If I found a handgun for sale in the local classified ads, how could I check the serial # to see if it was stolen or not? I know you should always require a receipt or bill of sale but even then someone could mislead you with a false name or I.D. I have talked to shop owners and so far no one seems to know. I bought a 22 pistol from a pawn shop a few years back and after about a month, the local P.D. called and said it was reported stolen and they said by law they did not have to give my money back, although they did reimburse me when I brought them the pistol. So , is there a web site or somewhere that numbers can be checked before buying a used pistol ?