Selling Firearms from a Michigan Estate: Legal Requirements, Transfers, and Buyers

Discovering firearms during an estate cleanup is more common than most Michigan families expect. Michigan has specific legal requirements for transferring firearms from an estate, and the rules differ for handguns versus long guns. This is not legal advice; consult a Michigan firearms attorney or your local sheriff.

First Steps: Secure and Inventory

Make, model, serial number
Caliber or gauge
Condition (operable, broken, modified)
Original box and accessories
Location found and date inventoried

Pistols vs Long Guns in Michigan

PISTOLS: Michigan requires license to purchase or CPL for transferee, plus Pistol Sales Record (RI-060). Original transfer through inheritance generally requires the PR to handle paperwork through FFL or directly with documentation through the sheriff/police where transferee resides. LONG GUNS: Michigan does not require registration or permit for transfers between Michigan residents. Document with bill of sale including both parties’ info, firearm details, signatures.

Federal Rules Always Apply

Federal law prohibits transferring to anyone you know or have reasonable cause to believe is a prohibited person under 18 USC 922(g). Interstate transfers must go through an FFL in the receiving state, with one narrow exception for direct bequests by will.

NFA Items

If the deceased owned any National Firearms Act items (machine guns, suppressors, short-barreled rifles/shotguns), do not move or transfer them without legal counsel. NFA items have specific procedures through ATF Form 5. Possessing an unregistered NFA item is a federal felony.

Where to Sell Inherited Firearms in Michigan

Local FFL gun shops (50-60 percent of retail)
Consignment through an FFL (60-75 percent)
GunBroker.com auctions
Specialty auction houses for collectible pieces
Michigan gun shows (face-to-face long gun sales)
Private buyers via classifieds (compliant transfers only)

When the Home Itself Becomes the Priority

Firearms cannot remain in a home during a typical listing, showings, or closing. Work through the firearms first, then handle the property sale. Offer Now Michigan buys inherited homes as-is. Call (810) 547-1135.