local sherriffs dept. wont help me out

[cmath0100]

So I am looking to purchase a pistol from someone, but before i go any further i want to run the serial number to see if it is legit. But the sherriffs dept said I had to go through a gun dealer, now I know they have the means of running the numbers through NCIC. I do not want to make a trip to the gun dealer, they will most likely charge me. Should I try another agency? Or is there someone on here that could run the serial?
thanks

[Untamed1972]

They can't run serial numbers on stuff unless it's part of a legit criminal investigation. They cant just run stuff for the fun of it, or cuz someone asks them too.....it's against the law. Same with plate numbers on cars.

[Steyrlp10]

Not to mention getting the cop(s) in trouble for running it for without authorization.

[Cpl. Haas]

Not to mention... unless you're buying the gun from a certain member of your family (parent/grandparent, or child/grandchild), it's illegal to private party transfer most guns in California without going through a dealer anyway (C&R long guns being a notable exception)...

[retired]

You need to go into the station with the person you are buying the gun from. Of course, call first and let them know you will be coming. Leave the gun locked in a case in the trunk (I know you don't need to do that). Go into the station, let them know the gun is in the trunk and they will come out with you to retrieve it.

Let the leo run the gun. If it is stolen, you will know it when they hook up the seller.

[paul0660]

it's illegal to private party transfer most guns in California without going through a dealer anyway(C&R LONGGUNSbeing a notable exception)...

you have to do CandR handguns through a dealer.

[Steyrlp10]

You need to go into the station with the person you are buying the gun from. Of course, call first and let them know you will be coming. Leave the gun locked in a case in the trunk (I know you don't need to do that). Go into the station, let them know the gun is in the trunk and they will come out with you to retrieve it.

Let the leo run the gun. If it is stolen, you will know it when they hook up the seller.

Lol... did you ever have one of those, Retired?

The only ones we've had were the ones where the bad guy called 911 because he got rolled in a bad dope deal and wanted his dope back!

[Cpl. Haas]

you have to do C&R handguns through a dealer.

I overlooked that point, thank you... it's been corrected.

[ajaffe]

To all of you........huh?
I called SDPD's non emergency line during normal business hours, asked the lady about a handgun that I was about to do my first PPT on, asked them to do a quick serial number check for me to verify the gun was clean, gave them the name of the seller to make sure they matched, and she answered everything within the 5 minute call we had.

[ar15barrels]

You need to go into the station with the person you are buying the gun from.

If the seller is ok with the suggestion of doing this, the chances are pretty good that the piece is clean.

[Master Blaster]

I have done this more then ounce. The local P.D. has always been happy to check for me.

[OlderThanDirt]

Just walk into the police station and yell that you have a gun. They will run the serial number.

[xxdabroxx]

I have done this before, try a different agency.

One doesn't want to hand over the cash and do a PPT without knowing that you will get your pistol in 10 days. I don't care if the guy gets in trouble or not, you could still be out a sum of money.

[liketoshoot]

Just walk into the police station and yell that you have a gun. They will run the serial number.

Rofl and run you too

[cmath0100]

thanks for the help, i heard that they will do this for you. Just wanted to make sure.