Proving a firearm is yours?

[CapnMac]

If you have an inheritance, just keep a copy of the paperwork in the safe.

For FTF buys, this is why I like to have a Bill of Sale, even if it just says "Bought from Jo-Bob for $[amount] on [date]"

Really, you can just write the receipt after the fact. "On [date] purchased [item] for [amount] from [name]."
Because a Reasonable Man is unlikely to do that for something spurious. like a phased plasma rifle in the 40W range.

 

[hso]

Suppose someone inherits a firearm

Should be on the will. If no will, have the executor provide a bill of sale or pro forma invoice.

Suppose someone purchases one from a friend, no 4473

A bill of sale.

Alternately, provide a list to your insurance agent for your home-owners or renter's insurance with information on Make/Model, when acquired, value.

Have such a list stamped by a notary and keep in your records.

 

[Speedo66]

The officer suggested I keep accurate records of sales or trades because if crime is committed with a firearm once registered to me I would be in the chain of custody during an investigation.

When I sell a gun I bought from a dealer, and a background check was run on me, I make two copies of a bill of sale with the serial # and require the buyer to sign that they received it on such a date and time.

One for them, and one for my records. Somehow the authorities can always find out who last bought the gun when there is a mass shooting. I want proof I no longer owned it if someone uses a gun I once owned to commit a crime.

 

[George P]

I called my county sheriffs office and they said all I need to do is show the records officer my drivers license and they would print a list for me of all I have on record for $1.00 per page. The only thing their records don't show are the guns I have sold or traded. The officer suggested I keep accurate records of sales or trades because if crime is committed with a firearm once registered to me I would be in the chain of custody during an investigation.

So what if you are in the chain of custody? You simply tell them you sold to someone whose name you cannot remember on approximately this date or something similar.