The Golden Rule for Messaging

Start every buyer and seller conversation by checking the state line, then use the safe path AGT provides.

4 min read Messages

ONE QUESTION BEFORE YOU SEND

Are you and the other person in the same state?

Look at the state. Then use the matching card below.

AGT eagle holding a Golden Rule brick in front of a United States map, with Buyer and Seller separated by a state line

“Out of state? You can’t send contact information. Choose an FFL together, and call them.”

The AGT Golden Rule
Message screen with an arrow pointing to the Share button

SAME STATE

Both of you are in the same state.

Tap Share beside Send. Meet in person. Pay cash at the meetup. Never wire money.

Open the Share guide
FFL picker with an arrow pointing to Propose for transfer

DIFFERENT STATES

You are in different states.

Tap FFLs beside Send. Pick a dealer. Never wire money to the other person. Only pay the FFL you both chose after you call that dealer.

Open the FFL guide

Why do messages get redacted or withheld?

Do not type phone numbers, emails, or dealer details into an interstate chat. Open the FFL guide above and follow the pictures.

AGT does not guarantee legality, identity, payment, shipment, or completion. Check the law where you live and ask the dealer what they need.

KEEP GOING

Need the exact walkthrough?

Why can’t I share my phone number?

How do I complete an interstate deal?

What will Gunny explain in the thread?

Your Inbox

How conversations are grouped (selling, buying, groups) and how to read or reply.

3 min

Group Chats

Use group conversations to chat with members of a group you have joined.

3 min

Blocking and Reporting

Stop unwanted messages from a user and flag bad behavior for our review.

3 min
Field brief
Quick read

How do you The Golden Rule for Messaging?

American Gun Trader Help Center

Gunny, American Gun Trader's happy eagle copilot

This Help Center article explains The Golden Rule for Messaging step by step for American Gun Trader users — private sellers, buyers, and verified FFL dealers.

Gunny's full field brief Read more Show less

How do you The Golden Rule for Messaging? This Help Center article explains The Golden Rule for Messaging step by step for American Gun Trader users — private sellers, buyers, and verified FFL dealers. Follow the instructions in the body to complete the task inside your account without sharing passwords or payment details in public channels. When a task touches firearm transfers, confirm federal, state, and local rules separately using our state law guides and how-to pillars. American Gun Trader provides moderated messaging and hand-reviewed listings, but users remain responsible for lawful compliance on every sale. If the screenshots or menu labels differ slightly after a platform update, the underlying workflow usually remains the same — contact support from your account if you are stuck. Listings are reviewed before they go live and messaging is moderated to reduce scams.