How to Find Out Who a Handgun Belongs To

A handgun that is found by someone who is not its owner exists in a kind of legal limbo and can create a potentially problematic legal problem for the finder if he retains possession. There is no federal registration of firearms in the United States that details which gun belongs to whom. Some states require a registration for that state. In some cases, having possession of a gun that is not registered to you is illegal. With older guns it may prove impossible to trace any owner. If the gun was reported lost or stolen, there will be a record of the gun and serial number on file with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives which the authorities can access.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Unload the gun if you are familiar with the way it works, if you can do so safely. Handle the gun as little as possible.

   • 2

     Place the handgun inside a paper grocery bag or similar receptacle. Do not wrap the handgun itself.

   • 3

     Fold the bag securely over the handgun and tape the bag closed.

   • 4

     Call the police and ask the dispatcher to send someone to pick up the gun. Have a written statement detailing how you came into possession of the gun. List any important details.

   • 5

     Turn the handgun over to the police officer. Be prepared to answer questions if the circumstances are unclear.