question about stolen firearms

[jksupplyco]

If FFLs can provide a service for LE, why is LE so adverse to running numbers for FFLs?

Have you contacted your local Sheriffs Dept to inquire?

[halifax]

Have you contacted your local Sheriffs Dept to inquire?

Yep. I was told that those services are for official use only and they even have to justify their use of it.

[pullnshoot25]

Yep. I was told that those services are for official use only and they even have to justify their use of it.

And I can tell you from personal experience that a lot of cops just absolutely LOOOOVE running serials.

[tenpercentfirearms]

My relationship with local law enforcement is such that I probably wouldn't have a hard time finding out if a gun was stolen or not. If coppers can run serial numbers at traffic stops, then it isn't going to be too hard to run a serial number for a gun dealer that suspects a stolen firearm.

[kemasa]

People do not know all of the details of the paperwork and what happens to it. If they did, then they would never put their social security numbers on the 4473 as it serves no purpose to do so.

Do most people know that if you sell two hanguns within 5 days to the same person that you have to fill out a form and report it? No, they don't. They also don't know if there is a process to check to see if firearms are stolen or not.

[taperxz]

Not all gun dealers want to help you get your stuff back. Tabor in San Bruno sold me a couple long rifles that were then stolen from me. When i went back to him to see if he could look up the serials for me he said he didnt have time. He was more than thrilled to sell me a couple new rifles though.

[kemasa]

It can be difficult to go through all the records, but it still would be nice if they tried, as time permitted.

Honestly, anything that you buy that has a decent value to you should be recorded in a safe location. This can help with recovery and/or convicting the criminal. This includes cell phones, GPS devices, radar detectors, TVs, stereos, electronics, stoves, computers, etc.

[jksupplyco]

It can be difficult to go through all the records, but it still would be nice if they tried, as time permitted.

Honestly, anything that you buy that has a decent value to you should be recorded in a safe location. This can help with recovery and/or convicting the criminal. This includes cell phones, GPS devices, radar detectors, TVs, stereos, electronics, stoves, computers, etc.

+10000000000

[taperxz]

I agree and i thought i had the info!! I know its not easy for the store owner but i had purchased 8 firearms from him in the past. The shop in Colusa that i purchased my new socom from (replacement) told me they would have no problem getting that number to me if i bought it from them to help LE locate that stolen weapon. I got the same reply from all other dealers. I just hope Tabor knows i will never buy a firearm from him again and will tell all my buddies the story. I to am in business and word of mouth rules in my opinion.

BTW i gave him the year and the month i bought the socom from him.

[yzErnie]

I have never had any problem calling the local LE and ask them to run the serial number of a gun to see if it is stolen.

[ugimports]

I agree and i thought i had the info!! I know its not easy for the store owner but i had purchased 8 firearms from him in the past. The shop in Colusa that i purchased my new socom from (replacement) told me they would have no problem getting that number to me if i bought it from them to help LE locate that stolen weapon. I got the same reply from all other dealers. I just hope Tabor knows i will never buy a firearm from him again and will tell all my buddies the story. I to am in business and word of mouth rules in my opinion.

BTW i gave him the year and the month i bought the socom from him.

For future reference you can request copies of your 4473. It isn't standard practice to hand it out, but there's nothing restricting the FFL from providing you copies. In fact, some manufacturers require copies of your 4473 for warranty registration. I've made copies for any customer that has requested them and of DROS paperwork too if so requested.

In short, if you want to make sure you always have an "official" copy of paperwork for your firearms always ask for a copy of your 4473. Not only will it have your serial number info on it it will have the exact date that you took possession of your firearm.

[halifax]

I have never had any problem calling the local LE and ask them to run the serial number of a gun to see if it is stolen.

Nice to have friends in high places Ernie

You are former(?) LE aren't you?

[thomashoward]

Stolen? or reported stolen. Used to be a statute of limitation 3 years and one day after a gun was REPORTED stolen. Doesn't mean you are going to be allowed to keep it

[yzErnie]

Nice to have friends in high places Ernie

You are former(?) LE aren't you?

LOL, still active but only for 1yr, 9mos, 3 days and 10 hours and 50 minutes....but, I'm not counting!!!

[yzErnie]

Stolen? or reported stolen. Used to be a statute of limitation 3 years and one day after a gun was REPORTED stolen. Doesn't mean you are going to be allowed to keep it

The Statute of Limitations does not come into play after it was reported stolen. It will stay listed as stolen in NCIC forever or until recovered.