When the 4473 information is sent it is checked otherwise take it to the PD/SO. If a gun dealer has taken in a firearm for repair, they can make a call to the local PD/SO. Local cops are checking the same data base ATF or FBI checks. Just phoning ATF and saying your John Doe with FFL # 123456 is not secure. Yes some crooks may have access an FFL number and name.
Bought a gun that turned up stolen
- Thread starter Cofaler
- Start date
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Your right but as of now FFLs are required if in the business.
Have you ever entered any data into NCIC. I have. Ever ran and recovered stolen stuff, I have. Yes just like DMV a number can be wrong or color of vehicle wrong etc etc. You and everyone else reading list is human and can make mistakes. It's better than no system. Have you ever got a hit or possible hit return on a stolen item. The return is listing the brand, model, full serial number, barrel length, caliber, color. And sometimes any special means of ID.
Well, the county sheriff tracked down the gun to the dealer I bought it from and got my information from their book, they had the serial number so they knew what they were looking for, as well as the contact info for the detective in charge of the case. He did offer to let me take a picture of him holding the gun as proof that he took ownership, which I declined to do. I guess I could have barricaded myself in the house screaming 'BULLETS FIRST' or maybe 'FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS' and shot it out with them over a $300 gun, after all I was carrying when they showed up (a Ruger of course, SP101 .357 with bear loads). Or I could have just stood there on my porch like a mime and let them come to the conclusion through my silence that they should just leave. Or I could have denied everything, and accused the two deputies of being jackbooted thugs and ordered them off my property. I guess I COULD have done one of those things if I had a bit of time to think it through before hand, but I'm sure I would not have. As it turned I went with my first instinct, which was to be cooperative with local law enforcement, or anyone who is trying to do their job, and return the same level of respect that is given me, to pick my battles and basically try not to be an ass. I live here. These guys know me. I do ride alongs and volunteer work with them.
What would you guys have done?
Interesting how things are done in California, and it seems like its working really well for them out there.
What would you guys have done?
Interesting how things are done in California, and it seems like its working really well for them out there.
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I have bought two guns off Gun Broker within the last 6 months that have came back as stolen. Luckily both sellers were FFLs and more than eager to refund my money so other than the background check I was made whole but the last one really chapped my shorts. It was an early Colt New Frontier in 44 Special with real ivories! It is probably rattling around under the local sergeants desk getting beat to pieces.
That sucks. My ffl made it right with me as well, I told the cop in Texas if the guy already collected the insurance on the gun I would just as soon keep it. He laughed and said THAT gun was the first gun he'd ever owned and it was given to him by his Dad when he was a kid. Go figure...
Lost my FFL ( I finally found out) because I bought 8 guns that were reported stolen after I bought them. It was a Father/Son ordeal. Was told by a person from BATF that I was dealing in stolen firearms when I reapplied for my FFL 2 yrs. later that I turned in voluntarily or face Federal charges and would have to hire an expensive lawyer. I kept my shop open for almost 6 yrs. selling everything but firearms.
GasGuzzler
Hunter
I had one stolen and the cops couldn't care less ... likely because the gun was in Mexico with the SN scratched off by the time the detective got the case in hand.
They also cared zero when someone tried to rip off my debit card for $1200 worth of crap off the internet.
They also cared zero when someone tried to rip off my debit card for $1200 worth of crap off the internet.
Old1215
Bearcat
I have a friend in the sheriffs office that will run a check for me. They will do it for anyone but the gun must be present and they keep it if it's reported stolen. For me I ask before purchasing and he wants the seller if it comes back reported. I haven't had to snitch on anyone yet but I would if it comes about.
I had three stolen from me in the mid 90s in Fayetteville, NC. Gave the cops serial numbers, etc. Never heard a word about any of them
Buyer beware, if it sounds like a "good deal" it probably isn't.
I don't know if other states have a firearm tracing site but Florida does and it's not a bad idea if everyone checked their own state for the availability to check a gun out. I use ours for every purchase I and considering and have a link on my phone and PC.
TINCANBANDIT is back
Single-Sixer
any citizen can call any law enforcement agency and ask them to search if a gun has been reported stolen, I did it with a Ruger Mark II that I found on the side of the road.
See if you can take her to small claims court.
bigbillyboy
Hunter
Here , local sheriffs dept. Will check them .
I've had a couple pass through my hands that were "hot". One was a Smith revolver, serial checked by a cop buddy of mine. I gave it to him to dispose of. I had paid next to nothing for it, that's why I was suspect of its background and had him check in the first place. I also got a "too good to be true" deal on an AR once. We lived near an AFB and it turns out it was pieced together from "spare" parts off the base. Another buddy of mine who was military gave me what I paid for it. I was glad to be rid of it.
I wish that were so here. What happens is an officer must be assigned to the call and they are not available for that. They never call back. Same answer going in to the station.
That is good. Does this means buying the gun and then taking it to the office to check on it.
I believe gun shops/pawn shops have an online way to check almost immediately.
The two I have asked said no. they have no way of checking.
