Quick question

[realmswalker]

I am going back to look at a few guns being sold by a woman whos husband passed away. i am interested in one firearm. I ran the serial number and it comes back registered to the deceased gentlemen.

To get this gun registered to me, does the widow have to come with me to the gun shop to sign it over, or can this gun be transfered to me in another way.

Thanks

 

[spwenger]

That Would Depend...

...on the state. Should we assume from the fact that you have asked this question that your state even require the registration of handguns?

 

[realmswalker]

I live in california

 

[whiskeytangofoxtrot]

I would assume they would need the widow to show a death certificate, but then again, I've never had anything like this happen.

 

[realmswalker]

I actually have a copy of the death certificate. I was hoping that would be enough.

 

[rainbowbob]

I had a similar situation (in Washington State). I acquired a .38 snubby when I cleaned out my uncle's apartment (he isn't dead - but has Alzhiemers). My brother and sister-in-law were freaked out about finding a gun, but I assured them I would take care of it (heh, heh). That included making sure it was registered to me so that it would not come back to my uncle in any way if (God forbid) it was stolen and used in a crime. I couldn't find information anywhere until I finally asked a good friend who is a retired LEO. He told my to call the Records Division of the Seattle Police Dept to voluntarily register a firearm in the state of Washington. I suggest you call your local PD and be sure and ask specifically for the records dept.

 

[realmswalker]

I believe in my state to voluntarily register a firearm you fill out a form found on the CADOJ web site. But i believe that is only for a firearm not in the system

I ran this gun and it's still in the system so i don't believe it would fall under voluntary registration.

 

[realmswalker]

Anyone one CA ever had to deal with this, or any CA gunshop owners or employees know the answer?

 

[nplant]

Well, inside the family, there's a simple form you fill out and send in something like $25 for up to four guns. But if this gentleman isn't your kin, I'm not too sure.

I do know that if you called up a reputable FFL in your area, they should be able to do whatever transfer you need. The widow would be the legal owner, because she assumes the ownership for the deceased gentleman's property, legally speaking, unless his will or trust stated otherwise.

In all reality, being a Californian myself, it wouldn't surprise me if the CA DOJ wanted the widow to register it in her name, then sell it to you. The other avenue you have available is to call the DOJ Firearms Division and ask an operator. Be warned though that unless they point you in the direction of forms, etc., you will want to get whatever they tell you in writing.

Here's the link for the firearms division.

The phone number is:
General Information Phone:
(916) 263-4887

 

[spwenger]

I Believe You Will Find...

I live in california

...that to do it legally, both of you will have to take the firearm to a licensed dealer, produce ID and complete the paperwork to initiate the ten-day waiting period for the transfer. I left the PRC in 1999, when you only needed to show a BFSC or evidence of exemption in order to purchase a handgun. I think you now have to pass a safety test specific to the handgun you are purchasing. As suggested above, the best thing to do is to contact the Firearms Bureau at California DOJ.

That's why I moved back to Arizona.

 

[realmswalker]

Thank you for all your replies.