ATF Trace Data

[ArmedCitizen]

So what exactly is Trace Data? Does it help the ATF solve crimes? Or at least help me get my gun back if it's stolen?

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/trace_data/index.htm

[shonc99]

This is how I understand the trace sequence.

Rifle is recovered in a crime. Just one of many reasons for the trace.

ATF goes to manufacturer, finds the wholesale dealer that bought the rifle.

ATF then goes to wholesale dealer, finds out which actual store it went to. (IE- Turners, Big 5)

ATF then goes to particular store, looks at 4473 to see who bought it.

ATF then goes to purchaser and asks him/ her about the rifle.

If we are not in CA, the rifle could have changed hands several times as no FFL is needed for transfer between individuals (the gun show loophole)

As we are in CA, if the original owner sold it he then tells the ATF who he sold the rifle to if he remembers and they go to the FFL who did the transfer to get the next owners info.

At any point the trace data can be useless such as if the gun was reported stolen by the owner years ago- what then?

If the original purchaser bought it at a gunshow out of state and then sold it to someone in his home state- what then?

As you can see, there are many scenarios which lead to a dead end


Here is a link for CA 2007 trace data:

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/trace_data/index2007.htm

[packnrat]

return of property:

pending were you live will determine if you get your property back. some cities/counties will not return said guns.
some say it just is off the scales of insurance fruad. gov can get away with it.

solve a crime:

....maybe.

[Bishop]

ATF then goes to purchaser and asks him/ her about the rifle.
...
As we are in CA, if the original owner sold it he then tells the ATF who he sold the rifle to if he remembers and they go to the FFL who did the transfer to get the next owners info.

Odd. Seems like such a fragile system... Guess I shouldn't be surprised.

"Yeah I remember that gun, but the buyer chose the FFL for the transfer, so I don't remember who it was, and I didn't keep any paperwork for a gun I didn't own anymore."

Amazing trace data...