Getting back a gun.

[JustSomeGuy123]

The only evidence I have is an email, with the name and address of the receiving FFL. I didn't specify a time limit in the terms, of how long he could keep it before making a determination of returning it or purchasing it. The sole reason I let it go like this is the fact that it was a gun I wouldn't weep over if it wasn't returned.

I have nothing but that e-mail. And I don't know whether or not it's contents would be enough to convict, criminally, or provide enough evidence for a civil suit in my favor.

I don't know if anything happened to the guy or not. He's not returned any calls or e-mails. I had to get his contact info from the receiving FFL who was kind enough to give me that info. They probably didn't need to.

 

[Frank Ettin]

The only evidence I have is an email,...

Actually there might well be a lot more. You might not see it because you don't have the training and experience a lawyer has, and so you might not appreciate the significance of certain things.

For example, your testimony is evidence. A lawyer would spend some time with you listening to you tell your story and asking questions. He would, among other things, be considering what kind of impression you make and how credible your story seems.

And then there's the friend you mention in post 28. What does he know? What information could he contribute? And what about the family and friends of your friend? What stories would they tell?

But here again, we confront the bottom line problem. Doing an adequate investigation, digging up evidence, and piecing together a coherent, supportable story would take time and leg work, i. e., money -- considerably more money than the gun is worth.

 

[TimSr]

Written or not, it is a contract. The problem with unwritten contracts is proving they exists, and what the terms are. If you have text messages or emails discussing the terms of this verbal agreement (which is a contract), or you have witnesses that heard you discussing it, then you have evidence of a contract, and you may have a case in small claims court. If the entire deal was made by voice only, then it's your word against his, unless he verifies your version.

 

[Frank Ettin]

The grounds been well covered.