Paperwork for New Purchase

[2wheelfish]

I'm new to the forum and have a question.

Here's the background: I bought my first handgun from a local shop back in December. The shop gets good reviews and they seemed really friendly and knowledgable. It wasn't until I bought my second gun from another shop that caused me to question the first one. The first shop literally gave me no paperwork with the purchase. Looking back, all I have is a sales receipt from the shop with the price paid and a credit card receipt. It does have the make and model of the gun, but no serial number. The second shop gave me a copy of all the DROS paperwork, a recent with all the serial number on it and seemed like a real complete package of information.

Question(s): Did the first shop do something wrong, or were they just less professional? Do I need/should I have a receipt (bill of sale) with the correct serial number on it and should I have received a copy of all the DROS paperwork? Should I go back to the shop and ask for something more "official"?

Sorry for all the questions. Calguns is a great resource and has taught me a lot. Thanks.

[SkyHawk]

They have to give you a copy of the DROS if you ask for one at the time of sale. They don't have to give you one if you don't ask. They may still give you a copy if you go back and ask for one.

Personally, I usually don't worry about having a copy, and I don't worry about a receipt with a serial number.

Welcome to Calguns!

[heidad01]

It is a good idea to get and keep a copy of your Dros (Dealer Record of Sale) every time you buy a gun. Go back and ask them to print one for you.
Most every shop prints the Dros for you when you pick up your gun. Some do not do it if you do not ask and those are mostly old fashioned shops, but that does not make them unprofessional or anything.

[Maht_g]

I've had shops ask if I want a copy and I always say no. When a shop gives me a copy without asking I just throw it away... Really no practical use for it, I have enough paperwork to keep track of, I let the doj handle those records!

[2wheelfish]

Thanks for the replies. So is having a receipt that's missing a serial number is not an issue?

The receipt is literally just a cash register receipt using that thermal paper crap that may deteriorate over time. I may just take a picture with the gun (showing the S/N) and the receipt together and keep that for some sort of record.