How to check if a handgun is stolen?

How to Check if a Handgun is Stolen?

As a responsible gun owner, it’s crucial to verify the legitimacy of your handgun to ensure it’s not stolen. Stolen handguns can be sold illegally on the black market, and it’s essential to check if your handgun is on the list of stolen weapons to prevent it from being used in criminal activities. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to check if a handgun is stolen.

What are the Consequences of Having a Stolen Handgun?

If you unknowingly possess a stolen handgun, you can face serious legal consequences, including:

• Felony charges: Possessing a stolen handgun is a felony offense in most states.
• Heavy fines: You may be fined thousands of dollars.
• Loss of gun rights: You may lose your right to own a firearm for a certain period or even permanently.
• Reputation damage: You may face social stigma and damage to your reputation.

How to Check if a Handgun is Stolen?

Here are the steps to check if your handgun is stolen:

Method 1: Check with the Local Police Department

• Contact the local police department: Reach out to the police department in your area and provide them with your handgun’s make, model, and serial number.
• Ask if it’s on the stolen list: Ask the police officer if your handgun is on their stolen list or if they have any record of it being reported stolen.
• Get a report number: If your handgun is stolen, ask for a report number, which you can use to file an insurance claim or to provide proof of ownership.

**Method 2: Check with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

• Contact the NCIC: The NCIC is a database maintained by the FBI that contains information on stolen firearms.
• Provide your handgun’s information: Provide the NCIC with your handgun’s make, model, and serial number.
• Check the database: The NCIC will check their database to see if your handgun is listed as stolen.

**Method 3: Check with the Manufacturer

• Contact the manufacturer: Reach out to the manufacturer of your handgun and provide them with your handgun’s serial number.
• Ask if it’s on their stolen list: Ask the manufacturer if your handgun is on their stolen list or if they have any record of it being reported stolen.
• Get a confirmation: If your handgun is stolen, ask for a confirmation from the manufacturer, which you can use as proof of ownership.

**Method 4: Check with Online Firearms Databases

• National Gun Owners Association (NGA): The NGA maintains a database of stolen firearms. You can check their website to see if your handgun is listed as stolen.
• Crime Gun Tracing Center: The Crime Gun Tracing Center is a database that contains information on stolen firearms. You can check their website to see if your handgun is listed as stolen.

Table: Checklists for Each Method

What to Do If Your Handgun is Stolen

If you find out that your handgun is stolen, here are some steps to take:

• Report the theft: Report the theft to the local police department and obtain a report number.
• Notify the manufacturer: Notify the manufacturer of the theft and provide them with the report number.
• Contact your insurance provider: Contact your insurance provider and report the theft to file a claim.
• Check local pawn shops and gun stores: Check local pawn shops and gun stores to see if your handgun is being sold or pawned.
• Check online marketplaces: Check online marketplaces such as eBay and Craigslist to see if your handgun is being sold.

Conclusion

In conclusion, checking if a handgun is stolen is a crucial step in ensuring that you’re not unknowingly possessing a stolen weapon. By following the methods outlined above, you can verify the legitimacy of your handgun and prevent it from being used in criminal activities. Remember to always be cautious and responsible when handling firearms, and take the necessary steps to ensure that your handgun is not stolen.