How important is it to keep receipts of firearm purchases? I ask because I just realized I have one or two firearms that never came with an actual receipt when they were shipped to my FFL. All of my firearms are bought directly from local FFLs or through an FFL transfer. None of them have been "face-to-face" purchases. All of my guns have been bought directly from an FFL holder as well (meaning, not from an individual who shipped through his/her FFL to my FFL). Thanks for any info.
Question regarding receipts for firearm purchases
- Thread starter SnubbyMan
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Preacherman
Member
It could be an issue if you make an insurance claim for guns that have been lost, or stolen, or damaged in a house fire, or something like that. The invoice establishes value if there's no other way to do it, and also serves as proof that you actually bought the gun. Another way is to keep records (including a photograph, showing the serial number if possible) of every gun you own, so that if the insurance company asks questions, you have some evidence as to ownership.
Preacherman's suggestion is a good one....and not just for firearms.
If you use Quicken, it has a feature which will allow you to do a home inventory, with pictures, and will then burn it to a CD that you can put in a safe place in case of fire or burglarly.
If you use Quicken, it has a feature which will allow you to do a home inventory, with pictures, and will then burn it to a CD that you can put in a safe place in case of fire or burglarly.
Hi Guys, I really appreciate the tips. I guess I was also wondering whether there were any legal issues to keep in mind, say, if the firearm was ever stolen and used in a crime? I'm assuming since I've been dealing with FFLs all around, it should be less of a concern than face-to-face purchases. Don't FFLs have to keep records forever and/or turn in their books to the Feds if they close up shop? Excuse my ignorance, but how does an FFL know that the gun he is receiving is not stolen? Is there a massive database somewhere of stolen guns?
Walt Sherrill
Member
I think the scenario about a weapon used in a crime AFTER you've sold or traded it is a good one. I've seen it happen.
When a weapon shows up at a crime scene but not the guy who used it, they start at the manufacturer or importer and work forward. At some point, if you don't have record of who you sold it to, and when, you have a headache. The FFL you bought it from will give them YOUR name as the next on the list, so having dealt with FFLs doesn't necessarily keep you out of the loop. (Unless you buy from and sell to the same guy.) I don't.
I doubt that you'd really be in trouble, over the long run, but over the short term, you may well be sweating bullets.
I keep a list of the gun sold, to whom, their FFL number (or the dealer to whom sent), when, and generally, how shipped. If FTF, its easier, if you keep copies of driver's licenses, etc.
When a weapon shows up at a crime scene but not the guy who used it, they start at the manufacturer or importer and work forward. At some point, if you don't have record of who you sold it to, and when, you have a headache. The FFL you bought it from will give them YOUR name as the next on the list, so having dealt with FFLs doesn't necessarily keep you out of the loop. (Unless you buy from and sell to the same guy.) I don't.
I doubt that you'd really be in trouble, over the long run, but over the short term, you may well be sweating bullets.
I keep a list of the gun sold, to whom, their FFL number (or the dealer to whom sent), when, and generally, how shipped. If FTF, its easier, if you keep copies of driver's licenses, etc.
Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
Yep. If you've got a receipt with a date, you've got proof you didn't steal it or commit a crime with it before that date—unless, of course, someone thinks it's a fake receipt.
Marshall
Member
I keep everything as well, receipts, records, pictures, etc. But I also carry a separate rider on my guns above and beyond my homeowners policy.
Hkmp5sd
Member
Strictly from a legal standpoint, non-licensees are not required to maintain any records on firearm transactions.
From a common sense standpoint, it is probably a good idea. I keep records of gun purchases, including the name/address/DL number of individuals when I do FTF purchases.
As I have never sold any gun that I've acquired, that isn't an issue for me.
However, I would still keep the same information on sales.- Status
