Gun Registration Check

[danswife]

Is there a way to look up which guns (and serial #s) are registered in your name? If I can check my credit, I should be able to do this.

We had several guns stolen years ago and never reported it because we did not have their serial numbers. Now some of the guns are re-emerging and I am a little nervous that the next time the cops come knocking they won't be so friendly...

Any advice would be appreciated!

[Frenchy]

Short arms, you should be able to get through the ATF. Both shortarms and long arms, you can get from the store you bought from... Within 5 years, they have to keep the records 5 years.

[Warners Surplus]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

Short arms, you should be able to get through the ATF. Both shortarms and long arms, you can get from the store you bought from... Within 5 years, they have to keep the records 5 years.

Just an FYI,

We (all FFL's) must maintain sales record (4473) for 25 years or until we halt business operations.

Stolen firearms especialy handguns should be reported to the police immediately!! Keep in mind how it looks to police when a firearm is used in a crime and when they contact the registered owner they get the response of. That gun was stolen years ago But there is no report of it being stolen.

JMHO
Rich W.

[Steve in PA]

All gun thefts should be reported, even if you don't have the serial numbers. At least then there will be documentation of the theft. Granted, the stolen weapons can't be entered into NCIC but that can always be done later.

[Krssteel]

Just to prop this up again because there are some questions from my side. In this topic http://forum.pafoa.org/concealed-ope...s-vehicle.html ("Do you have any *OTHER* weapons in the vehicle...?") are some good suggestions about what to and what not to say when you get pulled over by a LEO.
Whether you should say if you have a firearm in your car or stay silent.

I saw a couple replies in that topic that some people were scared that their firearm "could" come up as not listed when checked. Would it be advisable to get a copy of such a document and carry that with you just in case?

Just a thought...........I never encountered a problem before but you never know what's ahead.

[HiredGoon]

Originally Posted by Krssteel

...

I saw a couple replies in that topic that some people were scared that their firearm "could" come up as not listed when checked. Would it be advisable to get a copy of such a document and carry that with you just in case?
...

Well, not all guns are listed in the database the police use to check so-called firearm registration. What they are checking is the sales/transfer database.

If a resident of another state moves here to PA, they can legally bring any handguns here and not have to "register" them in any way.

Also, in-state transfers between spouses, between parents and children and grandparents and grandchildren will not be in that database either, as no paperwork is required for those transfers.

[Krssteel]

I understand that but what I actually meant was this.....what if you purchase a handgun for personal protection and carry.........would it be advisable then?
You will have a bill of sale etc etc.

[gnbrotz]

Originally Posted by Krssteel

I understand that but what I actually meant was this.....what if you purchase a handgun for personal protection and carry.........would it be advisable then?
You will have a bill of sale etc etc.

Do you have the bill of sale for your car in the glove box? Do you carry the receipts for the clothing your wearing on a particular day, or the items that may be in your pockets? It's the same thing.

You have no obligation to be prepared to prove ownership of your personal property at the whim of a government agent. If they believe you possess stolen property, the state has the burden of proof, and if you get one of the "bad ones", determined to seize your property regardless, that slip of paper won't do a thing.

[normanvin]

You could also have a receipt for stolen property.

[Krssteel]

whoa.....don't run all over me it was just a little question..... I didn't mean anything with it.