How can you find the history of a gun with its serial number?
Should the serial number not be found on the weapon, the person should contact the manufacturer of the weapon and ask about where the serial number is printed, as it may be more discreetly hidden on the inside of the gun. Should the number not be visible in the appropriate location, the firearm should be reported immediately.
What to do if you lose your gun serial number?
People who lose their guns’ serial numbers won’t be able to report them on the sites. Get a notarized bill of sale for any gun you purchase so you’ll have some protection if the gun is later identified as stolen property. Enlist the help of law enforcement.
How to find the serial number of a Aya shotgun?
For serial numbers with multiple hyphens, you might need to include additional numbers between the first and second hyphen to get the most accurate results. For an serial number of 16-003-123-95, enter “gun serial number 16-003” to learn that the number is for an AyA shotgun.
How to find the serial number of a Ruger SR9?
For example, with a gun serial number of 331-12345, just enter 331. The search “gun serial number 331” brings up results for the Ruger SR9, which is the gun’s correct make and model. For serial numbers with multiple hyphens, you might need to include additional numbers between the first and second hyphen to get the most accurate results.
Is it illegal to deface the serial number on a gun?
This technology imprints the serial number of your gun onto bullets as they are fired and can help law enforcement identify if your gun has been used in a crime, even if the gun itself is not found. It is a federal offense to deface a firearm’s serial number.
How can I find out what kind of gun I have?
Log on to the eTrace website at https://www.atfonline.gov/etrace. Enter the manufacturer, type, caliber, barrel length and serial number of the weapon. The ATF answers critical trace requests within 24 hours. Print out the ATF trace response.
What to do if you find a gun has a suspicious history?
If you discover that a firearm has a suspicious history, report it to the police. As a responsible gun owner, you might also add the serial number to the HotGunz database. You should also report any gun that doesn’t have a serial number printed on its body.
Can a law enforcement officer check the serial number on a gun?
Under federal law, a gun manufacturer or importer must engrave or mark every gun it makes with a serial number on the receiver or frame. Law enforcement agents can use the number to determine the owner of the gun or learn if it was reported stolen, but a private individual cannot.