Firearm Purchase FAQ
Q: Are there specific hours for purchasing a firearm in-store?
A: Yes, Main Store Hours Of Operation (Firearms)
- Store Hours: 9am-7pm
- Firearm Sales: 9am-6pm
- Our firearms department is operating on a number system, allowing us to service you on a first come first served basis. Due to the time involved in completing your background check, we are unable to start the process after 6pm. If you engage with a clerk after this time, we are happy to place the firearm on a hold for you. If you do not live in the immediate area we can also ship to a FFL Dealer of your choice.
- If you have any further questions or needs, please do not hesitate to call 1(800)USA-GUNS
- Facility Hours: 9am-5:30pm
- Our firearms department is operating on a number system, allowing us to service you on a first come first served basis. Federal law requires that you complete the 4473 and take possession of your handgun in the state that you reside. We will gladly transfer your firearm to our Portsmouth, NH facility to meet these needs. Due to the time involved in completing the transfer of your paperwork and firearm, as well as your background check, we are unable to start the process after 4pm. If you engage with a clerk after this time we are happy to place the firearm on a hold for you. If you do not live in the immediate area we can also ship to a FFL Dealer of your choice. It is important to note that New Hampshire background checks are taking 24-48 hours to clear. When we are updated with your check we will call you and schedule a time in which we can transfer ownership to you.
- if you have any further questions or needs, please do not hesitate to call 1(800)USA-GUNS
Q: Do you buy guns?
A: Yes we do buy/trade fair, working order firearms. If you would like to get a value on your firearm, please make sure it is unloaded and clean. Bring your firearm and all accessories that you would like to go with it to one of the main entrances. The greeter will check you in and you will then be free to come see one of the traders at the back right side of the gun floor. If you are unsure if we will be interested in your firearm please call ahead. WE DO NOT GIVE ANY VALUES OVER THE PHONE. WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE TRADES BY MAIL, OR GIVE TRADE VALUES, EXCEPT WHEN THEY ARE PRESENTED IN PERSON.
Q: Can you send a firearm to my house?
A: NO. To comply with Federal laws and regulations, we have to ship firearms to dealers or entities that hold a current FFL and have any and all proper legal licensing.
Q: The gun was manufactured before 1898. The BATFE does not classify it as a firearm, and does not require me to complete a 4473. Why won’t you ship it to my house?
A: It is the policy of the KTP to ship all firearms that fire a fixed cartridge, to a dealer in your home state. Your dealer may or may not choose to complete a 4473, but will be able to verify your age, and other eligibility to acquire antique firearms in your state.
Q: Do you accept C&R licenses.
A: The Kittery Trading Post is happy to accept Curio and Relic (03 C&R) licenses for C&R eligible firearms. Info on what qualifies a firearm as C&R eligible can be found at the BATFE’s webpage here: https://www.atf.gov/firearms/curios-relics Please contact us for information as to a specific firearm’s C&R eligibility.
Q: Will you ship black powder firearms to my house?
A: If your state requires a firearms identification card, FOID, LTC, FID, or other similar documentation, to buy black powder firearms, we must ship it to your local FFL dealer, who will verify your documentation. If your home state allows you to purchase black powder firearms over the counter, with no documentation, we can ship it direct to you.
Q: Can you send a Firearm to my local dealer?
A: Yes as long as they are willing to accept the transfer and the firearm is legal to own in your state. If we do not already have your local dealers FFL on file we will require an up to date copy to be sent to (link to email or fax number) ***we will not modify a firearm or swap out magazines to make a firearm legal for your state*** knowing your states laws and regulations is YOUR RESPONSIBILTY.
Q: Do you have a gunsmith?
A: We do not currently have an in-house gunsmith. We do have several outside entities we work with that we could refer.
Q: Can I buy a gun if I am from out of state?
A: If we have a firearm in stock that is compliant for your state you may buy it from us. If the firearm is a compliant long gun, and your state does not have a waiting period to buy long guns, you may purchase it here in Maine with a 5.5% sales tax. If you are a New Hampshire resident you will have to use our Portsmouth, New Hampshire transfer station to suffice federal requirements. This facility operates on reduced hours so please call ahead (800-USA-GUNS) to get specifics. There is no sales tax for New Hampshire residents when using the Portsmouth, New Hampshire transfer station (Directions). If you are not from Maine or New Hampshire and would like to buy a handgun, we are more than happy to sell it to you, but it will have to be sent to a dealer in your home state. The handgun shipping fee is $50.00 to the lower 48 states, $60.00 to Alaska & Hawaii.
Q: Will you ship guns out of the USA?
A: Sorry, we don’t have a firearms export license. We cannot ship internationally, including US Possessions, APOs, FPOs, etc. However, we are happy to ship firearms to a US dealer, that has an export license.
Q: I am in the Military, and deployed overseas. Will you hold a firearm until I return from deployment?
A: YES. We thank you for your service, and extend the following courtesy to our customers serving in the military. We will extend our 60-day layaway program to until you arrive home from overseas. Please let us know when you expect to return from deployment, and we will extend the layaway until after you return. If your orders change, simply notify us of any changes, and we will be happy to accommodate any extensions necessary.
Q: How do I transport my firearm there from another state?
A: Most states allow you to transport an unloaded firearm, in a locked container, in the trunk of your vehicle. Check the laws of the states that you will be transporting through, to verify this information. Please insure your firearm is unloaded when you bring it into the store. When you enter the store, stop at the greeter’s desk, who will give you an incoming property slip, for any items you own, and are bringing in to trade or sell.
Q: I see a Conditions Rating associated with your Used Firearm listings. What do they mean?
A: Firearms leave the factory in 100% condition. Various factors, including normal wear or damage, may reduce the condition of the firearm. Our used firearms traders try to give a fair assessment of the total condition of the firearm, when we receive it. They tend to err on the side of caution when in doubt.
Used Gun Condition Ratings:
- PERFECT: In new condition in every respect, with or without original packaging.
- EXCELLENT: Used but little, no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing perfect, (except at muzzle or sharp edges).
- VERY GOOD: In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.
- GOOD: In safe working condition, minor wear on working surfaces, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning.
- FAIR: In safe working condition but well worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor parts or adjustments which should be indicated in advertisement, no rust, but may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable.
- POOR: In working or non-working or condition, not suitable for retail sale. Disposal sales only.
Q: What is your online firearms return policy?
A: NEW FIREARM RETURNS (ONLINE ONLY)
- Please keep all shipping packaging intact until the firearm(s) condition is verified as advertised. Lost or missing packaging can hinder a warranty claim on items damaged in shipping.
- Please take your time to inspect all firearms thoroughly BEFORE proceeding with the transfer. Once a new firearm is transferred to you, it is considered used, even if unfired.
- We cannot accept returns on firearms once they have been transferred into your possession.
- We do not reimburse FFL transfer fees on returned items.
- Upon discovering a defect AFTER the transfer, the firearm must be returned directly to the manufacturer for replacement or repair (in accordance with manufacturer's warranty policy). By sending a defective firearm directly to the manufacturer, you can avoid the unnecessary transfer fees associated with returning the firearm to Kittery Trading Post, through your local FFL dealer.
- Manufacturer repaired firearms can be returned directly to the customer without additional FFL transfer or associated fees.
- Kittery Trading Post will provide a prepaid label to ship the firearm to the manufacturer, if a prepaid label is not covered under their warranty.
- In the case of failed background checks, state compliancy issues and incorrect ordering, original shipping charges are NOT refunded if the item is NOT found to be defective. Customers will be responsible for return shipping in these cases. These orders will be subject to a 15% restocking fee.
B: USED FIREARMS RETURNS (ONLINE ONLY)
- Please keep all shipping packaging intact until the firearm(s) condition is verified as advertised. Lost or missing packaging can hinder a warranty claim on items damaged in shipping.
- We offer a 5-day return privilege, and a 30 day warranty on all used firearms.
- Return shipping and insurance are the responsibility of the purchaser.
- Used guns, unless specifically sold on an “as-is” basis, are in shooting condition and are warranted for a period of 30 days to fire, feed, eject, and otherwise function as the manufacturer intended. In the event of a defect, we will, at our option, either repair the firearm at no charge, or issue a merchandise credit for the full amount of the purchase.
- Pre-owned firearms purchased through Kittery Trading Post may be returned within 5 business days for a full refund, less shipping costs and transfer fees. The firearm must be returned in the same condition that it was sent.
- In the case of failed background checks, state compliancy issues or incorrect ordering, original shipping charges are NOT refunded if the item is NOT found to be defective. Customers will be responsible for return shipping in these cases. These orders will be subject to a 15% restocking fee.