Question about what "a guy' told me today!

[truthseeker]

I was with some friends today training their Springer Spaniels. Anyway where we were training is right off I-5 (about 2 miles) and people going to San Diego usually stop there to let their dogs do their business.

Well a guy came up when we were taking a break and we go to talking. The conversation led to gun shows out of state.

This guy was telling me he has done PPT with people out of state and "cash and carried" back into California with his long-gun (not a C&R long-gun).

My question is:

Since in California the DROS paper work is not a registration (for long-guns), how do the police officers in this state know whether or not you bought it here or owned it before you moved here?

[Casual Observer]

I was with some friends today training their Springer Spaniels. Anyway where we were training is right off I-5 (about 2 miles) and people going to San Diego usually stop there to let their dogs do their business.

Well a guy came up when we were taking a break and we go to talking. The conversation led to gun shows out of state.

This guy was telling me he has done PPT with people out of state and "cash and carried" back into California with his long-gun (not a C&R long-gun).

My question is:

Since in California the DROS paper work is not a registration (for long-guns), how do the police officers in this state know whether or not you bought it here or owned it before you moved here?

Damn good question. I would assume it's more of an honor system than anything.

Too bad you couldn't educate the guy. He was violating federal law and I'd guess that's something he'd want to know about.

[Mssr. Eleganté]

My question is:

Since in California the DROS paper work is not a registration (for long-guns), how do the police officers in this state know whether or not you bought it here or owned it before you moved here?

The only way the police officers in this State know is when total strangers come up to them while they are walking their dogs and volunteer the information.

[truthseeker]

I did tell him, however he was ~65-70 years old and told me I was wrong.

[CSACANNONEER]

I did tell him, however he was ~65-70 years old and told me I was wrong.

Well then, you are. He must be right because he is special. He's the only person in the country who is able to do this legally. Of course, he neglected to tell you that he is a top secret agent who can do what he wants and only answers to the POTUS! It's either that or, he is wrong and breaking both federal and state laws!

[sleepur606]

"...If he disagrees with you, it is because you are wrong."

[SirGlockALott]

I am sure that guy new it must be illegal, but he probably doesnt care. There are some people out there that just dont give a damn, till they get caught.

[hawk1]

Really California wouldn't know. Unless they went looking for the 4473 form...
I bet the Feds would not be happy once they find out as well...
Stay legal, the alternative, well, just sucks...

[B Strong]

"...If he disagrees with you, it is because you are wrong."

LOL - I heard that commercial earlier today.

[tankerman]

Really California wouldn't know. Unless they went looking for the 4473 form...

.......And how exactly would they do that?

[GuyW]

My impression is, very hard to prove.

Now, if this guy is Public Enemy #1, they might devote enough manpower to investigate.

Otherwise, no one will ever know (except for his big mouth)....especially as time passes and previous owners move and die (who knows how many PPTs a long gun may have gone thru?)

But this shouldn't be taken as an endorsement to break federal law....
.

[hawk1]

.......And how exactly would they do that?

Trace by serial number. Yeah, that can and do. Yes on long guns too.
I'd bet just about all the FFL's on here at Calguns have done at least one either for ATF or DOJ.

[Vin496]

Trace by serial number. Yeah, that can and do. Yes on long guns too.
I'd bet just about all the FFL's on here at Calguns have done at least one either for ATF or DOJ.

There was another thread about tracing guns through the 4473 form, and the basic result was that if the gun was purchased out of State, it would be almost impossible to trace it. The 4473 form, will just tell the Feds where the gun came from, they call the Distributor, who can then pass on the info of where it was sent, then they would call the FFL who sold it, but if the gun had been sold FTF in many States that would be the end of the line, as no records are kept after that point.

[tankerman]

Trace by serial number. Yeah, that can and do. Yes on long guns too.
I'd bet just about all the FFL's on here at Calguns have done at least one either for ATF or DOJ.

That would only work if the gun was purchased and the 4473 used. There are a lot of reasons why one wouldn't have been, including cash and carry C&R's, out of state private transaction prior to moving to Ca., gun purchased prior to 4473 requirement. 4473 no longer on file, required retention period is 20 years.

There are many scenarios where a 4473 would not have been completed.