FFL Transfers & Out-of-State Buyers: What You Need to Know Before Buying a Firearm

Whether you're buying a custom rifle, ordering online, or meeting someone in a parking lot to buy a pistol — understanding FFL transfers and firearm laws in Minnesota is critical.

At Redleg Guns, we help customers across Minnesota (and beyond) buy, sell, and transfer firearms legally and confidently. This guide breaks down:

• What an FFL transfer is

• How out-of-state purchases work

• Special Minnesota laws (like the “melting point” restriction)

• How Redleg can help with private party transfers

🔐 What Is an FFL Transfer?

An FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer occurs when a firearm is legally transferred from one party to another through a licensed gun dealer. This ensures:

• The buyer passes a background check

• The transaction is recorded per ATF regulations

• The transfer is compliant with federal and state law

🛒 When Do You Need an FFL Transfer?

✅ You Bought a Gun Online

Most online retailers ship guns to an FFL in your state — like Redleg — where we complete the transfer.

✅ You Ordered a Custom Rifle from Redleg

If you're not picking it up in person, we’ll ship it to your local FFL.

✅ It’s an Out-of-State Sale or Gift

Federal law requires all interstate firearm transfers to go through an FFL.

🔧 Private Party Transfers: Redleg Can Help

In Minnesota, private transfers between two residents are legal without an FFL, but:

• Both parties must be legally eligible to own a firearm

• You are still liable if you transfer a firearm to a prohibited person

• There's no official paperwork, which can leave you exposed if the gun is stolen or used in a crime

✅ Why Use Redleg for Private Transfers?

We offer voluntary private-party transfers where:

• We record the transaction

• Perform a background check on the buyer

• Provide peace of mind for both parties

It’s not required — but it’s the smart move.

📍 Out-of-State Buyers: What You Can & Can’t Do

We often work with out-of-state customers — hunters, competitors, and collectors — who want to buy or transfer a firearm here. Here's what you need to know:

🔫 Handguns (Pistols, Revolvers)

Federal law prohibits us from transferring a handgun directly to an out-of-state buyer.

Instead:

• We sell the handgun

• Ship it to an FFL in your home state

• You complete the background check there

🔧 Long Guns (Rifles, Shotguns)

We can sell long guns to non-residents in-store, if:

• The firearm is legal in your home state

• You pass the NICS background check

• You present valid, government-issued ID

➡️ Example: A hunter from Iowa can buy a bolt-action rifle at Redleg and take it home the same day.

States like CA, NY, NJ may have added restrictions — contact us first if you’re from one of them.

⚠️ Minnesota’s Melting Point Law

Minnesota law prohibits the sale or transfer of certain low-quality firearms, sometimes called “Saturday Night Specials.”

🔥 Here’s What the Law Says:

A pistol is not legal for sale or possession in MN if:

• It has a frame or barrel made of melting point metals, such as zinc alloys

• The alloy melts at a temperature below 1,000°F

• The firearm fails specific structural integrity standards

These laws are designed to prevent low-cost, unsafe firearms from entering the market. Most reputable brands comply — but some inexpensive pistols (often imported or generic) are banned.

✅ Redleg only deals in high-quality firearms from trusted manufacturers, so every transfer through our shop complies with this law.

🧾 What Happens During a Transfer at Redleg?

Whether it’s your rifle or one being shipped in from another dealer, here’s what to expect:

1. We Receive the Firearm

We log it into our system and notify you when it's ready.

2. You Complete ATF Form 4473

Bring valid photo ID with your current address.

3. We Run a Background Check (NICS)

Most are instant. Delays or denials can happen but are rare.

4. You Pay the Transfer Fee

Redleg charges a standard fee for FFL transfers. ($40)

📝 Do You Need a Permit in MN?

For Handguns or Military-Style Rifles (e.g., AR-15s):

You must have either a:

• Permit to Purchase (good for 1 year)

• Permit to Carry (P2C — good for 5 years)

If you don’t have one, you’ll need to apply through your local police department before we can legally transfer the firearm.

🚚 Shipping Firearms (Buying or Selling)

Yes — you can legally ship firearms to or from an FFL.

• Handguns must be shipped via FedEx or UPS, not USPS (unless you’re an FFL)

• We can ship a firearm on your behalf, or receive one on your behalf from another dealer or individual

Bring us the firearm, the recipient’s FFL information, and we’ll take care of the rest.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I buy a rifle at Redleg if I’m from out of state?

A: Yes — if it’s legal in both states and you pass a background check.

Q: Can Redleg help with a private party sale?

A: Absolutely. We’ll run the background check and help record the transfer to protect both buyer and seller.

Q: Can I do a transfer at Redleg even if I didn’t buy the firearm here?

A: Yes, we handle inbound transfers regularly.

Q: What if I fail the background check?

A: We’ll return the firearm to the sender. Transfer fees are non-refundable.

🏁 Final Thoughts: Do It Right the First Time

At Redleg Guns, we do more than just build precision firearms — we help responsible gun owners stay legal, safe, and informed.

Whether you're:

• Transferring an online purchase

• Selling to someone locally

• Buying a long gun from out of state

• Unsure if your firearm is MN-compliant...

We’re here to help.

📞 Call us at (507) 677-6007📧 Or email: info@redlegguns.com