Is it a good idea to only CCW a new weapon?

[Lone_Gunman]

Specifically, I mean a new one you bought yourself from an FFL dealer, so you know that it has not had a previous owner?

Here is why I ask:

Lets say you are stopped by police while carrying your firearm concealed. You have a permit, and everything is legal. I suppose the policeman could ask to see your gun, right? And if so, couldnt he get on the radio and have them check to see if your gun has ever been reported stolen by checking the serial number?

Is computerization of stolen guns sophisticated enough to allow him rapid access to that info?

If your gun is used, and at some time was reported stolen, even if you later legitimately bought it, it looks like they might think you are the one that stole it.

 

[sm]

With 4473 and a follow up, I doubt seriously you'd have any problems. Never recall one anyway. Many students due to financial reasons buy a used for CCW for example from a legit seller with 4473. Some just do the paperwork and purchase from Dad or another family member, original paper from family transferred to them, some like the gun, sentimental...gun fit and new CCW shot it well...family just priced it right.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Yes, I see how form 4473 could get you out of a bind in a few days maybe, but you would still have to remember the FFL holder who sold you the gun.

I guess I am also asking about carrying used guns bought from a private individual.

Any thoughts about using such a gun as ccw?

 

[sm]

Typed up bill of sale with each party having a copy, we notorize , got a notary whom also has a FFL. I know what your asking, and I understand, but we do this for students/individuals whom CCW.
Its called CYA , public forum so I won't type that word.

Me, turn back the clock no laws period, no paperwork, no permits , order the darn thing through the mail...whatever. Carry what you want, whenever,wherever, whatever. Now BG's we've leveled the playing field...still wanna play?

Less gov't . PERIOD

 

[garrettwc]

I won't CCW a gun that hasn't fired at least 500 rounds without a hiccup. So by the time they reach my hip they are all used

But I think documentation from your FFL, and a clean past should relieve you of anything more than an inconvenience.

 

[Blackhawk]

Somebody could call in a report of a stolen car with your license plate number, description, etc. You might get stopped and have some questions to answer as the police figure out that the crime was making a false report to the police by somebody else.

Bottom line: If you inadvertently buy stolen property, you've been gypped out of your purchase price because it isn't your property.

There are much more pernicious things to worry about....

 

[triggertime]

Personally, I think its a bit irresponsible to carry a handgun aquired through a private sale without any paperwork bound to it and where the previous history of it is unknown.

The way I see it is, if we're going to subject ourselves to the unconstitutional hoop jumping and legal red tape required to aquire a carry permit, then we shouldn't be so reckless and foolhardy when it comes to buying potential carry guns through private sales where paperwork is usually nonexistant and where the previous history of that firearm is unknown.

Because for all we know, the gun may in fact be stolen. And if we happen to be caught with it from the complications of a trivial moving violation for example, then you can bet that the gun will be confiscated and we will be charged with receiving stolen property regardless whether we have a squeaky clean record or not.

And depending on the laws in your state, a conviction of receiving stolen property may lead to the loss of your carry permit altogether. (among other things)

Why risk tarnishing your record and losing your rights over carrying a questionable second hand firearm? To save a couple hundred bucks? So the gub'mint doesn't know you have it? C'mon.

Clue: They're going to know you have it the moment you use it in a justified self defense shooting anyway.

 

[tetchaje1]

Why risk tarnishing your record and losing your rights over carrying a questionable second hand firearm? To save a couple hundred bucks? So the gub'mint doesn't know you have it? C'mon.

Not everybody makes as much money as you do Triggertime.

Some people may only be able to get a used Smith Model 19 to protect their families. Would you deny them the right to defend themselves?

If the gun was purchased from a licensed dealer then there should be no question or fear about losing rights and tarnishing your record. If the FFL sold you a bad gun, then the heat would fall on him, not you. Just make sure you keep your bill of sale with the date of purchase on it -- it makes finding the information that will exonerate you MUCH, MUCH EASIER.

 

[Alerion]

All of the local dealers I use run a serial number check on all the used guns they buy before they complete the purchase. Anything else wouldn't be good buniness on their part. So buying used from any of them wouldn't be a problem. In fact, I've gotten a couple of really good deals on LNIB guns from my favorite dealer. She tends to offer her best deals to her "good" customers first.

OTOH, when I was a LEO we did a lot of serial number checks for people buying used guns. All it took was a phone call. We didn't even ask for a name (in those pre-caller ID days) although it might have been different if the gun had actually been stolen. However, in spite of the grabbers contentions that most used guns are stolen, I never had a hit on anything called in for a private sale.

Tom

 

[trapshooter]

Is computerization of stolen guns sophisticated enough to allow him rapid access to that info?

If he runs it through NCIC, (National Crime Information Computer, where you record wants, warrants, stolen cars and other property, like guns) yep. Is there a 'State' version of NCIC he/she can use? If so, then again, yep. All hinges on whats in the database.

Of course, property (usu. w/serial number) has to be entered as stolen. What if somebody makes a typo? Purchase through a dealer is no protection against that.

Private purchase, dealer purchase, it's not what I would worry about. Did you buy it from Uncle Fred, or from 'Slick', down on the corner. That's far more relevant than 'FFL' or not.