First: which are you?
An executor or administrator is settling the whole estate and is responsible for the firearms as estate property until they are lawfully distributed. An heir is the person who ends up receiving a specific firearm. The steps differ, so start with which one you are, then leave the firearm secured where it is, unloaded, until you know your path.
Your three paths
Every firearm in the estate ends up on one of three routes. You don't have to decide today, but knowing the options up front tells you what to secure and who to call.
Keep it
Some transfers between close family members are exempt from going through a dealer, but still require a state report and may have their own conditions.
Sell through a dealer
A licensed FFL can consign or buy the firearm, handle the paperwork, and run the transfer to the buyer. The dealer sets any fees. Narrow statutory exceptions exist (for example, certain antiques and curio-and-relic long guns; Pen. Code §§ 27850–27966).
Surrender
If no one can lawfully take possession, firearms can be surrendered to law enforcement. Call the agency first. Do not transport before you know their procedure.
Read the details
Each path has its own guide: the specific rules, timing, and what to expect.
- Keep it in the family (intrafamilial transfer)The parent/grandparent exemption: the operation-of-law report, the handgun-roster exemption, the FSC nuance, and when a dealer is still required.
- For executors & administratorsSecuring firearms lawfully during probate, inventorying make/model/serial, what not to do, and when to bring in an FFL, including out-of-state heirs.
- Selling an inherited firearmConsignment through a dealer vs a Private Party Transfer sale vs a dealer buying outright: how each works and what to realistically expect.
- Prohibited, out of state, or just don't want themOptions when the heir can't or won't keep the firearms: dealer consignment or sale, safe interim storage, and lawful law-enforcement surrender.
Want a licensed dealer to handle it?
Tell us what you inherited and we'll route you to California FFL dealers who take estate and consignment work. The dealer handles the transfer or sale and sets their own fees. CalGunHub is a directory and does not sell firearms, set fees, or appraise anything.
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