how does one register found handgun ?

[Fishslayer]

+1 about doing the right thing. Heck, maybe there will be no owner and you'll get it back

I guess it COULD happen...

[JTROKS]

Contact the seller of the vehicle and ask them the history if prior owners and see if you can contact them. Make a few phone calls and ask if they are missing any type of property they want to claim. Don't give them a description of the gun. If it's theirs they'll come calling, hopefully in a nice manner. If no takers and the serial number is clean then go ahead with the registration after 6 months has passed. That gun better worth all that trouble, but I supposed it's your time and effort.

[paul0660]

Contact the seller of the vehicle and ask them the history if prior owners and see if you can contact them. Make a few phone calls and ask if they are missing any type of property they want to claim. Don't give them a description of the gun. If it's theirs they'll come calling, hopefully in a nice manner. If no takers and the serial number is clean then go ahead with the registration after 6 months has passed. That gun better worth all that trouble, but I supposed it's your time and effort.

Something like this, but check to see if it is stolen first. I have done this with Mendocino County dispatch over the phone. If it is stolen, turn it in, if it isn't do the above.

The problem with turning it in is that there does not seem to be a statute that applies to what the LEO's have to do with the gun. As a result, YMMV, and possibly not well.

[Mr310]

Something like this, but check to see if it is stolen first. I have done this with Mendocino County dispatch over the phone. If it is stolen, turn it in, if it isn't do the above.

The problem with turning it in is that there does not seem to be a statute that applies to what the LEO's have to do with the gun. As a result, YMMV, and possibly not well.

This. The thought that the PD would "let another gun go on the streets" willingly is absurd.

[JTROKS]

Something like this, but check to see if it is stolen first. I have done this with Mendocino County dispatch over the phone. If it is stolen, turn it in, if it isn't do the above.

The problem with turning it in is that there does not seem to be a statute that applies to what the LEO's have to do with the gun. As a result, YMMV, and possibly not well.

It all depends on the officer that's processing the report. Some departments go by strict procedures some go by what is in plain black and white according to the law. With the economy being bad, most police departments have some type of resource management including disposition of unclaimed stolen property. Then some of the departments being run by anti-gun top level will ensure the destruction of such firearms.

[sorensen440]

Do the right thing. Turn it in to your local law enforcement agency as found property. Get the report number. If no owner can be found, you are entitled to claim it. The lack of moral fiber shown in threads like this sometimes amazes me.

Agreed
Trying to find the owner is the correct answer and if the owner cant be found then you can can claim it.

[Oceanbob]

For me, I would simply fill out the form and send in $19. (After calling the make and number in)


Since you didn't STEAL IT. then really, no case could be brought against you for simply finding an old handgun in your car.

JMO and YMMV.

I would NOT give it to the police.

Bob

[ADAM]

its colt commanding officer stampted on the side, blued 1911

[JTROKS]

its colt commanding officer stampted on the side, blued 1911

Still don't change my advice. The only way my opinion will change due to the gun model is if it's an original Colt Single Action Army serial number 1.

Do the right thing. What if that gun was used in a crime? Worst case scenario: you know the victim and you were in the area when it was committed. Can't happen? I think the odds that happening is better than winning the Mega Lotto.

[Roots]

I sent in the DOJ form years ago for a Glock I obtained. No issues - DOJ just sent me a letter back stating that I was now the legal owner. YOU bought the car and all of its contents..be happy.

[GuillermoAntonio]

For me, I would simply fill out the form and send in $19. (After calling the make and number in)


Since you didn't STEAL IT. then really, no case could be brought against you for simply finding an old handgun in your car.

JMO and YMMV.

I would NOT give it to the police.

Bob

since you already stated the previous car owners are nowhere to be found,, I agree with Bob.
But really, dont turn it to the police, I dont even think they will try and find the owner at all.

[AndrewTannerCA]

What if it comes back as stolen? Wouldn't OP be guilty of receiving stolen property?

[Ubermcoupe]

No pictures yet?

IMO, You have to verify its not stolen and you have to try and find the original owner (which can be done by verifying who its registered to).

I would probably turn it in, however if you turn it into the police I sincerely doubt that it will be released to you versus just being destroyed.

[ADAM]

I will contact pd to run ser# for sure then get the form from doj and file the proper docs.How can one check if it was used in crime?

[WDE91]

What type of gun is it??