Proof of ownership

[C. Sumpin]

For all the enthusiasts who collected firearms like candy in the 80's/90's, many were purchased at Gun Shows without documentation of any kind, some not even a bill of sale. I have one such piece, a work of art 1911, owned and in my possession since 1989. Would there be any method (other than possession) to prove the piece is mine if ever asked?

 

[Annihilator]

If I may ask, who would ask you? To me, that’s nothing to be concerned about, plus it’s nobody’s business but yours. Only reason I keep my receipt is for warranty purposes.

 

[C. Sumpin]

If I may ask, who would ask you? To me, that’s nothing to be concerned about, plus it’s nobody’s business but yours. Only reason I keep my receipt is for warranty purposes.

I'm not concerned about it.

Ah. Who would ask? No one. Unless I was unfortunate enough to have to be involved in a self defense situation.
Then, depending on the situation, and if it went to litigation, everyone is going to ask about everything and it will be everyone's business, even if that is not the piece I was packing.

 

[BreakingWind]

It would also need proof of ownership if it was stolen and recovered.

 

[Annihilator]

I'm not concerned about it.

Ah. Who would ask? No one. Unless I was unfortunate enough to have to be involved in a self defense situation.
Then, depending on the situation, and if it went to litigation, everyone is going to ask about everything and it will be everyone's business, even if that is not the piece I was packing.

I think your putting to much thought into this, I have bought and sold guns to sheriffs deputy’s and city police officers and never gave that a thought nor did they. As long as the gun wasn’t stolen, there should be no issues, just my opinion.

 

[Bassbob]

The only reason I would worry about it is if my house was robbed and I needed to prove ownership to the insurance company. I have riders for guns and guitars though.

 

[10mmLife]

I'm not concerned about it.

Ah. Who would ask? No one. Unless I was unfortunate enough to have to be involved in a self defense situation.
Then, depending on the situation, and if it went to litigation, everyone is going to ask about everything and it will be everyone's business, even if that is not the piece I was packing.

 

[Funwithfuel]

Well, he's got a point. It's not like there's a statewide or national hotlist for stolen firearms. If there was, it wouldn't be available to us.I wouldn't want to be in possession of a stolen firearm. That would be a bad scene.

 

[Pitdogg2]

For myself and insurance purposes I've taken pictures of firearms and their serial number along with my FOID card. Pictures are date imprinted. Most all my purchases, in all but a very few instances the businesses are no longer in business.
This was also done with a digital camera and duplicated on two memory cards. I try to avoid taking pictures with my cell, I don't trust Google.

 

[benstt]

I have a spreadsheet with makes, models, and serials with a picture of each gun. I figure that's the best I'm going to do.

 

[Susquash]

Here in Michigan the state has records of ownership on handguns as you have to have a purchase permit and had to take them to police station or sheriff office with 10 days or purchase. Now it you have a Concealed Pistol License you can just fill out a three part form, the seller get one, you get the other and the other has to mailed to the police department or sheriff department to be entered into the Michigan State Police data bank. Police were originally exempt from this but now they are not. Long guns the only records are Federal Firearms Dealers form if purchase there. Supposedly the Feds don't keep records of them after 30 days but I would not bet on it. No records of sales of long guns between private individuals, Yet!

 

[BobM]

Here in Michigan the state has records of ownership on handguns as you have to have a purchase permit and had to take them to police station or sheriff office with 10 days or purchase. Now it you have a Concealed Pistol License you can just fill out a three part form, the seller get one, you get the other and the other has to mailed to the police department or sheriff department to be entered into the Michigan State Police data bank. Police were originally exempt from this but now they are not. Long guns the only records are Federal Firearms Dealers form if purchase there. Supposedly the Feds don't keep records of them after 30 days but I would not bet on it. No records of sales of long guns between private individuals, Yet!

"Now it you have a Concealed Pistol License you can just fill out a three part form, the seller get one, you get the other and the other has to mailed to the police department or sheriff department to be entered into the Michigan State Police data bank."

- Unfortunately, not anymore. It changed a little while back. Unless it doubtfully reverted back to excluding NICS for CC again? Best known now is still need NICS in MI even w/CC last time recently checked. I think rest of info is on the money.

ATF: Michigan Concealed Carriers Can No Longer Buy Guns Without a Background Check Because of Marijuana Legalization - The Truth About Guns

Like a number of states, concealed pistol license holders in Michigan are exempted from the requirement to undergo a NICS background check every time they purchase a new firearm. That’s because permit holders have already undergone an extensive background check and fingerprinting in order to be...

www.thetruthaboutguns.com

 

[Bassbob]

Here in Michigan the state has records of ownership on handguns as you have to have a purchase permit and had to take them to police station or sheriff office with 10 days or purchase. Now it you have a Concealed Pistol License you can just fill out a three part form, the seller get one, you get the other and the other has to mailed to the police department or sheriff department to be entered into the Michigan State Police data bank. Police were originally exempt from this but now they are not. Long guns the only records are Federal Firearms Dealers form if purchase there. Supposedly the Feds don't keep records of them after 30 days but I would not bet on it. No records of sales of long guns between private individuals, Yet!

That's exactly the way Missouri used to be before the NICS took effect. The upside is now there is no waiting period and no regulation of private sales. The downside is now you have to go through an FFL and BGC to buy a long gun ( other than from a private individual) instead of just filling out a 4473 and walking out the door with it.

 

[Old_Me]

For all the enthusiasts who collected firearms like candy in the 80's/90's, many were purchased at Gun Shows without documentation of any kind, some not even a bill of sale. I have one such piece, a work of art 1911, owned and in my possession since 1989. Would there be any method (other than possession) to prove the piece is mine if ever asked?

i would take several pictures of the gun, and serial number, at all locations of the gun.

maybe have a Notary sign/ date those pics??

 

[cico7]

Like most, I record SN with picture and date. Insurance co will use book value.
Book depends on adjuster.
I was going to buy a pistol from Gun broker. I got the serial number and went to the local PD and
asked if they could run the serial number. I got some funny looks after explaining to each person what i wanted and why. The last sergeant I spoke with did it and said no one had ever done that before.
At this PD anyway.

 

[Bassbob]

Like most, I record SN with picture and date. Insurance co will use book value.
Book depends on adjuster.
I was going to buy a pistol from Gun broker. I got the serial number and went to the local PD and
asked if they could run the serial number. I got some funny looks after explaining to each person what i wanted and why. The last sergeant I spoke with did it and said no one had ever done that before.
At this PD anyway.

You can attach riders to your HO policy that are "Valued policy". That is to say you set the dollar amount you want the stuff insured for and that's what they pay out if there is a loss. I have one for musical equipment and one for firearms.

 

[ChanceMcCall]

The only reason I would worry about it is if my house was robbed and I needed to prove ownership to the insurance company. I have riders for guns and guitars though.

Back in the 70s I had a major burglary. There were over $40k in firearms involved. I had a list, complete with serial numbers (at least on the ones that had serial numbers) and pictures. The great majority had no paper trail of any kind. Some of the unique ones had written appraisals. Once the insurance company ran out of excuses they paid off in full.

None of those firearms, including several custom made one of a kinds, have ever shown up.

 

[LW Cunningham]

For all the enthusiasts who collected firearms like candy in the 80's/90's, many were purchased at Gun Shows without documentation of any kind, some not even a bill of sale. I have one such piece, a work of art 1911, owned and in my possession since 1989. Would there be any method (other than possession) to prove the piece is mine if ever asked?

 

[LW Cunningham]

For 32 years you owned this gun I would not think it be a problem in any state. I have a .25 Cal I bought in 1983 & thought I would register it but found out I did not need to do that. Since the gun is no longer made.