Reporting missing/stolen handgun?

[Hawk]

I was talking with a relative of my wife over the holidays. Seems he can't find a one of his handguns. He's not sure if it was stolen or just misplaced when he moved. He typically keeps it in his car and uses valet parking (allot). He doesn't recall the last time he has seen it. His question was whether he should report it as stolen? He also wants to know if he will need to fill out paper work if he does report it stolen? Lastly, can he report it missing and maybe stolen in case he finds it? I know it's a weired situation.


Hawk,

[Zef_66]

It is a weird situation and one I am interested in knowing what to do.

I would want to report it stolen just in case it was stolen. But I would be interested in knowing if this can be reversed if the gun is found. Hope someone can provide some info. I am very interested.

Maybe try calling the state police and just ask a few questions without providing any personal information. Just ask them what to do... I am sure they run into this from time to time.

[Pa. Patriot]

Call the local PSP barracks and they will take the report.

[Xringshooter]

Definitely file a report. Whoever takes the report is probably going to ask a lot of questions. Have the make, model, serial number, barrel length, finish, any special grips, etc., etc., (as complete a description as possible) ready to give. Explain the circumstances, the officer will probably decide how it will be filed (missing, stolen, etc.). Also, you will need the police report if you are going to make an insurance claim.

As far as I know it is still "legal" (maybe not the best word to use) to lose, misplace or have something stolen. But to CYA file the report. If it turns up, immediately call and explain what happened.

I'm sure the LEO's and legal eagles will give some more (probably even more indepth) info about what to do.

[sjl127]

Can you at least throw me a bone and give me approximately about how long it could be missing? Days? Weeks? Months? Years?

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by sjl127

Can you at least throw me a bone and give me approximately about how long it could be missing? Days? Weeks? Months? Years?

Sorry, he didn't say how long he has been looking for it. I'm guessing it's not that high on his priority list if it's been missing more than a month or two.

Hawk,

[Pa. Patriot]

The correct place to call is the local PSP as mentioned previously.

[DaveM55]

If it was stolen and he claims it on insurance he will need a police report to make a claim.

[ChamberedRound]

It's perfectly legal in PA to not report it missing or stolen, there's no obligation to do so. However, IMHO it would be a REALLY GOOD IDEA to report it. If the weapon is not reported and it's used in a crime, the police will use purchase records to identify the owner, and he/she will become prime suspect #1 in the crime. If the weapon is found after reporting it, simply call the police and tell them it was found.

[Mtn Jack]

Chambered round with no gun registration in Pa how can the police find where it was purchased? The form at the dealers is kept there for 20 years and the other form goes to A.T.F. There is no data base to draw from, in other words they cant check every dealer for the records. If by chance you dont know you guns serial ##s you will not get the gun back. There is a data base for stolen gun though,they are supposed to return any found to you by law i think. I have had a couple stolen and learned a little bit from it.Copy all numbers in a safe place!!!! I wish your friend luck. Be safe Mtn Jack