how can i get info on my gun by serial number(prior owner, if ever stolen,etc.)?

Answer 1

BATFE has tracking reports supplied to Police departments and they can generally track the weapon from the manufacturer on. I've used this in several cases but it really only is used by Police through ATF. It will only track it back to the last legal owner and that usually mean the place that sold it and who they sold it to. After that the trail runs pretty cold.

ATF would go to the last known owner and question him and on to the next owner etc. So, in that sense, all firearms are registered, but not to a specific individual.

If you think your gun may have been stolen at one time, be prepared to give it to the police at the least. The Police can run a check on the serial number and see if it is stolen, but then again, you will lose the gun at a minimum.

Most Police would realize you are trying to do the right thing so may not charge you but I wouldn't bet on it.

Answer 2

Well its a two edged sword. The best answer is to get the serial number before you buy. If you buy the gun and it turns out to be hot you LOOSE!! Your money, and you will be questioned. They will confiscate it and you in most states will be in possesion of stolen goods. Bye Bye cash!! So if you think you might be buying a hot gun dont! Besides someday it might be you who is the one missing a gun and if there is someone to buy it they will steal it.

Answer 3

Unless you live in certain areas guns are not registered. Even if it was stolen, it would have to be reported. I think the police destroy weapons used in crimes or keep them as evidence. The supreme court ruled that registering firearms is unconstitutional.... no good way to tell.

Answer 4

Some info can be obtained from the manufacturer, but for background on it for criminal activity you'd have to supply the info on the gun to a local PD to have them run it through NCIC.