If you’re looking to sell a gun or use it as collateral at your local pawn shop, the process may not be as simple or straightforward as you might imagine. Unlike with other objects, you can’t just walk into any pawn shop and trade a firearm for cash. This is either because not all pawn shops have the licenses necessary to legally accept or sell guns, or alternately because you haven’t appropriately prepared your gun for pawning.
If you’re looking to prepare your gun for pawning, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn everything you need to know about selling firearms at pawn shops, including how to determine if your pawn shop accepts guns in the first place.
What you need to know to safely pawn a gun
There are a number of steps you need to take between deciding you want to pawn your firearm and actually handing it over for cash. Here are some important things to remember as you get started with the process:
- Find a shop that’s licensed and regulated: Because of the potential legal and safety implications of accepting and selling firearms, pawn shops are regulated at the local and federal levels and must be appropriately licensed to do so. Pawnbrokers without the right licenses cannot have guns in their stores.
- Get your gun prepped for pawning: Your gun’s magazine and chamber must be empty of ammunition before you take it to the pawn shop, and correctly stored in a secure carrying case.
- Bring your gun owner’s license: In order to verify your identity and ownership of the firearm, you’ll need to show your gun owner’s license when you bring your firearm in to pawn.
- Handle carefully: When you bring out your gun for inspection by the pawnbroker, be sure to follow best practices around gun handling and keep the barrel pointed at the ground at all times. Even when empty, guns should be treated as if they were loaded for everyone’s safety.
- Background checks are required: Even if the gun was yours before pawning it, the law in every U.S. state mandates that you pass a background check before picking it up again. Bring in your government-issued ID, driver’s license and any other documents your state requires when buying a gun.
Hopefully this article has helped you understand what you need to know in order to safely pawn your firearm without surprises or unexpected setbacks. While you may feel put off by the required background checks and identity verification, remember that these are federal regulations that all licensed pawn shops must abide by in order to operate their business.
If you’re ready to start the process of pawning your firearm, consider bringing it to Harrison Street Pawn and Gun. Our professional staff members are knowledgeable on all subjects related to firearms and ammunition, and are sure to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. Visit us online to learn more about getting started pawning your gun.