MODS/ADMIN: Please sticky--I found a gun and need guidance

[Supersapper]

EDIT/UPDATE (18MAR14 0020):

Gun is now back with the owner. Happy reunion!

EDIT/UPDATE:

I was only asking if any LEO would be willing to assist and run the serial number. It isn't onerous, as one poster indicated. It isn't illegal and because there is permission and knowledge of all parties wouldn't fall into any shady area. I stated my desired endstate and the reason. I'm sorry that no one is willing to do it, but please tell me so instead of giving me the guff.

I'm just trying to help All I wanted to do is ensure the weapon was in fact his and that he isn't the thief.

Thank you everyone who tried to help out. I will likely be returning the weapon this weekend, if we can set up a time.
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Hi All,

Hope all is well.

I posted in the Private Firearms Sales--Long Guns that I found a weapon at the range. It was stickied. I believe I have found the owner. He answered several specific questions that only someone who was there could've answered, ID'd the weapon (make , model and calibre) and I do believe that he is the owner, but the one piece of information I am missing is tying the serial number to the name (he bought it over a year ago and doesn't have the number handy).

Are there any LEOs that can assist with this? Both of us are willing to show in person with IDs and the "owner" is willing to wait a proscribed amount of time. I was informed that most LE can input a serial number and acquire this information. I do not know if this is correct; I'm just trying to get a fellow CalGunner and his gun back together and I'd really feel better knowing the serial number is actually his. Everything else fits.

I know there can be issues with Law Enforcement just randomly looking up this information, but as I mentioned, we are both willing to do this FTF and sign any permission slips that are necessary to accomplish this.

Are there any that can help reunite man and machine?

Thanks! You guys are awesome.

Sapper

[CSACANNONEER]

While I'm not a LEO, I believe the only ways a long gun SN would be in any system would be if it was bought this year, a RAW, a vol reg was done or a LEGR was done on it. Otherwise, the only way that ANYONE could get the SN would be from the 4473 at the FFL who transferred said firearm. So, the owner could contact the FFL and request him/her to go through their books and find the SN on the 4473. The FFL might charge for this or, might not depending on the FFL and the situation.

That said, you were there and spoke directly with the owner of the firearm before it was forgotten. Can't you vouch for the fact that you saw the owner at the scene? That, along with the fact that he has given you very specific details about what was left should be enough to reunite the two.

[Tacobandit]

Long guns purchased before jan 1 of this year were not inputted into the system. He might be able to go to the shop where he purchased it and see if they have a copy.

[Supersapper]

Hi All,

CSACannoneer: I saw a ton of people that day, and while I've found a lot of strange things there, I had not planned to come home with someone's gun. I would've paid a little more attention to those details if I'd known I would. I'm fairly convinced he is the gentleman that was there that day. My difficulty is whether or not he owned it legitimately in the first place.

Would suck if I gave a stolen gun back to the thief. I doubt someone who is so willing to put his info out there is a thief, but I've met some bold and brazen.

Tacobandit: He says he purchased it from Big 5 in Kearny Mesa in Dec 2012. I told him to go back as they should still have the paperwork for it. That would be sufficient for me at that point. I'll just keep a copy of everything if something goes bad.

Thanks for the input.

[Livetoride33]

I know you're trying to be very cautious but I have read both your and his threads. There are just too many details that he would have to know and the stories from both sides are far too close to be coincidental.

I don't know any of the serials on my guns either. I think you have definitely covered your butt...

[CSACANNONEER]

Hi All,

CSACannoneer: I saw a ton of people that day, and while I've found a lot of strange things there, I had not planned to come home with someone's gun. I would've paid a little more attention to those details if I'd known I would. I'm fairly convinced he is the gentleman that was there that day. My difficulty is whether or not he owned it legitimately in the first place.

Would suck if I gave a stolen gun back to the thief. I doubt someone who is so willing to put his info out there is a thief, but I've met some bold and brazen.

Tacobandit: He says he purchased it from Big 5 in Kearny Mesa in Dec 2012. I told him to go back as they should still have the paperwork for it. That would be sufficient for me at that point. I'll just keep a copy of everything if something goes bad.

Thanks for the input.

Like I said, the FFL (in this case, Big 5) will have record of the SN. But, I really doubt that any thief would be bold enough to call the local LEA about a stolen gun he lost and then, come find the one who found it and ask for it back. But, it doesn't sound like it will be too hard for him to get the SN so, you might as well let him get it.

[glennbtw]

Why mess with this any more. Turn it into the local police department as found property. No more angst for you about whether guy is legit owner or not.
After dealing with the PD I bet he won't forget it again.

[NuGunner]

Why doesn't he call the store where he got it. It's within the 5 years so I'm almost positive the records haven't been purged yet. There he can get the S/N off the paperwork. If you're at all against going into a PD.

[scootergmc]

You didn't turn it in because you thought you could track him down and help him out. You/he did. If he's able to describe the make/model/caliber and give specific details that should be good enough. I think your serial number requirement is onerous. Now you want to do a check on the gun to make sure it's not stolen? You could what if this thing to death. What if he became a prohibited person in the time he's been without the gun? If you were going to go this far you should've just turned it in and the owner could've jumped through the LEGR hoops.

Regardless, it's nice that you're doing this and apparent you mean well. But it's time to fish or cut bait. I'd return the gun.

[Che762x39]

I have been buying guns since 1979 and I got receipts for most of them.

Now I have been a lawman for 33 years and I have gone to burglaries where the gun owner had no ideal what the serial number of their gun was. A few years I went to a burglary where the owner only knew it was a 9mm. No make or model. So I asked if he had the box? He did and came back with a box of Tula 9mm that had 40 rounds in it. "10 shot 9mm in black" does not tell anybody anything. Of course he bought it from a friend of a friend's cousin.

[Che762x39]

EDIT/UPDATE:

I was only asking if any LEO would be willing to assist and run the serial number.

You both bring the firearm to the police station and whoever is on the desk can help you. Best to come in without it first and tell the desk officer what you want to do. Never a good ideal to walk into a police station with a gun