Selling a Handgun Online & Serial Number Question

[highbrass]

I searched though about 15 pages and couldn't find the answer to this question, hope it's not a repeat.

We are selling a handgun on GunBroker first time selling a gun for us. Someone emailed a question through the auction site asking for the gun serial number. Any reason not to share this info, are they just checking to see if it's stolen, etc? We're selling FFL to FFL.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kingpin008]

There are some paranoid types out there that would have you believe that sharing serial numbers online will result in your house being robbed, your dog being kicked, and the sky falling down around you, but it's really not a problem.

The general argument against it seems to be that someone could use the serial to call in a false report that the gun was stolen, or some nonsense like that. The problem is, nobody who holds this opinion has ever been able to produce a single incident of such a thing ever happening.

As far as why they're asking for the serial - it could be that they're making extra sure it's not stolen. The serial is also helpful in determining the age/value of a particular firearm, which is important to collectors depending on what type of gun it is.

 

[highbrass]

Thanks for the info kingpin008. Glad there's nothing to worry about, will send the emailer an answer. Thanks again.