How to Check if a Gun is Stolen?

[melikesguns]

All you are going to do is look suspicious to the police and they will likely seize the gun even if nothing appears in the datebase and start an investigation of you.

Please remove you tinfoil hat before posting.

 

[expvideo]

I believe there is in WA. All handguns are registered if they go through a FFL with the serial # to you.
If it's FTF handgun sale you can register it to your name, but it's optional.

No, you go through a NICS check and you have to fill out a form to purchase a handgun, but none of it is registration. I guarantee it. There is absolutely, positively no... such... thing as registration in WA state. I promise. But don't take my word for it. Call a few local gun shops and your local police department and ask them, if you are still convinced that I am wrong.

Asking the police to run a gun through NCIC is almost worthless. Probably 90 percent of stolen guns are never reported. Even if it was reported it's unlikely the victim knew the serial number. All you are going to do is look suspicious to the police and they will likely seize the gun even if nothing appears in the datebase and start an investigation of you.

They can't do that and they won't do that. Welcome to America.

 

[user3214]

Here it is:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.129

The department of licensing may keep copies or records of applications .....copies or records of applications to purchase pistols ....

Edit: Here is the form for private sales (voluntary) that would register the pistol to you
http://www.dol.wa.gov/forms/652004.pdf
Buying through FFL - the resigtration is mandatory

 

[MAKster]

Maybe in some small towns where people know police officers by their first name it isn't an issue, but in most areas if you call the police and say you might be in possession of stolen property you are just opening yourself up to being the target of an investigation. They'll want to know why you have stolen property, who did you buy it from, they'll want to check all your other guns to see if they're stolen as well, are you involved in other illegal activities, why won't you let them search your house? Police follow leads as far as they can.

 

[melikesguns]

Around here, they only follow leads if a donut shop is nearby!!

 

[MT GUNNY]

Go to your Local Pawn shop and have them call in the Serial #

Or Call your self!

 

[4Freedom]

Maybe in some small towns where people know police officers by their first name it isn't an issue, but in most areas if you call the police and say you might be in possession of stolen property you are just opening yourself up to being the target of an investigation. They'll want to know why you have stolen property, who did you buy it from, they'll want to check all your other guns to see if they're stolen as well, are you involved in other illegal activities, why won't you let them search your house? Police follow leads as far as they can.

CRAP!!!!!!!! Are you serious? Well, its already to late I called them. Are you saying they are going to take my gun away? Why, what crime did I commit? How can they take something that was legally purchased? I won't let them take my gun without any probable cause, they can arrest me if they want. I bought the gun legally and if they have no proof its stolen, I will do all in my power to fight them legally to the end. I guess I didn't realize by being a good citizen, you would end up being screwed by the police, all this encourages is people to keep stolen guns.

Can anyone verify Maksters claim? Are they really going to try to take my gun? I just told them I bought it in a private sale and I wanted to be sure it was legitimate gun. I have no criminal record, I am legally eligable to own guns, every one of my guns was legally purchased through an FFL. I have the Driver License of the person who sold it to me. Why would they need to do an investigation, FOR WHAT??

 

[rscalzo]

Can anyone verify Maksters claim

Total BS. read the actual statute of Poss of Stolen Property. Apparent that this person didn't and has no idea of the operation of a police agency.

however it it turns out that the firearm (or any item) is found to be stolen, you are out of luck. You can't legally buy a stolen item and the original victim is entitled to the return of the article.