When you're hot you're hot.

[billyscott]

Maybe this subject has been addressed before, if it has I haven't seen it but I'm just a Newbie.

Is there any way to check the serial number on a gun you are buying from an individual? I ask this because I heard today about a guy who got stopped for speeding, he told the LEO he had a carry permit, the Leo wanted to see his gun and ran the serial no. and it was reported as stolen. He was arrested, cuffed, locked up, car towed, had to pay a bondsman and get a lawyer. The guy he bought it from denies selling it to him. I get info and a bill of sale from someone before I buy a gun nowdays but it would be nice to be able to look it up before you buy to be sure. Heck, I got a couple of guns I bought 15 years ago from a guy that's dead now. This incident has made me think.

[Garufa]

The only way I know of is to call the law and have them check it.

[Guest dubaholic2]

the only way i know that you can do it is to take it to your local PD and have them check it. that way if it comes back stolen they can keep it. ive been told they wont do anything over the phone.

[Guest Mad4rcn]

​hotguns.com

[wcsc12]

​hotguns.com

HotGunz Stolen Gun Search

[Oh Shoot]

HotGunz Stolen Gun Search

3600 guns in total database out of estimated 300,000 reported per year. Not very comprehensive, I must say.

- OS

[Oh Shoot]

​hotguns.com

Just a parked site. Doesn't even work.

[TMF]

3600 guns in total database out of estimated 300,000 reported per year. Not very comprehensive, I must say.

- OS

Plus the site says it's a user-submitted database, so there is no link to law enforcement. It's a nice site in theory, but unless someone posted their weapon on there it isn't anywhere close to a good solution.

[Fallguy]

There are a few user reported databases like above you can check, but that will not be definitive.

AFAIK most LEOs won't run it unless they have it in front of them. Because if it is stolen all kinds of things are set in motion after than...but if they don't have the gun...they want to know why you checked it.

You can get a bill of sale (if the person is willing) from the person you buy it from. Or talk with a LEO before hand and have them run it after you buy it and run the risk of being out the money and no gun.

[billyscott]

I talked to a guy today that I know has bought several guns from individuals. He said, he has a friend who is a LEO, his friend will run the numbers for him, with two conditions. The LEO has to have possession of the gun and if it comes back reported stolen he has to confiscate it. And fill out a report. But there won't be any charges against you. But you've got to explain where you got it. Better than being caught carrying it.

But what I wonder is, is this gun comes back clean is it then registered to you?

[Volzfan]

The solution: Buy new guns from reputable dealers! Don't think that you would get a "hot" gun from Dennis at G&L or the other great gun shops around.

[Oh Shoot]

....

But what I wonder is, is this gun comes back clean is it then registered to you?

The only "registration" in TN is the first person who bought it from a FFL.

Even that has to run back through manufacturer to distributor to FFL.

I don't think it would necessarily even be found if the gun were re-transferred with another 4473, like between two different states' residents. Maybe if the original buyer did a 4473 transfer, but they'd probably have to get the information from that individual, especially if he did the re-transfer through a different FFL.

In short, there is no actual gun registration in TN in the sense as in some other states where you must get a permit to buy or own one.

- OS

Edited January 23, 2012 by OhShoot

[Oh Shoot]

.... Better than being caught carrying it. ...

Possession of stolen property conviction requires knowledge by possessor that it is indeed stolen property.

- OS

[billyscott]

You are probably right Volzfan. But sometimes I can get a great deal on a gun from an individual.