Legal Selling Guide

Effective date: April 5, 2026

This page provides general information for users of ShooterBoard (shooterboard.com) who are listing items for sale or transfer. It is not legal advice. You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

ShooterBoard is a platform only — we do not buy or sell items, we are not a party to any transaction, and we do not process payments.

1. Before You List

  • Know what you are selling and whether it is legal to sell or transfer in your state and under federal law.
  • Do not list anything that appears on the Prohibited Items page.
  • Do not post private personal information in your listing — no home addresses, government ID numbers, financial account numbers, or Social Security numbers.
  • Use clear photos that show the actual item and its true condition — not stock photos or images from other sources.
  • Accurately describe the item: make, model, caliber, condition, modifications, repairs, round count (if applicable), and what is included.

2. Know Who You Can Sell or Transfer To

General Federal Principles

  • Do not transfer a firearm to any person you know or have reasonable cause to believe is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(d)). Prohibited persons include convicted felons, persons under indictment, fugitives, unlawful drug users, persons adjudicated as mentally defective, and others as defined by federal law.
  • Interstate transfers (buyer and seller in different states) generally require the firearm to go through an FFL in the buyer’s state of residence.
  • Intrastate transfers (same state) may or may not require an FFL depending on your state’s laws.
  • NFA items have additional federal requirements including ATF Form 4, tax stamps, and specific transfer procedures.

The Golden Rule

If you are unsure about the buyer, the process, or the law — use an FFL transfer. It is the cleanest, safest, and most legally defensible way to complete a sale.

3. Using an FFL

An FFL transfer protects both parties and creates a documented, lawful chain of custody.

  • An FFL transfer can be used even when not strictly required — many sellers prefer it as standard practice.
  • Ask the buyer to choose a local FFL in their state.
  • Confirm the FFL is willing to receive the item (some FFLs only accept from other FFLs, not from private individuals).
  • Follow the FFL’s instructions for drop-off or shipment.
  • See the FFL Transfer Checklist page for detailed step-by-step guidance.

4. Red Flags — Stop the Deal

Stop the transaction if you observe any of the following:

  • Buyer pressures you to rush, skip steps, or act before you are comfortable
  • Buyer refuses to use an FFL where it is required or clearly appropriate
  • Buyer requests “no paperwork” where paperwork is legally required
  • Buyer asks you to ship to an address that is not an FFL
  • Buyer asks you to ship to a different name or a different state than they initially stated
  • Strange payment methods: gift cards, overpayment with refund requests, wire transfers to unknown accounts
  • Inconsistent stories about identity, location, or purpose
  • Buyer appears to be asking you to facilitate a straw purchase
  • Any indication that the buyer may be a prohibited person

Trust your instincts. Walk away if anything feels wrong.

5. In-Person Meetups

  • Meet in public places with security cameras — busy parking lots, coffee shops, police station safe-trade zones, bank lobbies
  • Bring a friend if possible, or tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return
  • Do not invite strangers to your home, and do not go to a stranger’s home
  • Keep a written record of what was agreed — saved messages and screenshots are sufficient
  • For firearms transfers that go through an FFL, meet at the FFL’s location for maximum safety and legal clarity

6. Shipping

If you ship items:

  • Use tracked and insured shipping — keep all receipts and tracking numbers
  • Photograph the item and packaging thoroughly before sealing and shipping
  • Follow carrier rules — USPS, UPS, and FedEx each have specific policies for firearms and ammunition. Violating carrier policies can result in seizure, loss, and potential legal consequences.
  • If shipping a firearm, confirm the lawful method and the receiving FFL before shipping. Ship only to the confirmed FFL address.
  • Do not accept requests to redirect packages, ship to P.O. boxes (for firearms), or label packages in misleading ways.

7. Recordkeeping (Optional but Strongly Recommended)

Even if your state does not require recordkeeping for private sales, maintaining basic records can protect you in case of future questions or disputes:

  • Date and general location of transfer
  • Item description and serial number (where applicable)
  • Buyer’s name (as communicated or shown on ID — do not post this publicly)
  • Transfer method (shipped to FFL, met at FFL, local private transfer, etc.)
  • Confirmation that the transfer was completed through an FFL (if applicable)
  • Tracking number and shipping records (if shipped)

Store these records securely and keep them for at least several years.

8. How to Write a Compliant Listing

Do:

  • State your location (city and state)
  • State whether you will ship, meet locally, or both
  • State whether FFL transfer is required
  • Describe the item’s condition honestly and completely
  • Include clear photos of the actual item

Do not:

  • Advertise or facilitate illegal transfers
  • Post “how-to” content designed to bypass laws
  • Use language like “no paperwork,” “no questions asked,” or “off the books”
  • Post threats, harassment, personal data, or prohibited content

9. Understand the “Engaged in the Business” Standard

Federal law distinguishes between occasional private sales and being “engaged in the business” of dealing firearms. If you are frequently buying and reselling firearms for profit, you may need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) yourself.

The ATF considers factors such as: the frequency and volume of sales, whether firearms are purchased with the intent to resell, and whether the activity is done for profit or livelihood. If your activity goes beyond occasional personal sales, consult an attorney or the ATF to determine whether you need an FFL.

10. Report Problems

If you encounter scams, suspicious buyers, prohibited items, or policy violations:

Email: info@shooterboard.com

Include the listing URL, a description of the issue, and screenshots if available.