Paperwork needed to transfer a pistol?

[SevenMilePete]

The sale did take place last year. A situation arose in which we were kindly informed by an LEO that transfer of ownership must be completed. We were not aware of this, and as ignorance of the law is no excuse and we are law abiding citizens, we wish to transfer the weapon legally.

Uh, you had a very understanding LEO.

[SevenMilePete]

Ok, here's what happened. I transported the gun to PA from Florida, which is comepletely legal. I sold him the gun. Only ever having done resident to resident gun sales in the past, I wasn't aware of the stipulations. I most definitely should have looked up the laws regarding this and looking back, I don't know why I didn't as I am always sure to follow the letter of the law. My bad. Lesson learned.

My brother was using a rental car for a few days while his was in the shop. He left the gun in the rental car when he returned it. (Yes, I know, irresponsible). The rental company turned it over to police as is their policy.

I don't remember what department handled it but they were courteous and professional. The "issue" arose when they looked up the serial number. It showed up as being registered in Florida or what have you. They would have easily returned it to him right away except for this issue.

To shorten the rest of the story, I faxed them the paperwork I had on it showing it was mine and they did their obligatory ATF inquiry. Seven to ten days later, my brother got the gun back and the evidence technician handling the case informed us of the proper way to transfer possession.

Wow. You are both very, very lucky the ATF didn't become more involved. And when did Florida require handgun registration? I believe they have laws that prohibit use of transfer forms as registration. And they follow them.

[SevenMilePete]

Something fishy here.

[Gun]

Something fishy here.

No, but the whole story should have been told in the opening post.

My half brother lives in PA. I live in Florida. Last year, I sold him a pistol that I had bought brand new about 4 years prior. The only "paperwork" I have is the point of sale receipt which doesn't list the firearm and a paper that shows record of the dealer buying said gun from their supplier. What will we need to provide to an FFL dealer in PA to complete this transaction?

IANAL. The brother could transfer the gun to himself at an FFL.

[badfish]

And when did Florida require handgun registration?

It's not 'registered' in Florida, what I mean is that is the state of record or whatever the wording is.

[badfish]

the whole story should have been told in the opening post.

I didn't see it necessary to relay the entire story just to ask the question I did.

We are both aware of what we did and didn't do. I'm quite thankful for the understanding and patience exhibited by the LEO's and the feedback I've received here.

[badfish]

It's a Federal crime to directly transfer a firearm (handgun or long gun) from one person to the resident of another state. There's no "half-brother exception", unless the transferor died first and it's being inherited.

The police in your situation were being nice, and ignoring the violation of Federal law. They also ignored the violation of Pennsylvania law, which prohibits direct person to person handgun transfers (but allows direct long gun transfers between PA residents.) You got lucky. There could have been serious criminal charges.

Yes, we are very lucky. I'm sure that if we had criminal records of any kind I wouldn't be on this forum right now.

[badfish]

Every thing was taken care of this morning. Thanks again.