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Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 6th, 2021, 8:47 am
by smithers599
A shooting buddy of mine died a few months ago. It turns out that at the time he died, he had an application pending to purchase a suppressor. After he died, the dealer called to say "Good news, the BATFE has approved your application. Come in and take possession of your suppressor."

Now what?

Can his widow take possession and then list for sale?

Or does she have to send in her own application, with fingerprints and photo (but not the $200), and ask the BATFE to approve her, and then list it for sale?

Or can the dealer list the suppressor for sale (on consignment) and transfer it from the decedent to the new buyer, with the widow's signature as transferor?

Thanks.

Re: Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 6th, 2021, 3:04 pm
by Brlux
Probably a question for the dealer doing the transfer. Depends on if he did a form 4 individual or a trust that his wife is also on.

Re: Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 6th, 2021, 3:09 pm
by smithers599
Individual, no trust.

Re: Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 6th, 2021, 7:44 pm
by delta6
The first question that needs to be asked is: Does the widow want to own the suppressor?

Re: Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 6th, 2021, 7:57 pm
by smithers599
delta6 wrote: September 6th, 2021, 7:44 pm The first question that needs to be asked is: Does the widow want to own the suppressor?
No. No interest in shooting. Wants to sell it.

Re: Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 6th, 2021, 8:05 pm
by delta6
OK... go to the dealer and have him reverse the transfer. Simple enough to do. A call first would be wise, but he can send the form 4 back to the BATFE with a letter that he would like the transfer to be reversed. The suppressor is still registered to the dealer until it is physically transferred to the person on the form 4. Eventually, remember it is your government we are talking about, she will get her/his $200 refunded and the suppressor will remain with the dealer on the original form 3. She can then work out a sale arrangement with the dealer to sell the suppressor or she may find a buyer herself.

Re: Transferee died before taking possession

Posted: September 7th, 2021, 8:39 am
by smithers599
Thanks. I will try that.