Profitability of Creating and Reselling Zip Guns at Buybacks: A Lucrative Enterprise or a Risky Gamble?

The idea of creating and reselling zip guns during buybacks might seem like a promising way to make a profit. However, the legalities and the risks involved require a careful examination. This article explores the potential profitability and the significant risks associated with such a venture.

Understanding Zip Guns and Buybacks

Zip guns, which are homemade firearms with improvised components, are legal to manufacture and own in the United States under federal and state restrictions. Buybacks, on the other hand, are programs where individuals can sell their firearms for a reward or gift card, often in exchange for a reduction in the community's gun inventory.

From a legal perspective, buybacks are often considered a surrender rather than a sale, and the gift cards or rewards provided are seen as rewards rather than a sale of the firearm. This legally allows for a more lenient approach to the manufacture and sale of zip guns for these events.

Historical Case Study in Portland

A few years ago in Portland, Oregon, two individuals demonstrated a particularly lucrative strategy. They handmade around a dozen crude pipe-barrel shotguns with 2×4 stocks. The total parts cost was approximately 10 dollars, with a small additional time investment of 20 minutes per gun. By participating in a buyback earlier than others, they were able to exchange their homemade firearms for dozens of 50 gift cards, totaling nearly $1,500 in gift cards for a relatively small initial investment and minimal time commitment.

Their success didn't end there. They then ventured into the parking lot, leveraging the same gift cards and their connection to the community to negotiate better deals on valuable firearms that people were bringing in for the buyback.

This strategy benefited both parties. The individuals who were selling their firearms received a better deal than what was being offered at the official buyback event. The two individuals ended up with guns that were well below market value, making for a profitable deal overall. According to the account, their initial investment and earnings amounted to a significant profit over just one weekend.

Risks and Challenges

While the historical case in Portland seemed lucrative, the gun control community has since become more aware of such tactics. Modern buybacks typically occur in states where private transfers are restricted, negating the legality of the "parking lot rescues." Additionally, the number of gift cards given out per individual is strictly limited, reducing the potential profit.

Recent buybacks have imposed strict limits on the number of gift cards a person can receive, despite the number of guns they bring in. For example, a buyback I heard about in a neighboring state only allowed two gift cards per person, irrespective of the number of guns handed in. This significantly reduces the potential profit and makes the venture less attractive.

Final Thoughts

While creating and reselling zip guns for buyback events can seem lucrative, it comes with considerable risks. The effectiveness of such strategies is significantly diminished due to stricter regulations and limited opportunities. While it remains possible to make a small profit, the high stakes and potential legal troubles make it a risky business. Individuals considering such activities should carefully weigh the legal implications and potential rewards.