imported post
First, I have a problem with the word "privatized" in the question. Hopefully it's just a typo, but the root word "privatize"is a verb, suggesting that someone performed the action of privatizing the sale. Who? The government? Government doesn't know how to privatize anything. A private sale of a firearm, by definition is simply a transaction between two private parties, rather than someone who deals in firearms as a business.
But I think the topic of how to safely and responsibly conduct a private sale/purchase of a firearm warrants discussion. I've never done so, but I've heard some good suggestions for how to go about it, so I'll share what I've heard. Hopefully some more people will chime in with their $.02, and help all of us be prepared should we ever need to conduct suh a transaction.
I am not a lawyer, but general knowledge is that SC does not have special restrictions on private sales of firearms.The seller is not responsibleto conduct a background check or do anything else different than selling a piece of furniture or other merhandise.The best way to conduct any sales transaction always depends on the situation. However, Ithink the best advise is simply to use common-sense caution.
It would beadvisablethat youmake a reasonable attempt not to be provide a firearm to someone with irresponsible or criminal intentions. A stringent, detailedapproval process is probably not called for, but finding out just whatthe buyer wants the gun for helps ensure that you're selling them something helpful to them, and helps you makeyour ownjudgementcall. Some people suggest acquiring and retaining a photocopy of the buyer's ID for some period of time -- like 6 months to a yearor more. Drafting a simple bill of sale and having both parties signsounds good. For the buyer, retaining a receipt and/or the aforementioned bill of sale is probably good practice.
And don't forget to keep your own safety in mind. I've heard it suggested that you never provide a buyer or seller with your home address or have them come to your home. That may be a bit extreme, but a meeting in a public placeis never bad advice whenconducting business with a stranger. Maybe you should meet at the range where the buyer can try out the gun before buying, and nobody intheir right mindwould darepull any tricks because there are other armed people there.
Probably the best advice of all is to consider and decide all of these specifics beforehand, instead of waiting until you're in a situation you didn't plan for. However you choose to carry out the transaction, safety, documentation, and good judgement are generally the best approach.
