How do you check the background history of a handgun?

C

cplane

New member
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 ? :confused:
 
I don't know of a website, but you can call the local LE agency and give them the serial number. The should run a check for you to check to see if it is stolen.
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by mrat:
I don't know of a website, but you can call the local LE agency and give them the serial number. The should run a check for you to check to see if it is stolen.[/quote]

Thanks for the reply. I wonder if they would require me to tell them where the pistol was if it did infact turn up that it was stolen? I am sure who ever it had once belonged to would appreciate it, but there could be possible conflict between myself and the person that is trying to sell this pistol.I guess if I have to worry about it , it would be best to stay away from it even though it may be legit and a good price too. I was just curious , thanks
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by cplane:
I am sure who ever it had once belonged to would appreciate it, but there could be possible conflict between myself and the person that is trying to sell this pistol.[/quote]

Like there wouldn't be a "conflict" about him selling you a hot pistol, after you were arrested for it, and lost your right to possess arms????? I was once in a similar situation... "friend" offered me a NIB 1911 for $100. My fingerprints were all over the thing before he quoted the price... I almost puked. Politely declined and left, should have reported it.
 
I was arranging a trade between two friends prior to leaving California several years ago and I simply called the California Department of Justice in Sacramento, explained that I was considering buying the firearm, and did they have any wants on it. She asked for the make and serial number and it came back clean. The trade was made and everyone was happy.

My friend that owned the firearm knew I was going to do this and we had agreed that if it came back dirty, he would turn it in to the PD as he had absolutely no interest in owning or passing a stolen firearm. We need more like him. He would have taken a four-hundred dollar hit.

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Gun Control: The proposition that a woman found dead in an alley, raped and strangled with her own panty hose, is more acceptable than allowing that same woman to defend herself with a firearm.


[This message has been edited by jimpeel (edited March 09, 2000).]
 
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