Private firearm sales raise practical and legal questions, especially when the transaction involves a handgun. In Minnesota, handgun transfers are regulated under a different legal framework than long guns, and many buyers and sellers look to licensed dealers to complete the process correctly. A pawn shop that holds a federal firearms license can act as the transfer agent, but the steps involved depend on state statutes, local law enforcement procedures, and the type of firearm being transferred. Metro Pawn in Richfield, Minnesota regularly handles firearm transactions that must comply with both federal and state requirements.

Understanding whether a handgun can be transferred through a pawn shop requires clarity on how Minnesota law treats handguns, what permits are required, and how timing and exemptions apply. This article explains how handgun transfers differ from rifle transfers, what permits are involved, how a permit to purchase changes the process, whether waiting periods apply, and how antique handguns are treated. These topics help buyers and sellers understand how a lawful firearms transfer works when a pawn shop is used as the intermediary.

How Minnesota Regulates Handgun Transfers Compared to Rifles

Minnesota law regulates handguns more strictly than rifles and shotguns. Handguns are defined as pistols under Minnesota Statutes §624.712 and are subject to additional permit and background check requirements that do not apply to most long guns. When a handgun is transferred through a pawn shop acting as a federally licensed dealer, the transaction must comply with both federal law and Minnesota’s pistol transfer rules.

Rifles and shotguns in Minnesota generally do not require a permit to purchase unless they meet the statutory definition of a semiautomatic military-style assault weapon. Handguns, by contrast, always require either a permit to purchase or a permit to carry. This distinction means that a pawn shop processing a handgun transfer must verify additional documentation before releasing the firearm.

This difference in regulation is why many private parties choose to complete handgun transfers through licensed dealers that handle firearms transfer transactions. The licensed dealer records the transfer in accordance with federal requirements and ensures state permit rules are met, reducing the risk of an unlawful transfer.

Permits Required for Handgun Transfers in Minnesota

To lawfully receive a handgun in Minnesota, the transferee must present either a valid permit to purchase or a permit to carry a pistol. These permits are issued by the local police chief or county sheriff after a background check. Without one of these permits, a handgun cannot legally be transferred through a pawn shop or any other licensed dealer.

The permit to purchase is specific to acquiring pistols and certain semiautomatic military-style firearms. It is typically valid for one year and allows the holder to acquire multiple handguns during that period. A permit to carry, which allows concealed or open carry of a pistol, also serves as a valid authorization to acquire a handgun.

Pawn shops that sell or transfer firearms must confirm that the permit is valid at the time of transfer and record the information as part of the transaction. This process ensures compliance with Minnesota statutes and federal recordkeeping obligations.

The Role of a Permit to Purchase in Handgun Transfers

A permit to purchase simplifies the handgun transfer process in Minnesota by confirming that the recipient has already passed a background check conducted by local law enforcement. When a permit holder completes a transfer through a pawn shop, the dealer can rely on the permit as proof of eligibility, subject to standard federal verification.

The permit does not eliminate all checks. The federally licensed dealer must still complete the required ATF Form 4473 and conduct a National Instant Criminal Background Check System inquiry unless an exemption applies. The permit to purchase functions as a state-level authorization, not a replacement for federal requirements.

Because the permit is tied to state law, its validity period and scope are defined by Minnesota statute. Transfers conducted without a valid permit expose both parties to criminal liability, which is why licensed dealers follow strict procedures when processing handgun transactions.

Waiting Periods for Handgun Transfers Through Pawn Shops

Minnesota does not impose a mandatory waiting period for handgun transfers when the transferee presents a valid permit to purchase or permit to carry. Once the required documentation is verified and federal checks are completed, the transfer may proceed without a state-mandated delay.

Delays can still occur if the federal background check does not return an immediate approval. In such cases, the dealer must follow federal rules regarding delayed responses, which can temporarily postpone the transfer. These delays are administrative rather than statutory waiting periods.

Pawn shops processing handgun transfers must adhere to these federal timelines while ensuring state requirements are met. The absence of a fixed waiting period does not reduce the importance of accurate recordkeeping and compliance at each step of the transaction.

Transferring Antique Handguns Without Permits

Antique handguns are treated differently under both federal and Minnesota law. An antique firearm is generally defined as one manufactured in or before 1898, or one that uses obsolete ignition systems such as matchlock or flintlock. These firearms are not considered pistols for purposes of Minnesota’s permit requirements.

Because antique handguns fall outside the statutory definition, a permit to purchase or permit to carry is not required for their transfer. This exemption applies regardless of whether the transfer occurs through a private sale or a licensed dealer.

Even with this exemption, many pawn shops still document antique firearm transactions to maintain accurate inventory and transaction records. The classification of a firearm as an antique must be clear and supportable, as misclassification can result in regulatory violations.

Professional Firearm Transfer Services in Richfield, Minnesota

Metro Pawn provides licensed firearm transfer services for handguns, rifles, and qualifying antique firearms at its location at 7529 Lyndale Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423. Their staff works within Minnesota and federal law to process transfers accurately, including verification of permits, completion of required forms, and compliance with background check procedures.

Whether a transfer involves differing handgun regulations, permit requirements, timing considerations, or antique firearm exemptions, working with a licensed dealer helps reduce legal risk. Metro Pawn handles these transactions daily and applies established procedures that align with Minnesota statutes.

To ask questions about a specific transfer or begin the process, call 612-861-2727 or visit their contact us page. Speaking with a licensed professional helps clarify documentation needs before the firearm is transferred.