What Should I Do if I Find Guns in a Deceased Relative's Home?

Finding firearms in a loved one's home during the estate process is something many families encounter without any warning. It can be unsettling, especially if you have little experience with firearms. Here is a calm, practical approach.

Start with safety. Before anything else, make sure the firearms are not loaded and are stored securely. If you are not comfortable handling firearms yourself, do not attempt to unload them. Leave them where they are and contact a licensed dealer who can assist you. Moving an unsecured or loaded firearm without knowing how to handle it safely creates unnecessary risk.

Create a basic inventory. Walk through the home and note every firearm you find, along with any ammunition, accessories, or related equipment. Write down the make, model, and serial number of each firearm if you can locate that information. This inventory will be important for estate documentation and valuation purposes.

Do not make any transfers yet. Well-meaning family members sometimes want to take firearms home for safekeeping, or pass them to someone who would have wanted them. Even well-intentioned transfers can create legal problems if they are not handled correctly. Wait until you have a clear plan and proper guidance.

Secure the property. If the home will be unoccupied during the estate process, make sure the firearms are in a locked location. Unsecured firearms in a vacant property create both safety and liability concerns.

Contact a licensed dealer who specializes in estate collections. A knowledgeable FFL dealer can help you take inventory, assess value, and map out options without pressure to make any immediate decisions.

Firearms Estate Services handles exactly this kind of situation. A phone call and a few photos are often all it takes to get started.