DO NOT RECOMMEND
Complications at every step. Needed constant reassurance just to sell a $325 firearm. Insisted on going through an FFL for a private sale, only to find out that VSP doesn’t even process background checks for private transactions, something any seller on this platform should already know.
I was responsive, flexible, and professional throughout. I offered to meet the same day, provided my profile with years of verified reviews, agreed to a bill of sale, agreed to show my CHP, and even offered a deposit to hold the item. Despite all of that, the seller kept adding new conditions and dragging things out over nearly a week.
After accommodating every request and coordinating a time to meet this weekend, I get a message this morning saying someone closer is “likely” picking it up today. No firm commitment from the other buyer, just enough to blow off the one who had been working with him all week.
In all my years on this platform, this was hands down the most difficult engagement I’ve had. Transaction was never completed and was a complete waste of my time. I do not recommend dealing with this seller. Full conversation is posted below for transparency.

IamRon571
03/29/26 09:48 AM
Can pick up today, thanks!

IamRon571
03/29/26 09:50 AM
Fyi Im in the northern VA area until about 6pm then heading back to Richmond

IamRon571
03/29/26 12:18 PM
Just making sure I stay at the top of the list for this, thanks!

MArlington
03/29/26 01:30 PM
I'm checking with my FFL for their availability. Thanks.

IamRon571
03/29/26 04:43 PM
Sounds good

IamRon571
03/29/26 04:44 PM
Also, an FFL isn’t required by law for private firearms transactions, unless it is your personal preference

MArlington
03/29/26 05:06 PM
It's my preference to use an FFL. I still haven't heard back from them.

IamRon571
03/29/26 05:12 PM
No problem how much are the ffl fees at your ffl? Could meet tomorrow as well actually if you’ll be available, thanks!

MArlington
03/29/26 05:59 PM
Hey I just heard back- apparently because of the change of law FFls can't even do background checks anymore.

Do you have a Virginia concealed handgun permit? Would you also feel comfortable sending me your name prior to pickup so that I can research you online? I've never done a private sale to a stranger before without going through an FFL and I'd want to be confident that I'm not selling to someone I shouldn't be.

IamRon571
03/29/26 06:27 PM
That’s right it’s actually illegal for VSP to do background checks for private sales. I have years of reviews here if you check my profile. In Virginia the only requirement for private sale is a Valid VA Driver’s License and above the age of 21. We can write a bill of sale and take a picture of my VA Drivers license minus the drivers license number I’ll be okay with. What are the best available times for you tomorrow?

IamRon571
03/29/26 07:54 PM
Also here is my profile link on VA Gun Trader with my reviews smile https://vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/users/51214

MArlington
03/30/26 07:55 AM
Thanks. I would like to at least see and photo a current Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit, as it would demonstrated that as of the permit date, you were not prohibited from carrying firearms. I'd also need a bill of sale.

If that works for you, please let me know what your schedule today is like.

IamRon571
03/30/26 08:29 AM
No problem of course, unfortunately I decided to leave back to Richmond late last night however, I will be back in the Falls Church area this weekend again. Would you be able to meet this Friday or Saturday? I can send over a deposit on it as well if you’d like, thanks

IamRon571
03/31/26 09:47 AM
Good morning my friend, hope all is well. Just checking in to see if this weekend could work for you? Saturday morning from 8-11am would be best but can accommodate another time if need be. Thanks!

IamRon571
03/31/26 11:51 PM
?

MArlington
Today at 08:49 AM
Hey, someone else who lives closer is likely going to pick up the rifle later today. If he falls through I'll let you know.

IamRon571
Today at 08:52 AM
Not interested

IamRon571
Today at 08:57 AMRe: Db15
IamRon571 has removed themself from this topic.

You're just annoyed I did not choose to sell my gun to you and I chose to sell it to someone else. You felt entitled to be the purchaser- why? You had no right to be the priority purchaser. I've never dealt with you before and never promised it to you. My gun was listed for below market price, I got a lot of responses very quickly, and I sold it to someone who gave me a better vibe, was more local to me, and offered to meet when I suggested.

You said "this weekend", and the purchaser I chose offered to meet Friday, which is now today. That person was also closer to me. This back and forth with you, with your repeat messages to me, as someone who lived in Richmond (and I'm in Arlington) and was so insistent that you get to buy my firearm, gave me a bad feeling. Maybe be less eager next time? I never promised the firearm to you and ignored your suggestion to send a deposit because you weren't my first choice to sell it to. You're not entitled to be the purchaser of anyone's firearm on here, no matter how repeatedly you message someone. I was home today, and someone near me who gave me good vibes was willing and able to come buy it today.

As for the conversation- which I had to transcribe and got removed in my feedback on your profile, after you left feedback on my profile- I'm glad you've copied it here- everyone can judge for themselves. Please, for anyone reviewing this, do read the whole thing. That conversation was the entirety of our interaction, and I think it speaks for itself.

Oh, the actual purchaser sent me his full legal name so I could Google him. When I asked you that, you refused and sent me to your reviews. If I couldn't do an FFL background check, I wanted to do my own online search.

To respond to some other stuff you wrote:

It wouldn't have made a difference if the firearm had been $200 or $5,000. In fact, I would have felt more comfortable if it had been a more expensive firearm, because IMO someone with the cash to pay for an expensive gun would be less likely to be buying it for a bad purpose.

"something any seller on this platform should already know"
I'm a normal person, not a retailer. This was the second gun I've sold in my life. The previous one I sold was a private party sale at an FFL. I had heard that the court ruling made background checks no longer required, but I had not heard, and it was far from obvious to assume, that background checks *were no longer possible*. When I first messaged that I reached out to my FFL, your reaction was not "I don't think that any FFL can do this now" or similar, it was "no problem", so it doesn't seem like you knew that (or at least were confident enough to message me that) FFL background checks were no longer possible.

If it were possible to do background checks at an FFL, yes, I would want to do one every time before selling to a *perfect stranger*, even without a legal requirement. Because a perfect stranger could use the gun to kill himself, his family, random people, rival gang members, or even me, or quickly sell it to a gang. I don't want the moral or legal liability.

If you want to buy the next gun you message someone about, maybe be a little more chill and a little less entitled.