Can a Person Sell Long Rifle (or Kenucky Rifle) on EBay for a Collection?
Firearms on eBay: Our client, with whom we have been cooperating for a long time – he sells car parts in large quantities on eBay – reported that even with the help of our application, he could not sell old long rifles (Kentucky rifles) as collectible items on eBay. Unfortunately for this seller, it is unlikely that he will succeed in selling firearms, even if they are unusable:
Indeed, eBay has strict policies regarding the sale of weapons and firearms, including antique and collectible guns like Long Rifles or Kentucky Rifles. Here are the key points to understand eBay’s Weapons policy:
Firearms Ban: eBay prohibits the sale of all firearms, including antique and collectible guns4. This ban extends to complete firearms of any kind, regardless of their age or historical significance.
Parts and Accessories: While complete firearms are banned, eBay does allow the sale of certain gun parts and accessories. However, there are restrictions on what can be sold, especially for modern firearms.
This ban applies to all types of complete firearms, regardless of their age, historical significance, or intended use.
Although you cannot sell a complete Long Rifle or Kentucky Rifle on eBay, there are some related items that may be permissible:
- Toy and replica guns: eBay allows the sale of toy rifles and replica guns, as long as they are clearly marked as such and cannot be converted into functioning firearms.
- Antique gun parts: Some parts of antique rifles may be allowed, but sellers must be careful not to violate eBay’s policies on assault weapon components. You can’t sell, for instance, items that that are compatible with assault weapons.
- Memorabilia: Items related to historical firearms, such as vintage advertisements or collectible miniatures, can often be sold on eBay.
Considerations for Collectors
If you’re looking to sell a genuine antique Long Rifle or Kentucky Rifle, you’ll need to explore other venues. Such as specialized auction houses, gun shows, licensed firearms dealers or online platforms specifically designed for firearm sales. (Subject to applicable laws and regulations).
It’s important to note that the sale of firearms, even antiques, is subject to various federal, state, and local laws. Always ensure you’re complying with all relevant regulations when selling firearms or related items.
Well, the reality shows that despite eBay’s policies, enforcement can be inconsistent, and some inscrupulous sellers sometimes exploit loopholes by avoiding explicit mentions of assault weapons or by avoiding eBay’s automated filters and user-flagging systems which don’t always catch prohibited items. ( Some sellers list parts separately to circumvent the ban on complete firearms).
Consequences for violations are very serious. Indeed eBay takes action against sellers who violate its weapons policy. This may include removing listings
issuing warnings, restricting account activity or suspending accounts.
It’s important to note that eBay’s policies are designed to comply with various laws and regulations, including strict gun laws. Sellers and buyers should always ensure they’re following both eBay’s policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws when dealing with firearm-related items.