How do you find out if a gun is hot?

Answer 1

I'd like to say, "feel the frame; is it warm?", but I know what you mean. How can you determine if a gun is stolen?

If you are the current "owner" of the gun, call a local police department during normal business hours and ask to speak to an officer or detective in the larceny unit. Tell them that you purchased (or however else you obtained it) a firearm, but have developed serious doubts as to its legitimacy. Make sure you have the make, model, and serial number handy. The officer can check it through computer systems, both local and national, to see if it is, in fact, stolen. If it is, you WILL be told to surrender the firearm immediately, and it is definitely in your best interests to comply. An investigation will be opened up, and because you came forward, and obviously didn't intend to commit a crime, you will probably not be charged with a criminal offense. If it is found that you had something to do with the theft, you can be charged with a multitude of offenses, depending on the circumstances of the theft. At the very least, you will be charged with Receiving Stolen Property, which, depending on the state and value of the gun, will probably be a felony charge.

Remember, whenever you obtain a firearm from any source other than an licensed dealer, keep records of who you bought it from, when, and obtain as much personal information from them as possible. At the very least, make sure you get their name and last known address. Of course, if you have any question as to the legitimacy of the firearm, DON'T BUY IT IN THE FIRST PLACE. You don't have to call the cops on the guy, but you probably don't want to drag yourself into it anyways. If it seems too good to be true, it is.

Hopefully this all works out from you in the end, and stay safe and responsible with your firearms!

Exerience- 2 years in law enforcement.