Can I legally keep these handguns?

[gymbo]

The stolen gun reference was NOT by the original poster.

If the guns came into your possession after Jan 1 91, they would've had to have been papered. If the guns were mfgd after this date that's clear & convincing that an illegal transfer did happen; if your friend papered those guns to himself after that date, it's the same thing. You likely have no idea of this so don't lie.

If the guns are otherwise legal (you know they're "clean" and are not illegal assault weapons) you should just go file a Voluntary Registration w/DOJ http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/forms/index.html and pay $19/gun. I am not sure if you need to have an HSC or not (Handgun Safety Certificate; a gun dealer can test you and give the card to you for $25) but I think so.

I saw a letter from DOJ recently (it's somewhere on calgunlaws.com) to an attorney inquiring about such transfers and their later papering. I believe it was DOJ Firearms Div Asst. Dir. Tim Rieger that said such a registration could not be used to cause you legal problems due to self-incrimination issues, as long as no other illegalities were involved.

Original Poster,


If I understand you correctly, I should file the "Firearm Ownership Record" form? Assuming the handguns are clean, would there be a legit reason for transfer such as lack of a bill of sale?

One other small problem: One of the revolvers was owned by my friends brother who sadly took his own life. While on a visit from Texas, he left the gun to me because he decided to drive bach home, rather than fly, and did not want to travel with the gun by car. He did not need it . Guess what? No bill of sale either. Would there be a problem disclosing an out of California state gun?

Finally, to respond to the comment about returning the guns to my friends family, They are not fond of guns. Partly one of the reasons my buddy gave them to me for safe keeping, not to mention losing a family member to suicide by handgun. I would not want to cause them any more grief..

Thanks to all for some great advice. Great gun Forum!