Avoiding Stolen Firearms

[SandHill]

I would appreciate some practical advice on avoiding stolen property when purchasing used guns. I had thought that the DROS check included running the serial number of the weapon when purchasing a used long gun in a private party transfer, but found out that it does not.

What kind of reasonable steps can I take to make sure the gun isn't hot? Failing that, how can I protect myself agaisnt a charge of receiving stolen property? I asume getting a bill of sale and checking the ID of the seller would give some protection agaisnt prosecution if the weapon turns out to be stolen, but I would like to be more proactive, and avoid buying a stolen gun (and thereby encouraging theft) in the first place.

Any ideas?

[oops...]

Call the local PD and ask them to run it. I have in the past with no problems...

[Zedrek]

Is it really a problem? When you are doing a PPT the FFL gets both of your information so I highly doubt that a thief would want to go that route.

[SandHill]

Ooops, I have been told that the local PD is not supossed to do this. I don't kow, never tried it. Maybe they do it for you because you are a LEO?

Zedrek, I guess this is the answer, unless someone else has a different opinion. It is certainly the easiest thing to do (nothing). Don't worry, be happy.......

[Ron-Solo]

My department required the people to bring them into the front desk before we could run them. If it comes back stolen, it is seized for eventual return to its rightful owner and the detective will be contacting the person to determine how they took possession of it.

We did not run cars or any other property over the phone.

[CBR_rider]

IANAL, but if you go through all the legal channels to purchase a firearm the state would have a pretty tough time convincing a jury that your knew you were purchasing stolen property. As has already been mentioned, you might be able to contact your local law enforcement agency to have them run the serial # over the phone or in person.

[SandHill]

My department required the people to bring them into the front desk before we could run them. If it comes back stolen, it is seized for eventual return to its rightful owner and the detective will be contacting the person to determine how they took possession of it.

We did not run cars or any other property over the phone.

Interesting approach. Seems designed to dissuade anyone from asking. I would think any seller in his right mind who wasn't the original owner would never agree to bring it in as part of the sale, becasue he could never be completely sure of it's history before he bought it. Even an origianl owner who bought new from a dealer is going to be reluctant to go to the troubleof bringing it in if there are others making offers on the weapon without the requirement. And if I buy it, pay and close the sale without running the serial number, there is absolutely no reason any longer to bring it in and risk losing it. Its kind of like the department saying: "we know there are lots of stolen guns being sold out there, but don't bother us and let us pretend we don't know."

[sandseeker4life]

Here in So Calif I have called my Local PD dept been doing so since 1990 and just did it again last week. I call the non emer line explain that I am looking at a legal private party gun purchase but wanted to be certain the gun wasn't stolen. The PD only asked me make, modle number and serial number, about a minute later had the answer. Back in 1994 right after the aw ban in ca I even called on a HK 94 which was a no-no here in CA they didn't care however I am so thankful as that gun was STOLEN from a Nevada Resident. I know of a local gun store that did a PPT and after the money changed hands and the gun was on its 10 day wait the DOJ notified gun store the gun was stolen. Gun Buyer GOT Nothing I think it is wise to request the seller sign a document that clearly states what the item is, including the serial # stating that they the seller has the LEGAL RIGHT TO SELL SAID FIREARM as well they include their current address as well their written drivers license number as well they allow a photo copy of their Drivers License to be attached to the transaction for record keeping.Not a bad idea for a SELLER to Keep SAME copy of all documents in the event the gun sold were used in a crime after the sale, just in case the DOJ records the Local PD had pointed ownership back to the seller. jmo

[Zedrek]

I do have to say that I did call the Kern County Sheriff's Department dispatch line and run a firearm before and they were OK with it. That was back in the late 90's though.

[emtmark]

Called hollister pd two months ago for the same reason. They told me to pound it in not so many words. I passed on the deal.