Serial Number database

[madcow]

Does anyone know how long they keep records of SN's on registered guns? I've tried to contact the ATF with no result thus far.

[morrcarr67]

Does anyone know how long they keep records of SN's on registered guns? I've tried to contact the ATF with no result thus far.

First off the Federal Government does not keep a record of serial numbers.

What info are you trying to get?

[madcow]

A handgun was stolen from a relative and the SN is unknown. It was issued to him during WWII and I'm trying to get the SN so that I can report it/track it, etc .

[Riodog]

If you are referring to Calif DOJ, I have handguns attributed to myself from 1971 to the present. It's actually kind of a hit and miss scenerio especially in the earlier years (pre-80 or there abouts). I have guns that I bought new that do not show up anywhere. I also have blackpowder revolvers that were never supposed to be documented that are in the data base. The system was and isn't perfect. Way back in the 60's my Mom and Dad purchased quite a few handguns for me and they don't show up as registered to anyone.
Rio

[Riodog]

A handgun was stolen from a relative and the SN is unknown. It was issued to him during WWII and I'm trying to get the SN so that I can report it/track it, etc .

Good luck. Unless it has been entered into the system you are SOL. If it had been entered into a gunsmiths records for repair, been used as a pawned item, been thru the system (fied). Try finding an old family photo-close up-? You're looking for a needle in a haystack so don't get your hopes up.
Sorry,
Rio

[Marlin Hunter]

A handgun was stolen from a relative and the SN is unknown. It was issued to him during WWII and I'm trying to get the SN so that I can report it/track it, etc .

See if he has any old pictures of the gun. You might be able to see the serial number in the picture.

[CALI SHOT DOC]

The guy i bought my safe from said he has sold a few to CA DOJ and that they only keep long gun serial numbers for 3 yrs max.

[locosway]

A handgun was stolen from a relative and the SN is unknown. It was issued to him during WWII and I'm trying to get the SN so that I can report it/track it, etc .

That really sucks... I have a 1911 that was issued to my grandfather during WWII and I would HATE to have it lost.

I made a website that lets people store their info for free in a secure and encrypted system, it's http://onlinegunsafe.com Maybe you and your friends/family can still find a use for it.

[DT556]

They lost a bunch of SN back in the 80's (I think)