Post after post, I have seen members leave off the last few digits of a serial number on a picture or story. Why is that? I must be niave but what harm can posting the serial number of a weapon possible do? :oops:

I've thought the same thing sometimes, but I guess someone/somewhere could run a trace on it.. the less information on the net, the better.. I 'spose..

worse, they could report it stolen..

worse, they could report it stolen..

The Popo doesn't list items as stolen without proof of serial numbers. And why would someone do that anyway?

worse, they could report it stolen..

The Popo doesn't list items as stolen without proof of serial numbers. And why would someone do that anyway?

 

Assuming you could somehow report it, I could see plenty of reasons to do so if you have malice in your heart. Next time that gun hits an FFL and a transfer is made, all sort of trouble would ensure.

No check is done by the dealer or police department. I even doubt that the data reduction center does checks either. It can go unchecked forever.

Just like when you post pictures of your car you should never leave you plate on. I can then know were you live if the car is registered to you. If it is a nice car someone can then infer that you have nice things at home. ECT ECT ECT.

No check is done by the dealer or police department. I even doubt that the data reduction center does checks either. It can go unchecked forever.

 

Isn't there some kind of Police database with Stolen guns in it?

No check is done by the dealer or police department. I even doubt that the data reduction center does checks either. It can go unchecked forever.

 

Isn't there some kind of Police database with Stolen guns in it?

Yes, NCIC. But who is going to do the check? No one's gun will be entered without proof that it was the reporting parties to start with. Just as if I claim that my car was stolen and give the police your vin number. Why would the police assume the liability of entering something as stolen without proof that it was the reporting party's and not someone elses.

I believe that is why you see .45's with "US government property" and yet you own it. Nothing is stolen until it is reported stolen, is what I understand.

worse, they could report it stolen..

The Popo doesn't list items as stolen without proof of serial numbers. And why would someone do that anyway?

 

How could I prove they were mine and that they were stolen. Most of my guns were inherited. I wrote down all the serial numbers in case. Was that for my own well being?

If you had a serial number and you report something stolen, it's been stolen. Otherwise you'd be filing a false report and that would land you in big trouble. I suppose you could see a gun you liked, file a police report purporting it to be stolen, but if you can't prove you possessed it before it was stolen, you are back to square one. The burden of proof lies with the accuser. Or am I getting lost? :?