Thinking of buying Gun from somebody?

[chetrogers]

My neighor is moving in a few day and is wanting me to buy a shotgun from him.I know him but i dont really know everything about him if you know what i meen.I really wouldnt mind taking the gun off of him and putting it in my small collection.After all i would care for it as it should be taking care of..Is there anyway i can check to make sure it is legal and not stolen or has some bodies on it.I like the guy and he seems like he is a normal Citizen but knowadays you never know..

Bottom line is think the shotgun would be better in my house then his.Thanks for any info.

 

[spacemanspiff]

the first gun i bought was from a convicted felon, who still had a few months before having to start serving his 5 year sentence.

he did buy it *before* his conviction however, so he just needed to get rid of it.

 

[Rugertommy]

You could call the police and give them the serial number but all they could do is tell you if it's listed as stolen. That doesn't mean it isn't stolen as they would only have it listed as such if someone reported it stolen. There wouldn't be any way of telling you if it was used in a crime unless they matched it to a crime using forensics.

It's pretty much up to you as wether or not the guy seems on the up and up. Just make sure you get a recipt that has the model and seriel number on it as well as the date and he signs it. That way he can't sell it too you and say you stole it and if down the road there is a problem then you have a paper trail as to when you aquired it. It wouldn't be a bad idea to sign it as well and give him a copy of the reciept. If you want to go to the next level I guess you could have a witness sign the recipt as well. I can't think of anything else you could do.

 

[RickH]

Get a receipt, give him one as well. I will tell you from past experience (buying a stereo, not a gun) that the police won't tell you if an item is stolen unless you bring it into the station. Since it is a gun you'd probably want to call ahead. If it is a good deal and a gun you would like to have, go for it.

 

[Kodiak AK]

A shotgun is one of the few firearms I think anyone could tell if there was a body attached .

 

[ksnecktieman]

Since he is a neighbor, I think you can use your judgement as a reasonable person to judge if it is stolen or not. If he appears to be one of the good guys, he probably is. The law does not require perfection in judgement. You should have some knowledge of police visits to his house, and his name in the paper for arrests, etc.. I would assume him to be legal if you have no knowledge of misdeeds. Buy it. Get a bill of sale.

I am sure that your local PD, or sheriffs office can run the number and check it for stolen for you. You might even be able to have a pawn shop run it through NCIC for you for a couple bucks. IF it comes back as stolen, the police WILL sieze it.

 

[JamisJockey]

Buy it.
If you want to write down his full name, just in case, I don't see anything wrong with that. Record that and the exact date you bought the firearm from him.
Getting a bill of sale and having him sign it is over the top in my boat, and I'd tell you to pound sand if you wanted my signature.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

Here in BamaLand if a LEO makes an inquiry via N.C.I.C., that is to be
considered as opening a criminal investigation about the inquired person,
motor vechile, firearm or any other material object with a serial number. If the weapon (person, or other object) receives a "HIT" and
is confimed by the N.C.I.C. check, the requesting authority is suppose
to seize control over that immediately; provided a written confromation
is received by the entering agency.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Getting a bill of sale and having him sign it is over the top in my boat, and I'd tell you to pound sand if you wanted my signature.

Why? Got something to hide? I would request a signed bill of sale for about anything that cost more than maybe $100. My view is that it protects both parties in the transaction. If I'm buying a GUN and the seller won't sign a bill of sale, you won't tell me to pound sand before I tell you where to go, and where to stick YOUR firearm.

 

[Justin]

If you feel something is hinky about the deal, don't do it. It's not like it's the only shotgun that was ever made.

 

[skich]

If it's a good deal and your gut feels right - do it. If you're paranoid then keep notes. I, myself, wouldn't require a signed bill of sale.

 

[Zackmeister]

Why? Got something to hide? I would request a signed bill of sale for about anything that cost more than maybe $100. My view is that it protects both parties in the transaction. If I'm buying a GUN and the seller won't sign a bill of sale, you won't tell me to pound sand before I tell you where to go, and where to stick YOUR firearm.

Is it strange that all the firearms my father has bought for himself and me from out local dealer have gotten no receipts? I haven't really thought about it, but it does seem a little odd now.

 

[Rugertommy]

I've seen where a couple responses mentioned not having the seller sign the bill of sale. If the seller doesn't sign it then it's worthless as proof that it was sold on the up and up.

dishonest seller.." He stole my gun!"

unwary buyer.." No I didn't! here's a recipt with the model and serial number on it. It even has his name printed on it."

Cop.."But the seller didn't sign it. How can you prove that you didn't fill it out after you stole it?"

unwary buyer.." Duhhhh"

dishonest seller.." See! I told you he stole my gun!"

Cop.." You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say......"

chetrogers,
It would be wise to always get a signed bill of sale if you purchase a firearm in a person to person transaction. If they refuse to sign it? Then that would definatly be one deal I would pass up.