Not to put focus on any one particular member it is beyond me as to how someone can misplace a firearm. I'm NOT sorry for this statement that I feel that misplacing a firearm is total lack of responsibility on that persons part dealing with a deadly "tool" This will probably bring the flames all the way from hell but as stated most of what we post is opinions. I purchased my first firearm in 1974 and to date have yet to misplace one.
Ever misplace a handgun?
- Thread starter HawkeyeNRAlifer
- Start date
- Status
How much trouble am I in? LE's want to weigh in?
I agree with the posters who said they would never misplace a gun. I agree that I'm an idiot for not being able to account for a firearm. I think it was stolen.
If used for a crime, and they trace it back to me somehow, then I'm responsible, no? . Does reporting a theft to the police absolve me of that? The fact that I can't seem to find the bill of sale with the serial number on it yet, how bad is that?
From a normally safe NRA member and firearms owner who is sweating profusely awaiting your advice.
I agree with the posters who said they would never misplace a gun. I agree that I'm an idiot for not being able to account for a firearm. I think it was stolen.
If used for a crime, and they trace it back to me somehow, then I'm responsible, no? . Does reporting a theft to the police absolve me of that? The fact that I can't seem to find the bill of sale with the serial number on it yet, how bad is that?
From a normally safe NRA member and firearms owner who is sweating profusely awaiting your advice.
While hunting elk on horse back a few years ago, my mother lost her pre 64 Model 70. We had ridden all day, never seeing an elk an never getting off our horses. When we returned to the truck that evening, as she was unsaddeling, she noticed the rifle was missing.
Because it was dark, we decided to retrace our path the following morning. As luck would have it, it snowed that night! It is very hard to remember exactly where you have ridden in the mountains and the snow made it impossible.
Long story short, we searched the area for five days before we found that rifle leaning against the tree branch that had pulled it out of the scabberd!
It had been cold and dry enough that it was in perfect shape! Talk about lucky!
Because it was dark, we decided to retrace our path the following morning. As luck would have it, it snowed that night! It is very hard to remember exactly where you have ridden in the mountains and the snow made it impossible.
Long story short, we searched the area for five days before we found that rifle leaning against the tree branch that had pulled it out of the scabberd!
It had been cold and dry enough that it was in perfect shape! Talk about lucky!
Master Blaster 2
Moderator
Never have I ever misplaced any firearm. Misplace my glasses all the time however.
Last edited:
Sharpsdressed Man
Moderator
For those that have never misplaced a firearm, are you also perfect in other ways? There may be a level to your character that others have not yet discovered. Personally, I can only think of one other perfect person, and he was born on Christmas........
still- aren't you guys concerned about consequences?
Like if a gun is genuinely lost or stolen, and someone uses it in a crime, aren't we in big trouble? It seems crazy be nonchalant about misplacing guns- which could fall into the wrong hands- just because one has lots of other guns as backups. It would seem to give those of us who own guns a bad name. Should I tell the police even if I don't have the serial #? Am I in big trouble for not having the serial numbers? Is there an LEO who can comment about this? On the other hand, maybe I'm (hopefully) just worrying too much.
Like if a gun is genuinely lost or stolen, and someone uses it in a crime, aren't we in big trouble? It seems crazy be nonchalant about misplacing guns- which could fall into the wrong hands- just because one has lots of other guns as backups. It would seem to give those of us who own guns a bad name. Should I tell the police even if I don't have the serial #? Am I in big trouble for not having the serial numbers? Is there an LEO who can comment about this? On the other hand, maybe I'm (hopefully) just worrying too much.
Sharpsdressed Man
Moderator
Someone hotwires a parked car, and runs over a truckload of babies. Is it the car owner's fault?
In the case of the hot-wired car example, it's definitely not the owner's fault. The case of guns is for some reason viewed differently by a lot of people. Given the generally anti-gun approach that many lawmakers have, will the law will hold us criminally responsible for guns that may have had a trigger lock on them, but were not stored in a locked safe, and then stolen and later used in a crime.
I heard of a case (maybe urban legend) where a state trooper left is duty belt unattended briefly and someone got to it, took out the trooper's pistol, and committed suicide. The trooper was in serious trouble, even though we all know that morally the person committing suicide or a crime is the one responsible for that action. I think we all agree that the car and the gun case are parallel- I'm just not sure that anti-gun lawmakers feel the same way.
I heard of a case (maybe urban legend) where a state trooper left is duty belt unattended briefly and someone got to it, took out the trooper's pistol, and committed suicide. The trooper was in serious trouble, even though we all know that morally the person committing suicide or a crime is the one responsible for that action. I think we all agree that the car and the gun case are parallel- I'm just not sure that anti-gun lawmakers feel the same way.
If your post is for real, I would report the gun BUT you state you have no paperwork for the firearm in my opinion your second mistake.
Again IMO you will look like Mr. Numb-NUTS 101 trying to report what you have no info on.
If you purchased the gun on a 4473 and are the original owner or all subsequent owners purchased on a 4473 the at some point they will be at your door. It may take awhile but they will get there IF THE GUN is used in a crime and perp caught and gun found.
aarondhgraham
New member
Hello IDAHOMIKE,,,
Is that a characteristic of the breed?
Bart (my Maine Coon) will sit on my leatherwork bench,,,
And gather small hand tools under him.
I have yet to have him snag a gun,,,
But he thinks all of my leather stamps are his.
Aarond
Is that a characteristic of the breed?
Bart (my Maine Coon) will sit on my leatherwork bench,,,
And gather small hand tools under him.
I have yet to have him snag a gun,,,
But he thinks all of my leather stamps are his.
Aarond
Don P. - thank you for your honest response, and yes this is a real post- and I can't be the first person who believes that his missing firearm was stolen. I've had major flood damage to my home (hence several home visits by occasional contractors) and so much has been destroyed/moved it will take years to find receipts. It's going to take time to go through months of 4473 forms at a number of shops.
I might look like Mr. Numnutz, but I care less about what I will look like to an officer at a station than any trouble I will be in over the course of months and years ahead. So it appears that the answer is a. yes I will have to report this, lest I find an ATF agent at my door after tracking a firearm used in a crime b. I will be spending weeks if not months going to gun shops paying them to find a copy of the 4473. So it appears that even if I can prove that I was nowhere near a crime, had no motive, no record of even speeding tickets, that I can be found responsible nevertheless. Thanks everybody for your advice.
I might look like Mr. Numnutz, but I care less about what I will look like to an officer at a station than any trouble I will be in over the course of months and years ahead. So it appears that the answer is a. yes I will have to report this, lest I find an ATF agent at my door after tracking a firearm used in a crime b. I will be spending weeks if not months going to gun shops paying them to find a copy of the 4473. So it appears that even if I can prove that I was nowhere near a crime, had no motive, no record of even speeding tickets, that I can be found responsible nevertheless. Thanks everybody for your advice.
Sharpsdressed Man
Moderator
I see you live in NJ. Hell, you have to ask PERMISSION to have a gun there, don't you? I can see why you'd be so concerned about where you might keep your guns. I wouldn't be surprised if NJ decides to have all their residents keep their gun in locked boxes so they don't hurt themselves. 
tubeshooter
New member
No - but came real close once. Very scary. Learned a good lesson that day.
Might seem inconceivable if you only have a gun or two. But things can and do happen...
The couple of times I have left a gun inside the car, I've always felt a little antsy when I check to see if it's there. Always have hated that feeling. When you check and it's not there (for whatever reason), that's even worse. Even if it's only for a second and you mentally account for the gun's whereabouts a second later.
I don't tend to keep anything in my car any more than absolutely necessary nowadays.
I agree with an earlier post that there is "hiding it too well" and there is flat out misplacing it. Although it's a nightmare and the consequences are dire, I would imagine plenty of people have left guns in hotel rooms, bathroom stalls and other such places. Just like people don't mean to lose a wallet, checkbook or their keys. People make mistakes. You just do your best...
Might seem inconceivable if you only have a gun or two. But things can and do happen...
The couple of times I have left a gun inside the car, I've always felt a little antsy when I check to see if it's there. Always have hated that feeling. When you check and it's not there (for whatever reason), that's even worse. Even if it's only for a second and you mentally account for the gun's whereabouts a second later.
I don't tend to keep anything in my car any more than absolutely necessary nowadays.
I agree with an earlier post that there is "hiding it too well" and there is flat out misplacing it. Although it's a nightmare and the consequences are dire, I would imagine plenty of people have left guns in hotel rooms, bathroom stalls and other such places. Just like people don't mean to lose a wallet, checkbook or their keys. People make mistakes. You just do your best...
- Status