If you have a gun that you no longer use or want, you may make some extra cash by selling it to a local pawn shop. However, there are rules about selling guns to pawn shops, and you’ll need to follow common sense safety precautions as well. Here are some things to know before you sell or pawn a firearm. 

How to Prepare Your Gun for Sale

Pawn shops need a firearms license to accept and sell guns, so before visiting, make sure you’re going to one that has this license.  

Unload the weapon fully and place it in a secure case if you have one. Cleaning the gun may also make it more appealing, which could get you a better price. 

Pawn shop rules vary by location, but most will ask for identification or proof of ownership before accepting firearms. Bring your driver’s license, gun license, and registration to the store and ask about any other requirements. 

How to Handle Your Gun at a Pawn Shop

When you arrive at the pawn shop, tell the broker what you have before taking it out of its case. They’ll need to thoroughly examine it to determine its value. Let them lead the process, but if you need to handle the firearm at all, keep the gun pointed down and away from others, with your finger off the trigger. It should remain unloaded at all times. 

If you sell your gun, the process should be done once you agree on a price and complete the sale. If you pawn it, you can pick it back up within the agreed-upon time period once you have the full loan amount. However, you’ll need to go through a background check, just as you would when purchasing a gun since this is a federal requirement. 

If you’re looking for a pawn shop to sell your gun to, contact American Trading Company in Cincinnati, OH. The shop has served the community for more than 50 years, providing fair prices for a wide array of items, including firearms. They also host an online gun shop to offer an array of options to consumers. Visit the website to see a full list of items they buy, or call (513) 661-3633 to speak with a broker.