Private Party Transfer question

[jcouto20]

Not sure where to put this question, but it's in regards to a shotgun so I'll put it here. Years ago, like in 1974 or 75, my father bought a .20 gauge double barrel shotgun from a friend. Now, almost 40 years later, he has no idea where this fellow might be so when I asked him if he legally transferred the gun into his name he just scratched his head. Seems things were a bit more laid back in those days. But now, if one day I want to transfer the gun to my name, I wouldn't know where to begin. Where should we start in order to get the gun transferred to my Father's name?

On a side note, he once told me that the guy who sold it to him, like ten years later, regretted it and wanted to buy it back. So I'm afraid that if we were to track him down and try a regular PPT he might push back. I mean, since the transfer was off the books, he could legally try to claim it back right? I don't want my dad to lose the gun for trying to register it just because I told him to.

Any general advice would be appreciated.

[alfred1222]

Shotguns arent registered to anyones name, and even if they were, the transfer that your dad did 40 years ago was legal back than. Since youre his son, he can just hand it to you and it is yours. Go read the calguns wiki on intrafamilial transfers. But ya, long guns arent going to be registered until 2014. youre in the clear

[Quiet]

What alfred1222 said.

Prior to 1991, it was 100% legal for non-prohibited CA residents to "cash & carry" firearms between themselves without needing to use a FFL dealer.

So, your dad legally acquired that shotgun and for him to legally transfer it to you, he just has to hand it to you.

Current CA laws (changes on 01-01-2014) allows for the transfer of firearms between immediate family members (grandparent-parent-child-grandchild) without the use of a CA FFL dealer. Handguns transfered this way, must be reported to CA DOJ. But, rifles/shotguns/others do not have to be reported.

[jcouto20]

Further clarification

First of all, thank you guys so much for the answers! So, if all he has to do is hand it to me, how does that affect the 2014 date? Meaning, if no paperwork is transpiring, how would they know if he "handed it to me" before or after 1/1/14? Or does the law mean that as of 1/1/14 I have to report that it was given to me prior and it's now in my possesion? Or, conversely, would that only apply to a gun purchased after 1/1/14?

Thanks!

[alfred1222]

First of all, thank you guys so much for the answers! So, if all he has to do is hand it to me, how does that affect the 2014 date? Meaning, if no paperwork is transpiring, how would they know if he "handed it to me" before or after 1/1/14? Or does the law mean that as of 1/1/14 I have to report that it was given to me prior and it's now in my possesion? Or, conversely, would that only apply to a gun purchased after 1/1/14?

Thanks!

If the long gun was purchased before 2014, the DOJ has no way of knowing who owns it. it is not registered. that means if your dad bought an AR tomorrow, and in 2017 decided to hand it to you, than TECHNICALLY the DOJ would have no way of knowing. However there might be a form you have to submit as of 2014.

As of 2014, you dont have to register your old guns, but any new purchases will be registered.