Newbie handgun question

[LeLynn]

Hello everyone. I am new here and have a question. I just purchased my first hand gun, a new Smith and Wesson M&P in 40 caliber. I have not picked it up yet due to California's 10 day waiting period (I can't wait for Friday to get here). I was wondering, What is the purpose of the single test fired bullet case that is supplied with the gun. Do I need to hold on to it for any reason? Is if to identify the gun in case of theft, or is it simply to prove that the gun was in fact test fired at the factory? Sorry about the newbie question, but I figured it was safer to ask then not to. Thanks for any input.

 

[rcmodel]

It is a legal requirement in California, Maryland, and perhaps a very few other places the the manufacture include one with each gun.
SO, they just include them with all handguns.

Supposed to be used to I.D. crime scene empty casings.
But it never has been successfully used as far as I ever heard of.

I believe the dealer is required to retain it with your paperwork, and perhaps turn it over to the California S/S troopers who collect such things.

rc

 

[LeLynn]

Ok thanks. Perhaps he'll keep it when I go to pick up the gun, I just know that I saw it in the box. I don't think I'll worry about it. Thakns again.

 

[Kyle1886]

LeLynn, on my hand gun purchases here in CA, the FFL did not keep the fired round, yours may, but I doubt it.

Good luck with your new piece. Stay safe.

Kyle

 

[Leafy Cronmer]

Most companies fire a full magazine and leave one with the gun. From what I understand it's to prove to the soon to be customer that the firearm does work and has been quality checked.

Also I am in CA as well and have never heard of someone keeping the fired case. It should be yours to keep.

As far as keeping it, it's not like it takes up space or anything so I just keep it in the Tupperware the gun came in.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The fired case is for those states which require "ballistic 'fingerprinting'" as part of a database. In such a state, the dealer would turn the case over to the state police. To avoid potential problems with a gun being inadvertently shipped to such a state without its case, the factory does this with every firearm.

Do I need to hold on to it for any reason?

No.

RC, I was not aware that California had passed this law, but I've been out of there for seven years now, too. At that time, then-AG Bill Lockyer recommended against it as being unworkable.

 

[Ithaca37]

There have always been two casings with mine, but I don't live in a fascist state.