If you find a gun in Iowa and turn in and its not stolen is there any you can keep it?

Answer 1

To establish a prima facie case of ownership as the finder of any personal property in Iowa, you must show that 1) the claimant (you) was the finder of personal property and 2)

the property was lost.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to show that the finder acquired title by following procedures established by a lost goods statute. It generally means advertising the find or otherwise giving notice of it to the true owner, and provide that title will vest in the finder if the owner does not claim the property within a specified time. Even if the lost good statute is not enacted in your jurisdiction, it is still good to follow because it will provide the finder with clear title to the property where the finder might otherwise be left with nothing more than a possessory right which could terminate at any time upon the appearance of the true owner to claim the property.