What does handgun serial number show ?

[EesesPieces]

When an LEO looks up a serial number for a handgun what are they able to see or what comes up in their system ? By looking up my name can they see which firearms I own ?

[CBR_rider]

In a nutshell, if I were to run the serial number of a registered firearm in AFS (Automated Firearm System) I would get: make/model/barrel length, your name, and your address. If I queried the system by your name I could get all the firearms registered to you. I could also get a hit listing the firearm as stolen if it was reported as such.

[Librarian]

... of course, that applies only to
- handguns you purchased in CA since 1991, or through an FFL since 1924
- long guns transferred to you since 1 Jan 2014 (no serial number-person data available from DROS 2013 and earlier)
- firearms for which you may have filed the VOLREG or OPLAW forms
- firearms which you registered as a New Resident

[EesesPieces]

What if to say someone moved to CA from a free state and did not register a handgun, what would come up on the automated firearm system here in CA?

[Spyder]

... of course, that applies only to
- handguns you purchased in CA since 1991, or through an FFL since 1924

?

[aleng888]

What if to say someone moved to CA from a free state and did not register a handgun, what would come up on the automated firearm system here in CA?

You have to register all you gun with in 30 days I think. I forgot if the gun have to sit In jail for 10day or not. But yes the gov will know what you have..

[swift]

Gun doesn't need to sit in jail. file a form and pay $19.

[Quiet]

?

Since 1924, along with the 1 day waiting period on handguns, CA guns dealers were required to report (register) handguns that they sold to CA DOJ.

Since 1997, CA DOJ has been inputting all the paper DROS, sent in since 1924, into AFS. Supposedly, they are currently processing records from the 1950s-1960s.

[hermosabeach]

source

What if to say someone moved to CA from a free state and did not register a handgun, what would come up on the automated firearm system here in CA?

If you purchased the hand gun new from an FFL, it should show up...
If you purchased it used from a private party... it will not show up as yours....

Many people who move into CA are not aware of the self registration law....

it makes them "Criminals"

[Press Check]

In a nutshell, if I were to run the serial number of a registered firearm in AFS (Automated Firearm System) I would get: make/model/barrel length, your name, and your address. If I queried the system by your name I could get all the firearms registered to you. I could also get a hit listing the firearm as stolen if it was reported as such.

The one reason why I avoid posting pictures with exposed serial numbers on Calguns, or anywhere else for that matter.

[REDdawn6]

What does the search say for a long gun purchased before 1/1/2014? Just if it's stolen?

[Librarian]

What does the search say for a long gun purchased before 1/1/2014? Just if it's stolen?

Just that; no long gun records before 2014, unless registered 'assault weapons' or voluntarily registered.

CA has no general access to the registration records (if any) of other states, so a gun not registered in CA simply returns nothing.

[AceGirlsHusband]

In a nutshell, if I were to run the serial number of a registered firearm in AFS (Automated Firearm System) I would get: make/model/barrel length, your name, and your address. If I queried the system by your name I could get all the firearms registered to you. I could also get a hit listing the firearm as stolen if it was reported as such.

It also shows date of transaction, the dealer purchased from and the LE authority over that area.

[REDdawn6]

Thanks ...

[emptybottle151]

The one reason why I avoid posting pictures with exposed serial numbers on Calguns, or anywhere else for that matter.

Only to someone with access to the Automated Firearm System. Its not like the average guy can just google your serial number.