I've been blessed in that Ive only ever had one gun stolen from me. It was a nice satin nickel or stainless Colt Combat Commander. I reported my gun stolen and have a copy of the police report. Of course they told me that if anyone tries to sell it and runs the S/N, then it will get flagged. A few times on this board and one other Ive seen guns like mine listed for sale. While I realize that there must have been thousands of guns just like mine, I would still like to have mine back. It was special to me.
Is it in bad taste to privately inquire via PM to the seller as to some verifying feature, like the last couple S/N digits? I know many of us buy and sell guns privately, and wouldnt knowingly buy a stolen gun, but to be honest, some of my guns I bought from people I met online, and while everything appeared ok to my spidey sense, the possiblilty exists that I could have bought a hot gun and not known it. I assume that could happen to others also. If I did, I would want the gun to go back to the rightful owner. I wouldnt WANT to have a stolen gun in my possession at all.
Anyway, I really dont want to offend an honest seller, but dang it, I want my gun back. Any advice on how to ask so no offense is taken, and maximum assistance is given?