First off, none of this is legal advice. This is also assuming non-criminal behavior, so the book is clear on what to do with actual lost or stolen guns. Also keep in mind that if you’re trying to do something by the book, that it means exposing yourself (you’re putting yourself out there for legal ramifications. If you lie and get caught, you deserve what you get). According to the ATF, here’s their recommendations for lost or stolen firearms:
Reporting for Non-FFLs
ATF does not take reports of stolen firearms from private citizens:
If you are an individual needing assistance in obtaining a serial number for a firearm, ATF is unable to assist private citizens in locating serial numbers as there is no national registration system. One of the following options may assist you:
Contact the firearms dealer where you purchased the firearm.
If the firearms dealer is out of business and your inquiry is in reference to a stolen firearm, contact your local police department. It is possible they will submit a request to the National Tracing Center for a Records Search Request assuming the circumstances are connected to a bona fide criminal investigation.
Contact your state firearms registration office if your state has one.
First, call your local law enforcement agency to report the theft or loss. Contacting the local law enforcement authorities is essential to the quick recovery of firearms taken in a crime.
First off, none of this is legal advice. This is also assuming non-criminal behavior, so the book is clear on what to do with actual lost or stolen guns. Also keep in mind that if you’re trying to do something by the book, that it means exposing yourself (you’re putting yourself out there for legal ramifications. If you lie and get caught, you deserve what you get). According to the ATF, here’s their recommendations for lost or stolen firearms:
Reporting for Non-FFLs
ATF does not take reports of stolen firearms from private citizens:
If you are an individual needing assistance in obtaining a serial number for a firearm, ATF is unable to assist private citizens in locating serial numbers as there is no national registration system. One of the following options may assist you:
Contact the firearms dealer where you purchased the firearm.
If the firearms dealer is out of business and your inquiry is in reference to a stolen firearm, contact your local police department. It is possible they will submit a request to the National Tracing Center for a Records Search Request assuming the circumstances are connected to a bona fide criminal investigation.
Contact your state firearms registration office if your state has one.
First, call your local law enforcement agency to report the theft or loss. Contacting the local law enforcement authorities is essential to the quick recovery of firearms taken in a crime.