What to Do with a Gun When Owner Dies in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, a firearm can be passed down to a lawful heir when the owner dies. If the heir doesn’t want it or isn’t allowed to own it, the gun can be destroyed or sold by the estate using licensed services like GunBuyback.org.

How GunBuyback.org Can Help Dispose of Firearms

If you’ve inherited a firearm in Arkansas and need help disposing of it, GunBuyback.org is the solution. We are a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL), fully authorized to acquire guns in line with state and federal laws.

We offer fair payment for each firearm and make sure the entire process meets all ATF requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can GunBuyback.org help get rid of the gun?

GunBuyback.org provides a safe and hassle-free way to dispose of unwanted firearms in Arkansas. We appraise each submission, offer fair compensation, and take care of all legal steps and shipping.

Are there legal requirements for transferring a deceased owner's gun?

Arkansas doesn’t have specific laws on firearm inheritance, but federal rules still apply. The heir must be legally eligible to possess a gun.

If the firearm is an NFA-regulated item, the executor must file ATF Form 5 to transfer it legally and tax-free.

Can I keep the gun if I'm the heir?

Yes, as long as you’re the rightful heir and legally allowed to own a firearm in Arkansas, you may keep the gun.

How do I transfer ownership of the gun?

For regular firearms, the executor can transfer the gun directly to the heir without special paperwork. It’s smart to record the transfer for your own records.

NFA items require ATF Form 5 and must be approved before transfer, as noted earlier.

Do I need to notify law enforcement about the transfer?

No, Arkansas doesn’t require you to notify law enforcement when inheriting a gun.

What if I don't want to keep the gun?

If you’d rather not keep the inherited firearm, you can:

• Destroy it: Disable it permanently following ATF guidelines.
• Surrender it: Contact your local police to ask about voluntary turn-ins.
• Use GunBuyback.org: Legally sell it through a licensed service and receive cash.

Is it legal to sell a deceased person's gun?

Yes. An heir or executor can legally sell the firearm, provided the buyer is not prohibited from owning guns. Selling through an FFL ensures all laws are followed.

How do I safely store the gun until decisions are made?

Keep the firearm unloaded and locked in a secure container, like a gun safe.

Are there local programs for gun buyback?

Arkansas occasionally hosts local buyback programs in larger cities like Little Rock, but they’re not common. For a year-round option, GunBuyback.org offers legal firearm disposal services statewide.

Disclaimer: The information supplied here is designed to be informative, but does not constitute legal advice. Laws change regularly and these pages are not updated often enough to guarantee accuracy at all times. Please see a lawyer if you need precise legal counsel.