential traffickers. Firearms tracing can detect in-state, interstate and international patterns in the sources and types of crime guns. ATF processes crime gun trace requests for thousands of domestic and international law enforcement agencies each year. It also traces U.S.-sourced firearms recovered in foreign countries for law enforcement agencies in those countries.
​
3 Reasons the ATF is Knocking On Your Door
Reason 1: Firearm Tracing - The first and most common reason we see the ATF attempting to question a person, seemingly at random, is firearm tracing. When you buy a firearm from an FFL and it later leaves your inventory, there may not be a record. Whether it is a sale, gift, inheritance, or the gun was lost or stolen, there are a lot of reasons why a person may no longer have a gun in their collection. But if the gun shows up at a crime scene sometime down the road, it is common for local police and the ATF to trace that firearm back to the original point of sale from the FFL. That means if you (or a relative that passed away) were the original purchaser, the ATF might have some questions as to why the gun is no longer in your (or their / or the estates) possession.
Reason 2: Investigating the Purchase of Multiple Firearms - Under the 1968 Gun Control Act, FFLs are required to report multiple sales of handguns to the same purchaser. Have you ever thought about buying a set of His and Hers pistols? Or maybe you go into a gun store to buy a handgun, and you see a deal on another one that you just can’t pass up. There’s nothing wrong with a thoughtful gift or getting a deal, but there is something important you must know. The sale or disposition of two or more handguns must be reported to the ATF and local authorities if they occur at the same time, or within five consecutive business days. The same goes for certain rifles sold in southern border states. This is because the ATF keeps a close watch on the transfer of multiple firearms that take place in a short period of time. This is to prevent weapons trafficking, unlicensed firearms businesses, and to protect public safety. Whatever the reason may be, just know if you find yourself in this situation, the ATF and the local police may want to inspect your collection, and you need to know what to do.
Reason 3: Conducting a Welfare Check or Following Up On An Anonymous Tip - You do not need us to tell you that there are some folks who don’t believe in the Second Amendment and your right to keep and bear arms. Maybe it is a concerned neighbor, a revenge-seeking ex-spouse, or in response to a political argument over the internet.
​
The vast majority of gun owners say they obtained their weapons in transactions that are documented and for the most part legal.
When asked where and how they acquired their most recent firearm, about 64 percent of a cross-section of American gun owners reported buying it from a gun store, where the clerk would have conducted a background check and documented the transfer in a permanent record required by federal law. Another 14 percent were transferred in some other way but still involved a background check. The remaining 22 percent said they got their guns without a background check.
​
The same is not true for criminals, however, most of whom obtain their guns illegally.
A transaction can be illegal for several reasons, but of particular interest are transactions that involve disqualified individuals – those banned from purchase or possession due to criminal record, age, adjudicated mental illness, illegal alien status or some other reason. Convicted felons, teenagers and other people who are legally barred from possession would ordinarily be blocked from purchasing a gun from a gun store because they would fail the background check or lack the permit or license required by some states.
Anyone providing the gun in such transactions would be culpable if he or she had reason to know that the buyer was disqualified, was acting as a straw purchaser or if had violated state regulations pertaining to such private transactions.
​
The importance of the informal (undocumented) market in supplying criminals is suggested by the results of inmate surveys and data gleaned from guns confiscated by the police. A national survey of inmates of state prisons found that just 10 percent of youthful (age 18-40) male respondents who admitted to having a gun at the time of their arrest had obtained it from a gun store. The other 90 percent obtained them through a variety of off-the-book means: for example, as gifts or sharing arrangements with fellow gang members.
Similarly, an ongoing study of how Chicago gang members get their guns has found that only a trivial percentage obtained them by direct purchase from a store. To the extent that gun dealers are implicated in supplying dangerous people, it is more so by accommodating straw purchasers and traffickers than in selling directly to customers they know to be disqualified.
​
Every day, many lawful transfers of firearms take place between unlicensed individuals who reside in the same state. these transfers take place at residences, at gun shows, and through classified and online ads. But these unlicensed sellers, who are not FFls, may not have the ability to conduct complete background checks on potential buyers. this leaves these private sellers with no way to confirm whether or not the person to whom they are selling the firearm is prohibited from possessing it. indeed, many of these sellers may not even be aware of all the circumstances that prohibit someone from possessing a firearm. as an FFl, I play a key role in safeguarding the public from violent crime by maintaining accurate records, instituting internal controls, and performing background checks on potential firearms purchasers. these practices help prevent violent criminals from obtaining firearms and help reduce the possibility that firearms will be used in crimes. When a private transaction is completed through a licensed dealer, both the customers and the community have some assurance that the individual wishing to purchase the firearm is not prohibited by law from possessing or receiving a firearm. When a private seller goes through an FFl to transfer his or her firearm, it can also improve the ability of law enforcement to trace that firearm if it is later recovered during a criminal investigation.
​
The above is not meant to scare anyone but if you are selling any firearm(s) you should sell them to a dealer or complete an FFL transfer for each firearm so a background check is done on each firearm you sell. Why? This is to protect you from being a suspect in supplying weapons to those not legally able to own one, a peace of mind knowing the person is legally able to own a firearm, the firearm is legally transferred to another owner, selling guns to a gun shop or completing the transfer at a gun shop is much safer than having someone come to your house (someone looking to come back an rob you?) or meeting them in a parking lot (someone looking to rob you? or are they buying for someone else that maybe in their car, in another car, or hiding in the bushes?) and last but not least doing background checks on firearms actually helps us keep our guns rights. If you look at the data above you see a trend. Those that want to take our rights away see that data also. Why give those that are anti gun more ammo to fight with? With us being more responsible with the guns we sell it can only help our cause. Some may not agree with opinions represented here however I see the increase in traces that I have to do in my shop and that is a fact. I hate to see the guns that I sell from my shop being used in a crime down the road. I love doing what I do and my gun rights are VERY important to me.
​
If you sell a firearms privately and you don't want to conduct a transfer through a dealer always follow these steps:
- When you talk to the potential buyer make sure you ask questions. Why do you want this gun? Who is it for? Are you a Maine resident? If anything doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Remember handguns and long guns can only be sold to those 18 and older. Those purchasing a handgun must be a Maine resident. Long guns should only be sold to a non resident if that firearm is legal in their state. Some states have restrictions on magazine capacities, collapsible stocks, threaded barrels, and bayonet lugs. So if you sell a long gun to someone that is not a Maine resident make sure it is legal in their state.
- Make sure you meet someone it a safe and busy location, preferably not at night. Bring a friend along. I suggest not bringing them in your house or even meeting them at your house.
- Look in their vehicle and scan around the area. Could they be buying this for someone that is not legally able to own a gun? Look for any indication it could be a straw purchase. If you don't feel comfortable with the sale don't sell them the gun. Remember you can help stop that firearm from getting in the wrong hands.
- Ask the buyer for a concealed carry permit if possible. Write down the information from the permit or take a picture of the permit with your phone. Statistically, a CCP holder is much less-likely to be involved in a crime than not. If they do not have a carry permit make sure you either write down their driver's license or id information or take a picture of it with your phone. A license plate number and vehicle description would not hurt either. It the person is afraid of you taking that info you shouldn't be selling them the gun.
- If the sale goes through make sure you Require a Bill of Sale. Whether you’re the buyer or seller, a Bill of Sale will show that the firearm was transferred to another owner and that both parties agree that there are no nefarious intentions involved in the transaction. Both you and the buyer should have a copy. When a gun is used in a crime and recovered by law enforcement, the serial number is sent via the ATF Tracing Center to the manufacturer to ask where the gun was shipped. The manufacturer can show via their books that the gun was shipped to a distributor, who can show that they shipped it to a specific FFL/gun store who can show that they sold it to John Smith. The Tracing Center follows the trail of the gun until they get to the individual. It is then the responsibility of the individual to show what happened to the gun after they purchased it. The Bill of Sale shows that you as seller are a responsible gun owner, ensuring that you have the contact information with which to assist the police in their investigation (and therefore lessen the possibility of you being held liable). It is the responsibility of the gun owner to ensure that they’re doing everything possible to know that the firearm being sold will not wind up in the hands of someone who shouldn’t own it.
Private Sale YouTube videos I found
Video 1
Fred E.
Buyer of:
- Lever action rifles such as Marlin or Winchester
- Vintage or antique pistols and revolvers such as: Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and more.
- Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War and other US and foreign military firearms. Such as these: Rifles - M1 Carbine, M1 Garand, 1917, 1903, 1903A2, Krag, 1861, 1863, Trapdoor, SKS, Mosin Nagant, Enfield, Mauser, M39, Arisaka, K98 and more. Handguns - P38, PP, PPK, Luger P08, 1894, 1901, 1903, 1905, Victory Model, M&P, 1917, M1911, Nagant, Enfield and more.
- Revolvers Such as: Colt, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and more. Current or non current
- Semi auto pistols : Current or non current
- Vintage and Antique hunting rifles and shotguns (no sporterized rifles please unless you have a estate collection you want to sell)
- Militaria from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, & Vietnam War such as helmets, knives, swords, daggers, uniforms, flak vests, holsters, slings, inert launchers, artillery shells, war trophies, and more. (ORIGINAL ITEMS ONLY) The owner is a collector and wants to preserve history. If you have an historical doscuments, pictures, books, posters, and anything (Military or Maine releated items) else don't through them in the trash let Fred look at them. He might not pay money for them but he will see that they are preserved. The items will be either in his collection or make sure they go to the right place.
- Vintage OEM gun parts and accessories such as take off grips, stocks and more.
- Vintage and antique posters, store display items, and other collectables
- Collectables and Memorabilia from the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War
- Factory or military firearms accessories such as clips, magazines, grips, bayonets, wooden stocks, holsters, vintage gun oil cans, advertising signs, and etc.. (no new or used scopes or optics / no drum magazines unless they are vintage military)
- Ammo (new production only - no reloads), Vintage ammo in current and discontinued calibers, and vintage ammo in boxes for display.
​
We also offer FREE in person verbal or written appraisals as well.
​
https://www.mainegundealer.com/Free-Firearm-Appraisals-Maine.html
WE DO NOT BUY ***No modern muzzleloaders, reproduction firearms, sporterized firearms, firearms with upgraded or modified triggers, AR15's or AR10's that are not factory made (No individually made, locally or non locally made custom AR's), handguns with stippled or modified frames, firearms with non factory Cerakoted or Duracoated finish, Jennings firearms, Bryco firearms, Kimber firearms, Benelli firearms, Stoeger firearms, reloaded ammunition, used optics or bows please*** (We only make exceptions when buying estate collections)
Did you know modifying a firearm by stippling, hydro dipping, or cerakoting ruins the resale of a firearm? You have modified a firearm to something you like and now that is customized you have to find the right person that wants a firearm that is on that configuration. Every guns value book gives the value of firearms in factory configuration. Anything that has been modified the price instantly goes down. Why buy a firearm for $500.00 and put another 100 or 200 dollars in it only to loose the money of the addition mods and degrade the value of the firearm as well. If it is something you are going to keep for ever that is one thing but many people do not. Instead of stippling why not use Talon grips or other grip tape. It is easily removable and does not take away from the value.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​