FFL Gun Transfer Log Questions

[brufener]

I have a few questions that were sparked by the thread about a private seller copying a driver's license.

1. If I receive a firearm via an FFL, am I guaranteed that it is not on a "stolen gun" list with the feds (i.e. does a FFL holder check to make sure the gun hasn't been reported stolen)?

2. A number of people seemed concerned that a gun they sale to a private party will be used in a crime x years later. I assume they purchased through a FFL, so there is some record. Do FFL holders "upload" their transfers (including buyer name, gun serial #, etc) to some federal database somewhere? If so, how long is the information kept in the federal database?

3. If there is no federal database of FFL transfers, how long must the FFL keep that information?

4. If there is no federal database of FFL transfers, how would the gun be traced back to you (person who sold gun to private party)?

If it makes any difference the state is Virginia, so I believe we have no additional state restrictions on the transfer of firearms.

Thanks,
Bryce

 

[Car Knocker]

1. No

2. No

3. 15 years, I believe. If the FFL goes out of business prior to that, records are sent to ATF.

4. ATF follows the chain from manufacturer to distributer to FFL to buyer to ???.

 

[spooney]

3. If there is no federal database of FFL transfers, how long must the FFL keep that information?
Thanks,
Bryce

20 years

 

[Car Knocker]

OK, wasn't sure on that one.