Lots of Do's & Don'ts , For the novice it is best to pay extra to go thru a FFL ( IMHO ) I only once bought a handgun person to person , I did it at the MSP barracks near the airport had the waiting period and all . I more then likely would not do a person to person buy or sale at this point in my life .
Odd one post since 2013 , but I welcome you here at MDS .
A qualifier. The seller and the buyer can’t be prohibited persons under fed law. 18usc922(g). If the seller is, talk to a lawyer versed in this area and get some advice because walking into a FFL or state pol is a felony with the gun in possession. Some FFLs will not transfer a handgun from a non md resident. Some will.