You are looking for just the right firearm for your everyday carry, or perhaps you're looking for a nice used gun to add to your collection. You also want to find a really good deal. A private sale might be the way to go.
Federal law does not prohibit private sales between individuals who reside in the same state, and the vast majority of states do not require that a private sale be facilitated by a federally licensed gun dealer (“FFL”). However, the more you think about it, what would happen to you if you bought a gunthat turned out to be lost or stolen? Even worse, what would happen if you purchased a firearm that had been used in a crime?
Unfortunately, these things can happen. Further, there is no practical way for you to ensure a gun you purchase from a stranger is not lost or stolen.
How Can You find Out if a Gun is Stolen?
Search the FBI Lost and Stolen Gun Serial Number Database
When a firearm is lost or stolen, the owner should immediately report it to the police. In fact, if a gun is lost or stolen from an FFL, the law requires the FFL to report the missing firearm to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (“ATF”). These reported firearms are entered into a gun database maintained by the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (“NCIC”).
Unfortunately for purchasers in private sales, only law enforcement agencies are allowed to request agun serial number check or search of the lost and stolen gun database.
Guns Serial Number Check
While there have been attempts at creating private searchable internet databases where individuals self-report their lost or stolen guns, these usually contain only a fraction of the number of actual stolen guns, and the information is not verifiable.
Some states are exploring or attempting to build a state database of lost or stolen firearms that is searchable by the public, online. For example, the Florida Crime Information Center maintains a website where an individual can search by serial number for many stolen or lost items, including cars, boats, personal property, and of course, firearms.
However, even this website warns:
“FDLE cannot represent that this information is current, active, or complete. You should verify that a stolen property report is active with your local law enforcement agency or with the reporting agency.”
Police Checks of Firearms (Stolen Gun Database)
Having the local police check the federal database continues to be the most accurate way to look up gun history by serial number to ascertain whether or not a used firearm is lost or stolen. However, many police departments do not offer this service. And be forewarned: if the gun does come back as lost or stolen, the person who brought it to the police will not be getting it back. The true owner always has the right to have his or her stolen gunreturned.
If you choose to purchase a firearm in a private sale, you should protect yourself. A bill of sale is the best way to accomplish this. If it turns out the firearm was stolen or previously used in a crime, you will need to demonstrate to the police when you came into possession of the firearm, and from whom you made the purchase. You do not want to be answering uncomfortable police questions without the documentation to back you up.
On the flip side, if you are the one who happens to be the victim of gun theft, be sure to report it after speaking with a law firm. Because while it may take several years, you never know when a police department may be calling you to return your gun.
FAQs
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Can you look up gun value by serial number? ›
You can identify the model caliber and manufacturer by the serial number. But to get an actual true value it has to be appraised by a gunsmith or firearms appraiser, because the make and model can give you an approximate value, but condition of the firearm is the true key to its value.
Is there a national database for stolen guns? ›
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Tracing Center (NTC) is the United States' only crime gun tracing facility.
What does a gun serial number tell you? ›
These numbers serve as a way to track and identify firearms throughout their lifespan. The purpose of firearm serial numbers is to provide a means of identification for law enforcement, manufacturers, and owners in order to prevent theft, track ownership, and aid in criminal investigations.
Can I check a gun serial number online? ›
Unfortunately for purchasers in private sales, only law enforcement agencies are allowed to request a gun serial number check or search of the lost and stolen gun database.
Can I tell how old a gun is by the serial number? ›
Contact the manufacturer. They can tell you when the gun was made by the serial no. Sometimes they may charge a fee. Call the company who made the firearm, if they are still in business.
Can you tell if a gun is stolen by serial number? ›
There are a number of online databases for stolen guns. HotGunz Stolen Gun Database. It depends on the state. Many have a stolen firearm database that let's you enter a serial number and see if you get a hit.
Can you check a serial number on a gun to see if it's stolen? ›
Having the local police check the federal database continues to be the most accurate way to look up gun history by serial number to ascertain whether or not a used firearm is lost or stolen.
How do you know how much your gun is worth? ›
“Blue Book of Gun Values,” now in its 44th annual edition, is the most widely used and provides excellent estimates of value based on the percentage-of-finish system.
Can a stolen gun be traced? ›
Tracing Process
From those records, NTC is able trace the firearm through the wholesale and retail distribution chain to its first retail purchaser. This trace information can identify possible suspects or traffickers and link them to specific firearms found in criminal investigations.
Hot Gunz offers a gun serial number search to determine if a gun is stolen. The site notes that they do not collect personal information or log your searches. As this information is user submitted, accuracy of course cannot be guaranteed.
Can 2 guns have the same serial number? ›
If you receive two or more fireanns with the same serial number, it is your responsibility to affix additional markings to make each serial number unique. ATF Ruling 75-28 also reminds you of the other identifying marks required by 27 CFR 178.92.
How do serial numbers work? ›
A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to a specific product by the manufacturer. It helps to distinguish one product from another and can be used for warranty purposes or to track inventory.
How do gun numbers work? ›
Caliber usually is measured as the diameter of the bore from land to opposite land and is expressed in hundredths of an inch, thousandths of an inch, or millimeters. For example, a . 270-caliber rifle bore measures 270/1000ths of an inch in diameter between the lands and has a larger bore diameter than a .
What is apps clets? ›
CLETS is a computer network giving police departments access to national databases maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and others. The system also allows law enforcement agencies to deliver messages to one another.
What is the armed and prohibited persons system app? ›
The Armed and Prohibited Persons System (APPS) database works to identify individuals who procured firearms and later became prohibited from legally owning them.
What CJIS database will allow you access to the apps? ›
There are several other criminal justice information systems (CJIS) databases that will allow you access to the Armed Prohibited Persons (APPS) database. These include National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Interstate Identification Index (III), and National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
