Check for stolen?

[Gonfishn]

I, along with most of the folks on here, purchase guns online (I'm an addicted Ruger fanatic) and I've always wondered if I've ever inadvertently purchased one that's been stolen? There's really no way to tell is there? You'd think that with all the falderal over the gun bashing that someone would come up with something whereas as a conscientious buyer such as those on this board could check a national database for this purpose. True, locally the various law enforcement agencies maintain stolen records and they're supposed to send them into their state's reporting system and the national crime info system, etc., but these are all off limits to the like's of you and me because we're not LEO's. It certainly wouldn't be the end all but it would surely help. I know, I know, "big brother" etc., when one opens that can of worms but I'm sure some safeguards could be worked into any enabling type legislation making this possible? Just a thought, what are yours?

 

[wwb]

No readily accessible federal database that I know of, but quite a few websites deal with the subject. Here are just a few:

www.hotgunz.com

http://www.prweb.com/releases/stolen/guns/prweb2209864.htm

http://www.stolenlostfound.org/stolen-gun-serial-numbers

 

[pisgah]

Yes, local law enforcement can check the nationwide database for you, if they will -- but reported stolen guns are listed by serial number (along with almost any other stolen serial-numbered item), and how many people are able to give a serial number to police when a gun is stolen? I keep an updated serial number list of my guns, as I am sure many others do -- but I am also sure most do not.

When I worked for a while as a police dispatcher, we actually ID'd some stolen and recovered collectible china plates through the database! (BTW, citizens could not call us and request a search. They had to first speak with a sworn officer, who could then put in the search request if he chose to do so. It was at the officer's discretion, but most except the rankest a**h***s would do it.)

 

[wunbe]

I know the federal border control points have such lists. A friend of mine got stopped going into Canada on a hunt and they held him for hours because of a typo on the serial # of a rife he bought NIB from a local major dealer.

wunbw

 

[pjinak]

I have called the local Alaska State Trooper office and they have run them (SN) for me...