Answer is ... they don't mostly.I am under that same assumption. So my question is, how do those solving a crime know who a gun belongs to?
The reason why I ask is, . . . if I filled out the 4473 form, but sold the gun [later] privately, and it was used in a crime, how do they tie it back to me . . . what with the thousands of FFLs out there?
*Disclaimer - I wouldn't sell to someone if I knew them to be a criminal and would prefer to sell to someone with a CCW, . . . but if THEY sold it to another, I wouldn't have control over that.
if I filled out the 4473 form, but sold the gun [later] privately, and it was used in a crime, how do they tie it back to me
Shadow 7D said:Oh, and there is NO computerized central database, that is SPECIFICALLY prohibited by law. If they want the database, they have to repeal the 1984 MG ban...
Centurian22 said:If making a private to private sale of a gun, is it advisable to draw up, have signed and keep a copy of a 'bill of sale' such as:
On this date, I joe blow, sold the colt such and such with serial number 12345 to, John black. Both parties sign and date.
???
Depends on who you ask. Some say it is a must, others see no point in it.If making a private to private sale of a gun, is it advisable to draw up... a 'bill of sale'...
CoRoMo said:Depends on who you ask. Some say it is a must, others see no point in it.
If you bought or sold a gun FTF; that gun is someday used in a crime, recovered and traced to you; you would have to have been in the area with no alibi and somehow linked to the act with a suspicion that you committed the crime before you should worry about being convicted for a murder that you didn't commit.
Well before the cops cuff you on that one, you'd be giving them the name, number, address, description, whatever of the guy that bought it from you, whether you recorded it in writing or not.
larryh1108 said:Illinois requires private party sales receipts to be kept a minimum of 10 years.
Once again, in my experience (22 year cop and for three years in charge of my agency's Property Unit) the original reporter on a stolen gun case is presumed to be the owner unless there's information in the report to the contrary...
you may never get it back since there is no way for you to prove you actually owned the gun.